Ultimate Guide for Extending Your Home

Are you a homeowner in UK looking to expand your living space? Adding onto your house can give you a bigger kitchen, a fancy master bedroom, or a home office. It is a great solution for those looking to expand their living space.

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However, the process can seem daunting, with various regulations, design considerations, and budget concerns to navigate. Fear not! This guide has all the info you need for adding onto your home in your area, like rules, design, and budget tips.

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Does Your Home Qualify for a House Extension?

Before diving into your extension project, it's crucial to understand the legal requirements governing home extensions in UK. In most cases, you'll need to obtain planning permission from your local authority before commencing construction.

Planning permission makes sure that your plan for building an extension follows the rules and guidelines set by the local government. This involves checking how your extension might affect nearby properties, protected areas, and historical buildings.

Additionally, your extension must adhere to building regulations, which set out minimum standards for structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility. Building regulations ensure that your extension is safe and meets the necessary standards for habitable living spaces.

Feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about this information? Reach out to STAAC for a personalized quote and expert guidance.

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Types of Home Extensions

Before embarking on your extension project, it's essential to consider the various types of extensions available. Popular options include:

• Single-Storey Extension: Want more ground floor space? Think single-storey extension for kitchen, dining, or family room.
• Double-Storey Extension: Need more space overall? Double-storey extension adds bedrooms, bathrooms, or an office upstairs and downstairs.
• Loft Conversion: Converts unused attic space into habitable living space, often used for bedrooms, home offices, or recreational areas.
• Garage Conversion: Transforms an unused garage into functional living space, such as a home gym, studio, or guest suite.
• Basement Conversion: Converts an existing basement or cellar into usable living space, offering opportunities for additional bedrooms, entertainment areas, or home offices.
• Wraparound Extension: It extends a part of the house on more than one side, often wrapping around a corner of the existing structure. It can significantly increase living space and may involve both single and double-storey elements.
• Side-Return Extension: Terraced or semi-detached houses often feature this type of extension. It uses the unused space at the side of the property, usually extending from the rear to the front. It's a smart way to increase ground floor space without losing garden area.
• Orangery or Conservatory: Glass walls are connected to the house, letting in lots of sunlight and providing a place to relax, eat, or garden. Orangeries tend to have more solid roofing and brickwork compared to conservatories.
• Sunroom Extension: Sunrooms are like conservatories but usually have better insulation and connect to the existing heating system. They provide a comfortable space usable throughout the year, often with large windows or skylights for maximum sunlight.
• Porch Extension: Though smaller, a porch can boost your home's entrance, shielding it from the elements and enhancing its appearance. It can also serve as a practical space for storing coats and shoes.
• Annex Extension: An annex extension is ideal for homeowners who want to host guests, accommodate elderly relatives, or earn rental income. It offers a separate living space with its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom facilities.
• Kitchen Extension: This extension expands the kitchen, popular for modernizing and improving the center of the home. It may extend outward or reconfigure the existing layout for improved functionality and aesthetics.

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Each extension type has its own benefits and considerations. Therefore, it's crucial to select the one that aligns best with your needs and budget.

Average Cost Range:

Costs vary depending on your situation, but here's a general price range for different types of house extensions:

• Single-Storey Rear Extension: £30,000 to £50,000
• Double-Storey Rear Extension: £60,000 to £100,000
• Loft Conversion: £20,000 to £70,000
• Garage Conversion: £10,000 to £20,000
• Basement Conversion: £20,000 to £100,000+

STAAC offers quotations for each project. Use our Design and Build Calculator to estimate a quote for your project.

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Planning Permission and Permitted Development

In UK, most home extensions require permission from the local government under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

However, some smaller projects might qualify under permitted development rights.

These rights let homeowners carry out certain developments without planning permission.

The Town and Country Planning Order 2015 allows certain developments without needing permission, as amended.

Permitted Development Rights

Permitted development rights vary depending on factors such as the size, location, and type of extension. Some common types of extensions that may fall under permitted development include:

• Single-storey rear extensions within specified size limits.
• Loft conversions that do not exceed certain volume thresholds and meet specific criteria.
• Certain types of outbuildings, such as garden sheds, garages, and summerhouses.
• Minor alterations and additions to the exterior of the property, such as porches and satellite dishes.

Documentation Needed

To get permission, you'll need some documents from your local council. These documents may include:

• Architectural drawings and plans detailing the proposed extension's design, layout, and dimensions.
• Site location plans showing the existing property, neighboring buildings, and surrounding environment.
• Design and access statements outlining the rationale behind the extension's design and its impact on the local area.
• Structural calculations demonstrating the proposed extension's structural integrity and compliance with building regulations.

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the complexities of navigating these regulations, don't worry. STAAC boasts a team of seasoned professionals ready to guide you through every step of the process.

Building Regulations

When it comes to architectural design, the regulations ensure that buildings are designed with consideration for things like fire safety, accessibility, and adequate ventilation. For example, they might specify the minimum width of corridors for safe evacuation in case of fire or require the installation of ramps for wheelchair access.

In terms of structural design, the regulations focus on ensuring that buildings are structurally sound and able to withstand various loads, such as wind and snow. This involves specifying standards for materials, foundations, and structural elements like beams and columns.

Your builder or contractor will work with building control officers throughout the construction process to comply with these regulations. This involves periodic inspections at key stages to verify that work meets the required standards.

