Adding an extension to your home can make a huge difference to your life. But no matter what type of extension you go for, it’s always going to be a big project. And that means you need to be fully prepared before you start building. So, here’s the answers to some of the most common questions people ask when it comes to adding an extension – plus, some questions you may never even have thought of before.
-
Will I need planning permission?
Not always. Your existing ‘permitted development’ rights could allow you to extend without the need for planning permission, but for that to be the case, your new extension must comply with certain conditions. For instance:
-A single storey extension cannot be higher than 4 metres in height (or less than 3m if within 2m of a property boundary)
-Your extension must not be higher than the existing property
-Double storey extensions use similar building materials to the existing house
-The extension must not be more than half the area of land around the existing house.
This list is far from exhaustive and it’s also worth noting that different rules apply depending on the type and location of your property (listed property/conservation area etc), as well as the location of your extension, i.e. rear, side, wraparound etc.
But, as a general guideline, if you’re not planning a huge extension, you could find you don’t need planning permission for your project. You should always check to make sure though.
-
Do I need building regulations approval?
Yes. Even if the work you’re planning is covered by your permitted development rights, you’ll still need to get building regulations approval. Building regulations will ensure your new extension meets the minimum requirements for, among other things:
– Structural integrity
– Energy efficiency
– Damp proofing
– Fire safety
– Ventilation
You can apply for building regulations approval either via the local council or through an approved private inspector, but whichever route you choose DO NOT skip this step. If you don’t get approval, you could potentially have to take your new extension down again. No-one wants that. Of course if you use an expert construction company like us here at Cobbydale Construction, we’ll take all this stress away from you.
-
Will my extension add value?
If your main motivation for adding an extension is to make your home a better place to live, then chances are you’re not planning on selling up and moving anytime soon. But you should always consider how much your planned extension will affect your home’s value.
It’s not easy to accurately predict exactly how much value your extension will add – but a quick google search will give you a rough idea for each of the most common types (one storey/two storey/garage conversion, etc). You should also check the sale prices of similarly extended properties in the area. And consider speaking to a local estate agent – their inside knowledge can prove invaluable.
-
What should I do about my home insurance?
You should get in touch with your provider and tell them your plans. They’ll let you know if your extension will be covered under your current policy or if you’ll need to amend it. And you should be prepared that your payments may increase. But it’s definitely worth it. Your home or possessions could accidentally be damaged during the construction process, or what if there’s a flood? If you don’t tell your insurer what’s going on in advance you may find your existing policy is void and you’re not covered. That’s the last thing you need. Get in touch with them as soon as you’re ready to start building.
-
Should I tell my neighbours?
It really depends how close they are to you. And we don’t mean emotionally. If you live in a detached house with a large garden and your nearest neighbour is 200 yards away, it’s probably not necessary. But if they’re much closer to home, we strongly suggest letting them know what’s going on. Even if they won’t be directly affected, major building work can be loud and messy, so it’s best to inform them of the plans and do everything you can to help minimise any disruption.
And if you share a wall with your neighbours, you should definitely let them know what’s happening. You’ll also need to ensure you’re compliant with the rules of the ‘Party Wall Act’ if you’re planning work such as:
-An extension using steel supports
-A loft conversation
-A project that requires a damp-proof course and/or digging new foundations
No-one wants to fall out with their neighbours, so make sure you keep them informed and it should help things go a lot more smoothly once work begins.
-
Can I remove trees that are in the way?
Usually, yes. Removing a tree that’s on your property won’t normally be an issue, however, there are some trees that you can’t remove. Or even prune. These trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and you’ll need planning permission to remove one, even if your extension doesn’t require planning permission. All trees in conservation areas with a trunk diameter of 75mm or more automatically have TPOs on them. But most trees are fine to remove – just check first.
-
Is bigger always better?
Many homeowners tend to think that the bigger an extension is, the better it will be. But that’s not really the right way to think about it. Ultimately, you’re choosing to add an extension to make your existing home more suitable for your lifestyle – not just to make it bigger. A cleverly designed single- storey extension could therefore have a much bigger impact on your day-to-day life than a massive two-story extension ever could. Or it could be the other way around. It just depends on your personal situation and the current layout of your home. But you should always focus on what you want your new extension to do for you and your family, not just on how big it can be. And obviously the size of your budget will also need to align with the size of your extension.
-
Our new extension is going to be near a sewer – will that be a problem?
It could be. If your planned extension is going to be built over or near to a sewer, you’ll need to make sure you contact the water board before any work begins. That’s because if a shared sewer is within 3 metres of your planned extension, you could need a ‘Build Over Agreement’ with your local water authority. Most homeowners won’t need to worry about this, but it’s a good idea to see where you stand to avoid any potential problems further down the line.
-
What should I do if access to my property is limited?
If you live in a terraced house or in a property with limited access, it can make moving people, machines and materials to where they need to be somewhat tricky. Sometimes there’s not much you can do about this, but often there will be a simple solution to make gaining access that little bit easier. Maybe you could speak to your neighbours and ask about temporarily removing some fence panels to create a path. Or you could ask if you can use their outdoor space to temporarily store some materials. It all depends on your individual circumstances, but anything you can do to make things easier will be a massive help once construction begins.
-
Do I need a contingency budget? And if so, how much?
Ok, so you’ve priced up your new extension and you’ve made sure you’ve got the funds to cover it. Great! But no-one can predict the future – and sometimes plans need to change. Maybe because of some unforeseen issue that could only be detected once the project was already underway. Or perhaps because you’ve simply changed your mind about a design feature, material, or appliance. That’s what your contingency budget is for. You might not need it, but it’s a good idea to have one. We’d recommend 10-20% of the total budget.
Contact Us Today
Ready to get started on your extension project? Got some more questions you need answers to? Get in touch with Cobbydale Construction today – we’ll be happy to help in any way we can.