Bifold Doors in Coulsdon

Do I Need A Planning Permission For Bifold Doors?

Are you thinking about installing bifold doors for your home or property? If yes, you’d probably want to know if you’re going to need planning permission. Well, you’re not alone! Being fully aware the application process for planning permission might not be the easiest of tasks, several home owners would like to know if they’ll be going through the process for installing bifold doors. The answer is, you may actually not need a planning permission for installing bifold doors in your home. Adding or replacing doors is basically one of the home improvement efforts that are less complicated and as a result, they normally do not require planning permission. But despite that, they still need to comply with the UK’s building regulations.

Changing or adding doors to your home or property are usually considered to be covered under permitted development and even more so, when there’s no extension constructed for the doors. However under certain circumstances, these rights can be removed by the local authorities. A good example is when the property is a listed building or in a designated conservation area.

In the event whereby you find yourself having to apply for a planning permission, the time it usually takes to be granted one depends on the number of planning applications on queue. However, it typically takes about 8 weeks or 2 months to tender your application and be granted planning permission if it’s required. To apply for planning application by UK households, you’ll have to pay £172 - which is the set application fee nationwide. In certain situations where objection arises, there may be some delays in the process. If you’re still not certain whether your new bifold doors will require a planning permission, we’d recommend consulting your local authority.

How Do Bifold Doors Work

Generally, bifold doors are modern styled doors that are able to create a grand entrance and catch any visitor’s attention almost immediately. Unlike the conventional sliding doors, they are way more practical and convenient which makes it an awe-inspiring home addition. However, with the design being relatively new when compared to its counterpart - the sliding doors, not everyone knows about how they work. Therefore, it’ll only make sense to discover more about this door design before deciding on its utility. So how does a bifold door work?

The bifold door ( both interior and exterior types) operates on a built in tracking system that runs along the glass panels and connected on a train. In other words, the doors fold in and then slowly and smoothly glides over the laid out track which is backed by a chain of wheels or a tracking system. This function is carried out in a smooth and quiet manner, irrespective of the medium of movement.

Now talking of the bifold structures, they mostly come in pairs especially the interior designs. The design can either be in form of two doors that can be folded to one side or four individual panels that can be opened from the centre while some of the doors will fold on each side. Typically, the tracking will feature these units as well as the other important fittings, and also open inwards or outwards.

One of the significant qualities of these doors making them a popular option amongst homeowners nowadays is the flexibility and versatility of these units as well as their effectiveness when it comes to saving space. You’d be surprised to know that some of these bifold door designs can feature up to 7 panels which are linked via hinges and connected to the top or bottom of the roller track.

How Much Are Bifold Doors?

Are you considering installing bifold doors for your home or property? If yes, then you’d probably want to know how much it would cost so you can prepare a budget and start planning. The cost of bifold doors, however, is dependent on a wide array of factors which includes the number of panels, size of the bifold doors, internal or external installation, material used in making the bifold doors, type of the glass as well as upgrading the locking mechanisms.

Of all these factors, the most significant influences are both the material and the number of panels to be used. For bifold doors with 3 panels, the potential cost will range from £1,200 to £2,500 depending on the materials used, be it aluminium, timber or uPVC. For a 4 panel bifold door, the price will range between £1,400 to £2,800 depending on the either of the three aforementioned materials. And finally, for a 5 panel bifold door, the cost will be between £2,500 to £5,500, also depending on the three materials.

When calculating the cost of bifold doors, it’s also important to factor in the cost of installation as the task requires specialized skills and tools, therefore it’s not advisable to be made a DIY project. The cost of installing a bifold door will also be influenced by multiple factors such as the bifold door material, the number of panels, your location in the UK, the installer of your choice as well as whether or not there’s an existing opening that’s suitable for bifold doors. The price will ultimately boil down to the installer you hire, so it’s advisable to contact multiple professionals and compare their services and quotes. For the easiest installation where there’s an existing opening in the wall, the price will range between £150 to £500. However, for more complicated installations, the price could be above £500.

How To Install Bifold Doors

If you’re looking to install a bifold door in your home or property, then you’re at the right place! In reality some jobs are better left to the professionals and one of such jobs is bifold door installation especially if you lack proper training and experience that’ll guarantee the best result the first time. If otherwise, hiring a professional installer will do you lots of good like saving you time and extra money that could result from costly errors. In this step by step guide, we’ll take you through the bifold doors installation process.

The first step to take when it comes to bifold door installation is to take the measurement of the door opening and get a kit in the appropriate size. For a better accuracy, do note that the combined measurement of both doors should be about an inch less than the opening’s total width while also being two inches less than the door frame’s height.

• Install the top rails in such a way that the rail’s end makes contact with the door frame’s side using the screws.

• Fit the bottom rail in the same fashion as the top ensuring the rail’s end makes contact with the same side of the door frame.

• Insert dowels into the predrilled holes in the door panels’ top.

• Place the dowel with the adjustment screw near the bottom’s side wall. While placing the fixed dowels in the door panel’s top and bottom on the side farthest away from the hinge. Once done, put the dowel and spring assembly into the door panel’s top, closest to the side wall.

• Fit the door panels into rail’s top and bottom while also adjusting the screws to centre the doors.

• Ensure the doors open and close like they should. If positive, tighten all hardware and fit the pulls or knobs of the door.