Extensions

Extensions

Adding a two-storey extension to your home

4th March 20220

A two-storey extension can be a great way to upgrade your home. It is also one of the more efficient ways to add more space and to increase the property value. While a double-storey extension may seem like a much larger project to undertake than a single storey one. They’re often budget efficient and are a lot cheaper than moving house. 

How big can you build a two-storey extension without planning permission?  

Firstly, the eaves and pitch heights must be no higher than those of the existing house. However, if the building is within two meters of a boundary, the overall maximum eaves height is restricted to 3m. The pitch should match the existing house as much as is practical. 

Under permitted development, you can extend up to three meters from the original house. But it must be more than seven meters from the rear boundary. Any extension to the original house should not exceed more than 50% of the total land around the house.  

How much does a double-storey extension cost?  

The cost of an extension can vary from one place to another in the UK. The cost of labour is different from one city to another. Furthermore, the material you choose has a significant effect on the overall cost of the project. If you go with standard quality material then a double-storey will be around £1,500 per square meter. While a good quality design will cost you around £1,700 per square meter. 

The typical cost of building a two-storey extension starts at around £40,000. But this will increase if you are planning to use some of the space like a kitchen or bathroom. So, with all the finishes included you can expect to be paying around £102,500 to £124,000. 

Will you need building regulations approval to build a two-storey extension?  

Regardless of the size of the extension, you will need building regulation’s approval. You will need a full set of building regulations drawings, structural calculations, and specifications to submit your building control application.  

Image: https://blog.bdsarchitecture.co.uk

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Extensions

Planning a porch extension in Maidstone

3rd March 20220

Adding a porch extension to your Maidstone home can transform the look of your property. First impressions are very important to some homeowners, so creating a warm welcome to guests is a must. If you’re looking for a bit of extra space to hold your coats and shoes, then a porch would be a great addition.  

Will you need planning permission for a porch in Maidstone?  

If you’re thinking about adding a porch, you might be wondering if you need planning permission. Many, people might think of a porch as a kind of extension or conservatory. However, a porch has its own rules for planning permission. So, a porch doesn’t need planning permission if it follows the permitted development guidelines.  

You do need planning permission if:  

  • The ground area is more than three square meters (including the walls) 
  • The highest point is more than three metres in height 
  • Is within two meters of a boundary and the road 

You may need permission if you live in a listed building, conservation area, or area of natural beauty.  

How much will it cost to add a porch?  

Building a porch extension is a fast and relatively cost-effective way to improve the front of your house. The average porch costs around £3,500. This is for a traditional porch made from bricks, with a tiled roof, concrete floor, and glazed composite door.  

How long does it take to build a porch extension?  

The time it takes to build a porch depends on the materials you choose. A lightweight aluminum porch can take around a week to build. Whereas, a uPVC glazed porch can take around 2 weeks to build. If you choose a more secure enclosed porch such as one that is brick-built it will take around 1-2 weeks to construct.  

Will a porch add value to your Maidstone home?  

Firstly, by adding a porch you are increasing the square footage of your property which will add value to your property. A porch will provide an average return on investment of 84%. The cost and return varies by region, as some places are more suitable for a porch than others.  

Image: A Gilligan Builders

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Advice Center, Extensions

Common mistakes made by people when extending their home

24th February 20220

Extending your home is a big project and can cost you a lot of money. So, here is a list of common mistakes that you may want to avoid.  

Having an unrealistic schedule  

It is common knowledge that building work can be unpredictable and can take longer than expected. There are some things you can’t just predict or plan. Having an understanding of this from the beginning of the project can help you prepare for delays. For instance, having a positive and chilled attitude will help form a better relationship with your contractor.  

Rushing the design  

If you’ve recently purchased a property or moved into a new home, you should live in the home for a while before extending or renovating. This is so you can get a real insight into what changes you want to make to the property. By waiting a year or so, you can see how the house stands and works throughout the seasons and different weather types.  

Upsetting the neighbours  

You must always inform your neighbours about any renovation that is going to take place on your property. Regardless of whether you get along with them or not. Often building works can be disruptive to your neighbours and their properties. So, to make sure no conflicts occur you should be aware of and get a party wall agreement. The agreement with your neighbours usually takes place in letter form and can be done by a third party such as a party wall surveyor.  

