Why is there a staircase in front of the entrance to a home?

Followers of this ancient Chinese tradition say a staircase located directly in front of the entrance lets a home’s energy escape. However, they say it also depends on each individual’s birth element and doesn’t affect everybody with the same degree of intensity.

Can you put a bed in the downstairs living room?

Downstairs living would be difficult as we don’t have a shower downstairs, just a cloakroom with toilet. The only place to put a bed would be in front of the window in our small open plan living room/dining room. The space issues would mean we would only be able to fit in a two seater chair if there was a hospital bed.

Do you need a planning application for a downstairs toilet?

Rest assured for most downstairs toilets, as long as you’re not altering the exterior of your home, you won’t need to apply for a full planning application. However, we still recommend checking in with your council just to be sure. Homes in conservation areas or listed buildings have stricter rules about alterations.

What should I do to my Victorian house?

How to renovate a Victorian house. Repair brickwork and pointing. If your property’s exterior isn’t too badly damaged, it’s best to try to restore it. Breathable lime – rather than Upgrade sash windows. Replace or restore the front door. Mend the roof. Restore or replace the front path.

How to keep the downstairs heat from rising?

Keep the Downstairs Cool. The simplest way to keep the downstairs heat from rising is to keep the downstairs cool. On warmer days close blinds, lower shades or draw curtains to minimize reflected sunlight from heating up downstairs surfaces.

What to do if you want to open up interior of house?

If you decide you want to open up the interior, firstly check whether your house is listed as, if so, any changes will require listed building consent, even if they are wholly internal. Seek advice from the local conservation officer.

What do I need to do if my house is listed?

If your home is listed, you will need to apply for listed building consent before extending or knocking down an internal wall. Contact your local authority for more information, or visit the Planning Portal.

Do you need to knock down walls for open plan?

Knocking down walls to create a more open plan layout is an increasingly popular trend, but it must be handled with sensitivity. Architect Neil McKay explains the main considerations Going open plan is a design trend that shows no sign of abating, but period homes in particular are often a warren of separate rooms not conducive to modern living.