Building Control Body

Building control bodies (BCBs) enforce building regulations and ensure construction projects meet required standards. BCBs can be local authority building control departments or approved private sector building control inspectors.

Before starting a home extension, notify your chosen BCB. They'll guide you on meeting regulations, conduct inspections during construction, and issue a final certificate to certify compliance.

House Extension Ideas

When it comes to extending your home, the possibilities are endless. Here are some popular house extension ideas to inspire your project:

• Open-Plan Kitchen Extension: Create a spacious and sociable kitchen-dining area by extending your home's rear or side. Add big windows or folding doors to bring in lots of light and open up the space to the outdoors.
• Wraparound Extension: Make your home bigger by extending it on multiple sides with a wraparound extension. This adds more living space and makes your property look even better.
• Glass Box Extension: Create a striking architectural statement with a glass box extension. It has floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a flat roof, giving it a modern and minimalist appearance. Ideal for showcasing panoramic views and maximizing natural light.
• Two-Storey Rear Extension: Double your living space with a two-story rear extension. It adds extra bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas on both floors. This type of extension can significantly increase the value and functionality of your home.
• Loft Conversion with Dormer Windows: Turn your unused attic into a stylish loft conversion. It includes dormer windows for more headroom and natural light. Great for extra bedrooms, a home office, or a playroom.
• Side Return Extension: Expand your home with a side return extension. It creates a larger kitchen, dining area, or utility room. This utilizes unused space and blends seamlessly with the existing architecture.
• Conservatory or Orangery: Bring the outdoors inside with a conservatory or orangery extension. It has glazed walls and a glass roof, creating a bright and airy space for relaxing, dining, or gardening.
• Basement Extension: Dig down to create a basement extension, adding valuable living space below ground level. Ideal for creating a home cinema, gym, or wine cellar, or providing additional bedrooms and living areas.
• Garage Conversion: Convert your underutilized garage into functional living space, such as a home office, studio, or guest suite. Garage conversions are a cost-effective way to add extra room without the need for a full-scale extension.
• Sunroom or Garden Room: Add a sunroom or garden room to your home with large windows, skylights, and French doors. Enjoy your outdoor space all year for relaxation, entertainment, or garden enjoyment, regardless of the weather.

Before choosing a house extension idea, consider factors such as your budget, available space, and lifestyle requirements.

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The Process of Extending Your Home

Extending your home involves a series of steps, from initial planning to completion. Here's a breakdown of the typical process:

Step 1: Planning and Design

The first step in extending your home is thorough planning and design. This involves:

1. Initial Consultation: Meet with architects, designers, and builders to discuss your vision, requirements, and budget for the extension. Consider factors such as the desired size, layout, style, and functionality of the new space.
2. Design Phase: Work with a professional architect or designer to develop detailed plans and drawings for your extension. This may include architectural drawings, 3D models, and specifications for materials and finishes. Ensure that the design complies with local planning regulations and building codes.
3. Obtaining Planning Permission: Get approval from the local planning authority for your extension plans before starting any construction work.

Step 2: Construction

After planning and design are done and approvals are received, construction can start. This involves:

1. Tendering and Contracting: Get quotes from good builders and contractors. Sign a detailed contract outlining the scope of work, schedule, payment terms, and responsibilities of both parties.
2. Construction Phase: Begin construction according to the agreed-upon schedule.
3. Building Control Inspections: Coordinate with the building control body to schedule inspections at key stages of construction.

Step 3: Finishing Touches and Completion

As construction nears completion, attention turns to the finishing touches and finalization of the project. This involves:

1. Interior Finishing: Add the finishing touches to your new extension, such as painting, flooring, lighting, and fixtures.
2. Final Inspections and Certification: Schedule final inspections with the building control body to verify compliance with building regulations. Upon approval, obtain a completion certificate confirming that the extension meets all necessary standards and is ready for occupancy.

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STAAC Extension Projects for Reference

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Bungalow Extension in Brighton - click here to view

Penthouse in Worthing, West Sussex - click here to view

Home extensions Seaford - click here to view

Rear Extension - click here to view

Cascade House - click here to view

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Q&A: House Extensions Explained

Q: Why consider a house extension?

A: Adding onto your house gives you more space and increases your home's value. It also saves you the trouble of moving. It allows you to customize the space to better suit your needs and style.

Q: Is my property suitable for an extension?

A: To add an extension to your property, check local rules, space, utility access, and building condition. Consulting an architect or builder can help determine if it's feasible and find design options that suit your property.

Q: Can I extend a listed building or a property in a conservation area?

A: Extending such properties is possible but requires special permissions and adherence to strict regulations. Plans must respect the building's historical significance and surroundings.

Q: How do I choose the right builder for my project?

A: Use STAAC to find trusted builders, get quotes, and read reviews, making it easier to choose a builder for your project.

Q: How can I finance my extension?

A: Finance options include savings, home equity loans, remortgaging, or construction loans.

Q: How can I make my extension energy efficient?

A: Focus on insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, and consider renewable energy sources like solar panels or heat pumps to reduce energy use and costs while minimizing environmental impact.

Q: What should I do if I encounter problems with my house extension after completion?

A: Don't wait! Talk to your builder first and try to fix it together. If you can't agree, a lawyer or mediator can help sort it out and get things fixed right.

Homeowners can enhance their living areas efficiently by comprehending the procedure, considering expenses, and selecting a trustworthy constructor via platforms such as STAAC.

With the right approach, a house extension can bring lasting benefits, improving comfort and adding value to your property.

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