Going over your budget  

Running out of money when you are halfway through a project can be one of the worst things that can happen. This is why ensuring that you get fixed quotes and estimates from the beginning is vital. Before you start your project, it is important to have a contingency fund available just in case anything unexpected comes up.  

Not researching tradespeople properly  

It can often be tempting to choose a cheap builder so you can save a bit of extra money. However, employing a skilled professional is a good investment, so you can avoid unfinished or bad-quality work. You should choose a trade person based on their previous work and trusted recommendations.  

Image credit: Simon Burt

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Extensions

Thanet: What Extensions Are Good For You

17th February 20220

One of the best ways to raise the value to your home or to add to space is to add an extension in Thanet. There are many extensions you can have. For example, adding a single-storey, side or double-storey extension. 

Types of extensions  

  • Side return 
  • Rear 
  • Single-storey 
  • Double-storey 
  • Front 
  • Wrap around  

Rear extension 

This extends out from the side of your home and combines with the back of your property. This gives a lot of extra space and is a great project for those wanting a larger kitchen area or an open floor plan. 

Side return extension  

Providing you own the side of your house, building a side extension to the side can have a huge impact on your home. It will make your home look larger. 

Wrap around extension 

If you cannot decide between a side return and rear extension, why not have both? This is a combination of the two. 

Double-storey  

When wanting as much space as possible a double-storey extension would be the best for you. It means you can have an additional or bigger living space and have an extra room upstairs.  

Will an extension add value to your home in Thanet? 

On average the homes in Thanet are sold on an average of £282.000. An extension can raise the value of your home by 5-15% depending how much work you’ve decided to put into it. £282.000 raised by 15% is £324.300.  

Planning permission 

Some extensions will not need full planning permission and can come under permitted development before construction you should find out what it falls under before starting to prevent your local council from taking action. If you build without following the planning rules you can be told to fix it so it complies or they can force you to demolish the work that’s been done. 

Building Regulations  

Regardless if you need full planning permission or not you will need to follow the building regulations. Building regulations have set standards: 

  • Fire safety  
  • Energy efficient  
  • Damp proofing 
  • Ventilation 
  • Structural integrity  
  • Anything else that will ensure health and safety. 
Image:https://www.harveynormanarchitects.co.uk/portfolio/sandpit-lane-st-albans

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Extensions

Extensions: Things You Should Keep In Mind

17th February 20220

Are you thinking about creating an extension on your home? this is one of the best ways to create extra space or additional rooms in your home. Here is some information on extensions you should think about.

Rear Extensions  

A rear extension extends from the rear of your house into the garden space. It’s a great option for someone that’s wanting to extend their kitchen or have an open floor plan. 

Side Return  

A side return extension is an extension that is built at the side of your home. This extension can make your home look larger. 

Wrap around extensions  

A wrap around extension is a rear and side return extension combined together making a large space. If you cannot decide between one or the other, why not have both! 

Double-storey  

A double-storey extension gives you additional living space and an extra bedroom upstairs. The advantage to this is that you get double the space but it doesn’t double the cost. Normally a double-storey only cots around 50-60% more than a single-storey. 

Things You Should Think About Before Starting Any Extension  

Will adding an extension to your home increase the value? 

Constructing this project will add value to your home, it has been known to raise the value by 5-15%. How expensive the build is depending on the value. How much the value will be depends on:  

  • The quality of the work 
  • What additional rooms you’ve created 
  • Is it modern?  

Have you got enough budget? 

Having a realistic budget is very important. Without a budget there’s no project. While many know about the material and labourer fees people often don’t know or forget about these hidden fees such as: 

  • Legal fees  
  • Stamp duty and land tax 
  • Measured surveys 
  • Architecture fees 
  • Structural engineer fees 
  • Planning application fees 
  • Building regulation fees 
  • Warranty  
  • Services  
  • Waste removal 
  • External works 

There will most likely be more fees that will come along with it, so make sure your prepared. 

Do you have permitted development rights? 

