Building an Extension: Planning, Design and Build—What is Required?

Start to fill in your bucket list of you need to know if you plan on building an extension to your home. One of the perks of being a homeowner is the freedom to do what you want to do in your property. However, in any endeavor, there are always rules to follow. When it comes to adding a piece of structure to your existing house, there are certain limits you need to follow.

What are these provisions? Do you really need to comply with each one?

Building an extension is one of the most challenging home improvement projects any homeowner would take the risk. An added space is an added spending, but a cost-effective solution if you want to enjoy the size of your home.

Read on to learn some of the things on building an extension.

Should I build an extension?

Your current house may have lagged behind existing new house models, as trends in architecture evolve. Eyeing a property and planning to buy it so you can move can be listed as your priority. But waking in a reality that moving houses is not that easy, because there are tons of fees to settle. And as much as you want some other place, realising how valuable your existing home can benefit you a lot. You can build an extension instead and save more than buying a new home. Doing so will not exempt you from complying with building requirements and necessary permits your local contractor or government may impose on you.

How much should I spend?

Obviously, part of your extension plan is your budget. How much do you need to spend or willing to spend? Do you have such amount to spare? As has been mentioned, building an extension is almost as costly as moving or buying a new property, and if you were able to move to a new home, there could be some modifications need to be done in such a new place. On the other hand, the extension is less expensive, because the size and design will depend on the availabilities of fund and materials, which means you can dictate the amount of money you will spend.

A number of factors will help you reveal how much your extension would cost; size, location, and specifications. Different locations in the UK have different pricing. Each square metre would cost around £1,000 to £2,000 and still depends if good, basic, or best quality.

Based on where you are in the UK, for a straightforward extension you should allow yourself around £1,000 to £2,000 per square metre, not to mention if you plan on a one-story or a two-story extension.

What if I don’t have an adequate fund?

There are many ways you can cover for the expenses of your planned extension, such as the following:

1. Mortgage/loan. For space alone, which is calculated per square metre, the amount you need will not go down below £10,000. Many agencies are offering loans for home improvements.
2. Personal loan. Personal loans can cover for smaller projects such as bathroom or kitchen extensions. You just need to check on repayment terms, as these kinds of loans have quicker and shorter install schedules. If you fail to pay, interests will add up, and you don’t want to be buried with endless settlements of microloans.
3. Credit cards. Credit cards could be a good choice but only if you have no other options left. Credit cards can also help you purchase items.

Permits and regulations

Before implementing your extension project, you need to know the existing rules on permits and the regulations given as guidance to homeowners’ rights. Under Permitted Development (PD), planning consent is given to different classes of development.

It is best to check with your local authority to which criteria your planned project should be under to. The question is, how far you can build your extension?

1. For single-story extension, you can build from the rear wall by up to 8 metres in depth, 6 metres if you live in a terrace. Eaves height is limited to 3 metres, and the whole story should not be taller than 4 metres.
2. For a two-story extension, the rear boundary should be up to 7 metres; 3 metre projection from the rear wall; If you’re making a side extension, it should not exceed your house’s width. Also, it is crucial to abide by the rule that your extension cannot project beyond the front of your house. Also, build your extension using similar materials of the original house with the same roof pitch. Learn by heart the PD or ask your building contractor about the specifics on this matter.

It is important to note, too, that verandas, balconies, or raised platforms are not under PD rights. If you need to learn more about these, such as planning permission, building permits, etc., talk to your local authority and get to know all the existing policies, so that before you let someone start the construction, everything should have been laid out. You may also be required to apply for consent regarding your extension project.

If you have no idea where to go and whom to ask, our reliable contractors are here to help you. Builders in Plymouth are ready to assist you for all your construction needs. Check our website or fill up the form to contact us.