How To Plan An Extension To Your Home.

Writing this comes from years of experience of managing projects like this through our estate agency business. If you doubt my credentials, I can tell you I have won awards for property renovation.

In this article I shall be looking at the complications that can occur when your renovation turns into something more complex. Planning kitchens and bathrooms is one thing, but single and double storey extensions all have regulations that you may need to adhere to. In my experience, these are the projects you leave to the professionals.

Research

To begin with, I have to stress you must do your research. Talk to your local Estate Agent and find out what other extension types they have seen, when selling property in your area. Ask what sells well? What would generate a decent return? Also ask for their general input.

It’s human nature to just go ahead and order whatever it is you want. But unless your pockets are deep, every decision should be measured appropriately.

Budget

Budget is the governing factor in any decision you make. Budget wisely and keep an eye on your costs. We’ve got a great spreadsheet you can download to help keep track of your costs.

Take into consideration that not all of your budget will not be spent on the build and materials. You may have to hire an architect to draw up the plans. You would be wise to hire a project manager so that you don’t have to handle the stress and logistics. I would also advise to get your own self build insurance, just in case your builder only has Public Liability and Public Indemnity insurances.

Should any claim arise, you will have to work a lot harder to prove your builder is at fault to get a payout. That will always cause you more stress and anguish should things go wrong.

Goals

I always talk about setting goals for any renovation project. This keeps you clear and focused on what you need to achieve, what end result you would like and also to grasp costs on fixtures and fittings.

The main question is, what do you want an extension for and how do you plan to use it?

Is it a new living area you seek? An extra bedroom? A home office or study?

Put this down on paper and work backwards from there!

Planning

Now you have set your goals you can get into the planning of the project. In this stage there are a number of things you need to look at and take care of.

Legals

Your extension, whilst well planned and even passed by building regulations, can still be contested by your neighbour. Most homes are covered by “right to light” and this supersedes planning permission. It does not mean that your extension cannot cover a neighbours window, but if they can prove you are restricting enough natural light for what they reasonably need, then you could face some difficulties.

Then you need to be aware of the Party Wall Act 1996. This act allows you to carry out work as far as your neighbours land and or buildings. If your extension works are within 3 metres of the party wall structure, or you dig foundations within 6 metres of the boundary, you must adhere to the Party Wall act.

In most areas single storey extensions do not need planning permission, but you must comply with local building regulations and get approval from your local council or parish.

Did you know that replacement windows, underpinning and rewiring are covered under building regulations?

All new building work including sheds, some conservatories or orangeries and most alterations must comply with building regulations.

Works Needing Approval:

1. Home extensions – kitchen, bedroom, lounge, etc.
2. Loft conversions. Internal structural alterations, for example the removal of a load-bearing wall.
3. Installation of baths, showers, WCs which involve new drainage or waste plumbing.
4. Installation of new heating appliances or systems.
5. New chimneys or flues.
6. Altered openings or positions for new windows.

Did you know that if your home or property is located in a conservation area, you will suffer from restricted development rights. That means extensions or renovations that do not require permission are restricted. Loft conversions will almost always require planning permission in these areas.

Architects are almost always required to get your project off of the ground. They will need to know which are load bearing walls and do the calculations for the steel beams these projects often need. They can usually file any associated planning permission paperwork that your project requires. Find a local architect that specialises in your particular extension and maximise the opportunity for your new space.

You will also need a construction brief. This document is an in-depth breakdown of what your extension project will entail. Knowing how to plan an extension to your home is one thing, but writing this document is a step beyond. You will most certainly want to work with your architect or project manager on this, as they will have the experience needed to ensure this covers everything you need it to.

Insurance

I know I touched on this earlier, but insurance is peace of mind. Make sure that your builder has current cover and ask to see a copy of their certificate, don’t just take their word for it.

Also make sure your project manager has the appropriate professional insurances in place. If something goes wrong, either your builder or project manager could be liable. You wouldn’t want something drastic to go wrong and find out that you have to foot the bill because you didn’t do your due diligence.

Most self build policies work on the basis of a single premium. For new builds this is based on the rebuilding costs on a sliding scale, and for a home of around 140m² the average cost will be between £600 and £1,200, with the variation accounted for by the proposed construction costs.

Cover yourself to ensure your project gets finished. Should your builder unfortunately become ill or just disappear, or your project manager for that matter. Your insurance can cover you for the cost to replace either one.

Types Of Extension

The common types of extension to your home are the:

• Loft Conversion
• Basement
• Single Storey extension
• Double Storey extension

If you stick to the information i’ve listed above, you won’t go far wrong. Always work with the professionals, don’t try and cut corners. I’m sure you’ve seen cowboy builders with Dom before.

Each type of extension will have its own set of rules, requirements and plans. If you want to find out more about your basement conversion check out www.basements.org.uk

Tips To Leave You With

Whilst some councils will have their own regulations, most are working to similar guidelines. Where social housing is concerned, there are restrictions around room sizes, which are more relaxed in private accommodation.

And when you are planning the layout of your extension, try to avoid through rooms. Your home should have a flow to it, so rooms are accessible through hallways or landings. Unless of course it’s a conservatory which typically attaches to the kitchen, lounge or living room.

Hopefully you have found this article a worthwhile read and if anything it has given you time to think about how to plan an extension to your home. It isn’t extremely in depth, you’d be here for days. But I do believe I have covered the more important factors you could come across.