Permitted development allows you to extend your home without planning permission. There is a number of guidelines your project will need to follow and not every home will come under those guidelines, meaning they will need a full planning application. Here are some of the projects you can build under permitted development if your home qualifies: 

  • Rear extension  
  • Side return  
  • Two-storey
  • Garage conversion 
  • Loft conversion  
  • Annexe 
  • New additional storey  

You still need to be aware that if you decide to do a complex project it could become a chance that you may need a full planning application. It depends on the work you decide to do. 

Image: https://craymanor.co.uk/house-extensions/larger-home-extensions-now-permitted/

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Extensions

All there is to know about extensions in Sevenoaks Kent

16th February 20220

If you are looking to build an extension in the Sevenoaks, are you have come to the right place. Building an extension is a journey. Your build journey will be unique to you and your home, so it is important to plan and manage it well for it to be successful.  

What is an extension?  

An extension is a great way to add additional space to your home, without moving properties. On average the cost of a house extension in Sevenoaks is a lot less compared to if you were to move to another location that offers more space.  

Are extensions in Sevenoaks worth it?  

If an extension provides you with the space, you need and is going to improve the quality of the way you live then it is definitely worthwhile. In addition, extending your home can also be a cost-effective investment that will pay back on itself when you eventually sell.  

Sevenoaks house value increase 

Single-storey extensions are most commonly used to extend kitchens and/ or living rooms. With open plan living becoming hugely popular with homeowners in the UK. Single-storey extensions can often add 5-8% to the value of your home. Whereas, creating a double bedroom and an En-suite can add up to 23% to the value of the property.  

Planning rules have changed  

In recent years the government has relaxed planning rules in regards to extensions. The changes have given homeowners more flexibility to improve and increase the value of their homes. Previously, without planning permission, you could add a single-storey extension of up to 3 meters in depth for an attached property and 4m to a detached house, these distances have been doubled. 

How much does an extension cost in the Uk?  

  • Small rear extension (15m2) costs around £15,000 – £20,000 
  • Medium rear extension (25m2) costs around £30,000 – £40,000 
  • Large rear extension (50m2) costs around £50,000 – £60,000 

Get in contact with us –  

If you are looking for someone to provide excellent advice and support in and around the area of Sevenoaks. Here at Pro Arkitects we will provide you with the best possible services.

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Extensions

Extension Rules You Should Know Of 2022

14th February 20220

Here are single-storey and two-storey extension rules explained with planning permission and permitted development rights explained. 

Single-Storey Extension Rules 

  • The extension cannot exceed more than 4 meters in height. 
  • You cannot go beyond the back wall of the original property by more than 4 meters. 
  • You can only cover half the area of land around the original house with an extension. 
  • The extension cannot go forward of the side elevation fronting a highway. So, this means that if you want to build your extension toward the main road you will need planning permission. 

Two-Storey Extension Rules  

  • The extension needs to be a minimum of 7 meters away from the rear boundaries. 
  • If your home is more than one-storey and you decide to extend, you cannot go past the back wall of the house by 3 meters. 
  • The exterior of the extension must be similar looking to the materials of the property. 
  • The ridge and eaves height cannot be taller than the existing house. 
  • The maximum height of the extensions eaves needs to be 3 meters if you are within two meters of the boundary. 

Permitted Development  

Permitted development rights is an automatic grant of planning permission which allow certain building works and changes of use to be carried out without having to make a planning application. This only applies to houses. Whereas, this does not apply to flats, maisonettes or any other type of building. So, always check with your local authority to see if the permitted development rights apply. Permitted development rights are restricted when you live in a  

  • Conservation area 
  • A national park 
  • An area or natural beauty 
  • A world heritage site  

Planning Permission  

Planning permission refers to the approval given by your local authority when you’re wanting to do building works. If you don’t know if what your wanting needs planning permission you should contact your local authority to see if you require permission. You will not need planning permission if you want to build a 

  • Standard loft conversion  
  • Single-storey extension  
  • Replace doors and windows  
  • Install solar panels  
  • Install garden room

However, under certain circumstances these will need planning permission.

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Extensions

The top Extension designers in canterbury

11th February 20220

Extending your house is a popular way to increase space and add more value to your property. Whether you’re thinking of a side extension, garage extension, double or single-storey extension, there is so much to consider especially which company you want to design your project.  

Things to consider before you start –  

Permitted development & planning permission  

Some extension projects do not need full planning permission and are referred to as permitted development.  

