House Extensions
Are you looking to extend your home? We provide a useful guide which answers some of the most frequently asked questions.
How much can I extend my house?
We are often asked by householders how much they can extend. Rules vary across regions depending on how local authorities apply planning rules, and many councils have their own set of policies for domestic work.
Having said this, there are a set of rules for householders, developed by the Government, which apply throughout the UK, known as 'Permitted Development' or 'PD' rights. These rules are useful to know before considering having building work done. They can be found here.
There are rules governing how far out you can extend, how high you can go, and exceptions. It is also useful to check other extensions close to your property, as this is a strong indicator of what the planning department will approve. However, there is a risk that properties have extended either without or beyond their permissions, so this method is by no means universal.
It is also worth checking early on whether your house lies in a conservation area, green belt, or is listed, or has any restrictive covenants. These will affect your ability to extend.
Speak to us here to find out if you can extend.
Larger extensions
Through a process known as 'Prior Approval', householders can potentially double their extension. You may be able to extend 8m out on detached houses, and 6m on terraced and semi-detached houses. Once again, there are exceptions, but we have helped numerous householders double their space through Prior Approval.
The application still requires drawings, which we can help you with. It is also dependent on the absence of objections from adjoining neighbours, so we advise clients to speak to their neighbours early on, as their views will impact costs and timescales. Useful guidance can be downloaded here.
What type of extension is best for me?
There are a few common ways in which homes can be extended.
1. Rear extension (single or 2 storey)
2. Side Extension (single or 2 storey)
3. Front extension (single storey)
4. Loft conversion / dormer extension
The type of extension available to you will depend on the type of house you have, when it was built, how much garden space you have, and your budget. It is important to carefully consider all of these factors before arriving at a decision. Unlike other things, when it comes to your home, mind changes will be very costly.
Sometimes extending may not even be the best option. There are instances where we have advised against extending even if it means not winning a commission. We will always act with integrity, advising what is best for our Clients, and not for our pockets.
How much will my extension cost?
The accurate way to find out how much your project will cost, is to produce a set of detailed design drawings and schedules for a builder to price from. This can be costly and counter intuitive without first having obtained planning permission.
KUFIC Architects have decades of experience in delivering domestic projects, meaning we can offer an early indication of budget as part of our free initial appraisal. Call us to discuss your brief and obtain a free, no obligation quotation.
Case Study: Byway Road
Here at KUFIC Architects, we have helped countless families to enlarge and improve their homes with our tailored services. One such project in Evington, Leicester is a great example of how we do this.
The semi-detached house on Bywell Road was purchased by a young couple. The interior was dated, with a tight kitchen and lounge. KUFIC Architects surveyed the house, producing a suite of drawings in support of a planning consent for a 6 metre single-story extension. This opened the opportunity to remodel the internal spaces to create an expansive kitchen/dining/living space for the family, with bi-folding doors allowing the internal spaces to spill into the garden in summer.
Our suite of technical drawings enabled our Client to get accurate prices for the work, and ensure they had a robust contract in place and avoid disputes with their builders. We were able to deliver a small project with a delighted couple giving us 5 starts for our service.
What are Building Regulations?
Any building work must comply with the Building Regulations and not doing so is against the law in England and Wales. Where there is non compliance, the Local Authority can demand that the extension is taken down. There are also other implications, such as insurance becoming invalid, problems selling your home and reduction in value. Therefore it is essential that the necessary consent is obtained before commencing work.
KUFIC Architects develop your design (planning) drawings into a package of detailed technical information and appoint a building inspector on your behalf to ensure you satisfy the regulations.
Do I need a Structural Engineer?
House Extensions and internal remodelling often involve structural work, particularly where alterations are being made to 'load-bearing' structures and walls. Where this is the case, a Structural Engineer must be appointed to ensure the design properly considers the impact of the changes and mitigates these.
We work closely with Chartered Engineers to ensure our design does not adversely affect the structural health of your home.
Why use KUFIC Architects?
Our Architects have undergone rigorous training and are accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects, required to follow a strict code of practice to ensure our Clients are protected by our 'duty of care'.
Your home is your personal space and needs to be right for you and your family. Too often homes are changed without giving sufficient thought to space, light, and layout, resulting in poorly functioning spaces and wasted money. The value of homes are also often negatively affected.
Therefore it is essential that you set out on the right foot in making changes to your home. We are here to help.