Extension Building: The 5 Rules

Local Extension Builders 01752 905030

Since owning a house is a never-ending project, many homeowners are constantly redecorating and renovating. One of the biggest trends in building today is adding an extension to the existing house. However, many of our clients engage in such a project without knowing the five important rules of extension building.

Building Regulations for Extensions

Before you engage in extension building you have to be familiar with all the laws and permits stated by the local authority. If you decide to extend your home, your neighbour might try to stop you. However, there is actually a legally established ��right to light’ that can override any planning permission. This law can actually stop you from blocking your neighbour’s windows but these are planning considerations which are relevant in limited circumstances. These special circumstances are relevant when it comes to adding an extension to your home which is in the centre, where all buildings are close together.

Another important thing is getting the Building Regulations’ approval. We have the need to tell our clients to pay attention to this since these regulations set the minimum requirements for fire safety, energy efficiency, structural integrity and many other key aspects that will ensure the safety of the building. The Building Regulations do exclude minor repair works, but when it comes to adding a shed, outbuildings and conservatories, you must comply with their regulations. Also, Building Regulations must be complied with when it comes to home extensions, such as bedroom, lounges, kitchen, loft conversions, installations of baths, WCs and showers, installation of new heating appliances and new chimneys or flues.

Balance Your Accommodation

Our clients usually just want to build an extension because they feel like they need more space in their home. However, all of you should aim to balance your living space. For example, when adding another bathroom you should aim to have at least one bathroom on the same floor as the main bedroom. So, when talking to our clients who want to do bathroom extensions, we always recommend taking into consideration the number of bedrooms. More precisely, you should have at least one full bathroom with a shower room on four bedrooms in your house, because that’s what most potential buyers are looking for and it can greatly affect the value of your home.

Removing Walls

Building an actual extension to your home is not always necessary. You can create larger and open spaces by simply knocking down a few walls which will create more visual space and feeling of a larger home. However, if you do want to extend your home, consider using fewer walls in the new addition. The whole property will be more spacious and organized the fewer walls it has. Separate rooms are easily defined with furniture and decorations, while open plan of your home will exude elegance and comfort.

Consider More Basement Space

Sometimes it is better to expand what you already have. If you have a neglected cellar, you can easily convert it into another living area and you won’t even have to get any permits. Creating new basement windows and external access won’t require any planning permissions, but you should always check with your local authority. When transforming your old basement into an actual living space with a few minor adjustments you will manage to add plenty of value to your home and free up some space in the main part of the house.

Your Conservatory as Part of Your Home

If you wish to add a conservatory to your house, you have to be careful with the design and Building Regulations requirements. Usually, they require for conservatories to be separated from the house by exterior doors. However, that can leave the new addition feel isolated and useless. In order to make the conservatory feel like a part of your existing home, you can set up double doors and leave them open. Another even better option includes the removal of the section of exterior wall that separates conservatory from the rest of the house. This way it will feel more comfortable and like a true extension of your home.

Every building company should aim to help their clients like we do; and that’s why we are sharing the most important rules of building an extension. These rules will be helpful both for some legal issues you have to care of and things regarding better aesthetics. If you wish to rely on our services, they are available at www.plymouthbuild.co.uk on 01752 905030.