Planning a Rear Extension

Looking for a way to add space and value to your home? How about adding a rear extension?  Adding an extension will not only create more space in your home but could also add value.  

However, you need a great design team and brilliant builders to make your build profitable. STAAC’s specialist team to the rescue! But seriously, STAAC has won design awards and has a fantastic team of experts to make sure your project is perfect. We have also worked with many contractors and recommend our best builders to suit your needs.

Can you extend?  Those lucky enough to have a back garden or a bit of space at the rear of their home should be able to extend. Side or front extensions are also possible and can be  useful, cost-effective, stylish, and beautiful. Before embarking on a project like this, think carefully about the space you need and set yourselves a realistic budget. STAAC is consistent with getting the job done on time and within budget.  

Will your neighbours be affected by your new extension?

It’s best to understand potential problems and maybe discuss your intentions with your neighbours.  They may even have an extension themselves and could give you tips. Ensure all legal regulations are adhered to.  STAAC can help. This will not only protect you but also protect your neighbours. Most issues can be easily overcome but they can sometimes prolong the planning process while they get sorted. Communication is always the best way to make sure that once your home is extended you don’t feel the need to move because of a dispute. 

The least problematic extension would be at the rear of your home in a private garden.

 So, let’s see what you need to know when you start making plans:

What your project MUST have?

Your rear extension should take up less that 50% of the land or garden. 

Double storey extensions should be no taller than the original house.

You will be expected to use the same materials as the original house.

Single storey extensions must not extend past the original rear wall of your home by more than 8 metres in a detached house and 6 metres for semi detached and terraced homes. 

You cannot build a single storey extension higher than your original home to the maximum of 4 metres.

Permitted Development (PD)  can be used to undertake certain works without the need to apply for planning permission. It depends on your council, but you’ll need to know if your property falls under those rights – it will be determined by size, height, and distance from the road.  

STAAC can get pre-application advice on your behalf showing the calculation of the volume of the proposed property and ascertain whether you need planning permission or not. This will ensure you won’t have to pay costs towards a planning application that will get rejected.

The dilemma of whether you can build under PD rules or not is a good reason to get STAAC involved at an early stage of planning. Research can be confusing, time-consuming and costly.  STAAC will simplify this process right from the start.  

Planning Permission

 If your rear extension is not suitable to be built using permitted development, you’ll need to apply for planning permission. The team at STAAC has award winning proven experts who will thoroughly prepare everything you need to get permission as soon as possible. You can certainly apply yourself, but for validation (which comes before the decision of approval) you will need drawings and various documents that we will prepare for you and are the part of our initial package. 

If needed the team at STAAC can project manage and monitor the whole process and keep you up to date with every step. The more detailed drawings you get – the bigger chance for approval you have.

Keep in mind that for properties in Conservation Areas permitted development rights are not applicable and Planning Permissions are more strict.

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Building Regulations

 Building Regulations are a different thing from Planning Permission. Building Control must approve your project. There are strict rules. With a STAAC structural engineer on board with your project you will have all the drawings and structural calculations for your project to ensure all final plans comply with those rules and that everything is structurally safe.

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Should You Inform Neighbours and Get Their Agreement?

 If we find that your project could be done under the PD rules, it is not necessary to get the consent of the neighbors, but as we said communication is key. If Planning Permission is required, they must be asked and taken into account, in this case the Party Wall process will be started. They have the right to ask for a Party Wall Surveyor, so be prepared for additional costs. This comes after planning approval.  

Which Design is Right for Your Extension?

 There are a number of materials you can choose for your extension: glass, timber cladding, brick, zinc and copper cladding. You will want it to look beautiful on the exterior as well as the interior. These requirements and design decisions can be discussed with one of the STAAC expert design team and the architect as there will be certain requirements in place as per the planning permission.  Budgets will always be taken into consideration but with an award winning experienced designer by your side you will be able to design your extension perfectly.

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So what are you waiting for?  STAAC has a fantastic team on board.  Designers, Architects, Structural Engineers and lots of people behind the scenes to make sure you're supported throughout.  

To book an expert’s advice, contact us via email: info@staac.co.uk or use our freephone: 0808 1699964. Good luck!