Are you dreaming of a bigger living space for your home? House extensions are an excellent way to add more livable space and improve the aesthetic charm of your house. Whether it’s more bathrooms, extra bedrooms or another sitting area, extending your home can be a significant investment in both convenience and value.
Taking on such a large project can seem daunting at first. Still, this guide will remove any stress by providing information about every process step so you have all the necessary resources to make sound decisions when planning an extension.
From regulations and financial considerations to design tips and advice on getting started – use this as your ultimate house extension guide! Our team has written this guide of expert builders here at Bromley North Construction; we have specialised in building house extensions for several years in locations such as Lewisham and Mitcham.
To find out more, speak to our team!
What Is A House Extension?
A house extension can increase the living space and improve the functionality of your home without having to move to a new property. There are several types of house extensions, including:
Single-storey extensions: These add a room or room to the ground floor of a property. They are a popular option for adding a kitchen, dining area, or extra living space.
Two-storey extensions add a floor to a property, typically providing bedrooms or bathrooms on the upper level.
Wrap-around extensions are extensions built on more than one side of a property, creating a “wrap-around” effect. They are often used to create open-plan living areas.
Conservatory extensions are glass-roofed extensions typically added to a property’s rear. They can be used as a dining area, living room, or greenhouse.
Garage conversions: This is a way to convert an existing garage into a living space.
The materials used to build house extensions will depend on the design, budget, and the existing building. Common materials include brick, timber, and glass. It is essential that the extension blends seamlessly with the existing building and that the materials match the original structure.
It’s worth noting that house extensions require planning permission, approval of building regulations, and good-quality builders.
Do You Need Planning Permission For A House Extension?
In most cases, you will need planning permission for a house extension. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
In the UK, planning permission is optional if the extension falls within certain size limits and meets specific criteria. For example, planning permission may be optional if you are building a single-storey extension less than four meters in height and less than three meters from the rear of the proportional. Similarly, planning permission may not be required if you are building a two-storey extension less than three meters from the rear of the property.
Additionally, under Permitted Development rights in the UK, you can build an extension up to a specific volume or size; you can check the government website for the exact size and volume limits.
However, even if your extension is within these limits, you may still need to apply for building regulations approval, which ensures that the extension is safe and complies with building standards.
It is essential to check with your local planning authority before starting any building work to ensure that your plans comply with the local planning regulations and to confirm whether or not you need planning permission.
Why Should You Use A Professional For Your House Extension?
There are several reasons why you should use a professional for your house extension:
Experience and expertise: Professionals have the experience and expertise to design, plan, and execute a house extension that meets your needs and complies with local building codes and regulations. They will be able to advise you on the best materials and methods to use and can help you navigate the planning and building regulations process.
Quality and safety: Professionals will use high-quality materials and follow established building practices to ensure your house extension is safe and structurally sound. They will also be able to identify and address any potential issues before they become a problem.
Time-saving: Hiring a professional can save you time and effort. They will take care of all the necessary paperwork and will be able to manage the project from start to finish, leaving you free to focus on other things.
Cost-effective: While hiring a professional may seem more expensive, it can be more cost-effective in the long run. A professional will be able to identify any potential issues early on and will have the necessary experience and equipment to complete the job efficiently, which can help keep costs down.
Guarantee: Most professional builders will provide a guarantee for their work. If something goes wrong with the extension, they will fix it without additional cost to you.
Legal responsibility: By hiring a professional, you also protect yourself legally. If something goes wrong with the extension and you haven’t used a professional, you may be liable for any damages or injuries.
Overall, by using a professional for your house extension, you can be sure that the work will be done to a high standard, on time, and within budget.
What You Can Do To Avoid House Extension Disasters
While it’s impossible to avoid house extension disasters altogether, there are steps that you can take to minimise the risk and ensure that your project goes as smoothly as possible.
Hire a professional: Hiring a professional builder, architect, or designer can help ensure your house extension is designed, planned, and executed to the highest standards. They will be able to advise you on the best materials and methods to use and can help you navigate the planning and building regulations process.
Get the necessary permissions: Before starting any work, make sure you have all the necessary planning permission and building regulations approval. Failure to do so can result in penalties, fines, or even the need to tear down the extension.
Create a detailed plan: Before starting any work, create a detailed plan of the extension, including the design, materials, and timeline. This will help ensure everyone involved in the project is on the same page and the work proceeds as smoothly as possible.
Choose quality materials: High-quality materials can help ensure your extension is safe, durable, and long-lasting. Your professional builder will be able to advise you on the best materials to use for your specific project.
Communicate with your builder: Good communication is critical to avoiding disasters. Ensure you understand the timeline and the progress of the work, and ask any questions you may have.
Have a contingency plan: Have a contingency plan if something goes wrong. If something does happen, you can take action quickly and minimise the impact.
Have a written contract: Make sure you have a written contract with your builder outlining the scope of the work, the materials to be used, and the payment schedule. This will clearly understand what is expected from both parties and help avoid disputes.
Following these steps can help minimise the risk of house extension disasters and ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible.
Contact Bromley North Construction For Extensions Today!
House extensions are a great way to add value to your home while gaining extra space. With so many different house extensions available, figuring out where to start can take time. That’s why we created this ultimate guide to house extensions.
Now you should understand the different types of extensions and what they can offer you and your family.
Contact Bromley North Construction today if you’re ready to get started on your course extension. We would be happy to help you bring your vision to life.