A detached home can be extended by 8m to the rear if it’s a single storey, and 3m if it’s a double storey. Although, this is reduced to 6m in a semi-detached or terraced house. A single-storey extension shouldn’t be higher than 4m in height, to the ridge and the eaves. In addition, a double-storey extension mustn’t be closer than 7m to the rear boundary. 

Will it add value? 

With any project that improves your home, it’s good to check if the plans would increase the value of your property. if you speak to a good architect or estate agent they may be able to give you an indication of how much your house would increase in value.  

Building regulations  

You will need to comply with building regulations regardless on if you have planning permission. Building regulations have set out minimum requirements for: 

Fire safety  

Energy efficiency  

Damp proofing  

Ventilation  

Structural integrity  

And other aspects that ensure a safe building  

Who is the right designer for your project? 

When it comes to your project it is important that you chose the right person to do your service. There is a number of options you can choose from, such as:  

Architects  

Architectural technicians  

Specialist designers  

Package build companies’ in-house design teams   

You can look online and see what will work best for you and the highest rated in your area. 

Extension designers in Canterbury –  

We are providing all kinds of architectural services in Canterbury. Our team of professionals is highly experienced in handling such projects. Furthermore, we are a Design & Build company, which means you do not need to go elsewhere as you are going to get all the services from planning, drawing to construction under one roof.  

Image: https://www.ultraframe-conservatories.co.uk/news/why-single-storey-extensions-are-best

Extensions

Everything there is to know about wraparound extensions

27th January 20220

A wraparound extension is a great way to add space to the rear of the house for an open-plan design. Here’s what you need to know.  

What is a wraparound extension?  

Wraparound extensions are essentially a hybrid of side and rear extensions which form an L-shape at the back of the property. By maximising the space to the side and extending to the rear, the wraparound extension gives you an impressive extension that will transform how you live.  

Why choose a wraparound extension?  

With this type of extension, you can extend into the side alley of your house, if you have one. Meaning you won’t have to extend that far into your garden, which is ideal for people who have a small outside area.  

Here are some other advantages of an L-shape extension: 

  • Opens up your kitchen area 
  • Brings more light into your home 
  • Plenty of design options 
  • Allows better connection to the garden 
  • Allows space for new rooms.  

Would you need planning permission?  

It is likely that you would need planning permission for a wraparound extension. While a small side return extension and a rear extension may be possible under permitted development, there might be restrictions for joining them together.  

Permitted development rules that would apply to both the side and rear elements of wraparound extensions include: 

  • You can extend a detached property by 8m to the rear if it’s a single-storey extension. (6m for a semi or terraced house) 
  • An extension must not result in more than half the garden being covered 
  • Side extensions can only be single storey with a maximum height of 4m and a width no more than half of the original building.  

How much do they cost?  

There is no set price for a wraparound extension because every project is different and the costs vary. Averagely in London, you are looking at paying around £75,000 to £145,000, and outside of London, you can expect to pay £60,000 to £120,000.  

A few factors which will vary the prices are:  

  • Materials used. Some materials are more expensive to build with, due to their quality and accessibility.  
  • Structural work. The more structural work you have for your project will increase the construction budget.  
  • Contractors. Individual contractors are cheaper. However, they can be slower without the access to additional resources and relationships that you would like larger companies.  
How much does a wrap around extension cost? // Wrap around single storey extension

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Conversions, Extensions

Are Timber frame orangeries worth building? Here’s what to know

24th January 20220

Timber frame orangeries are an excellent choice if you require the light and spacious feeling of a conservatory, but want the warmth and solid structure of a brick extension.  

What is a timber frame orangery?  

A timber orangery consists of timber window frames, doors at the sides, and sometimes separate timber glazed roof lanterns built-in.  Some experts like to use the 75% rule. If the extension has less than 75% glass it is classed as an orangery rather than a conservatory. Orangeries tend to have a brick base or more brickwork than a conservatory.  

Do you need planning permission for an orangery?  

An orangery can be seen as halfway between a conservatory and an extension. It’s an extended space that has the insulation of brick walls but the benefit of lots of light and good views.  

For planning purposes, an orangery is considered a single-story extension on and has the same building regulations as an extension. However, you won’t need planning permission for an orangery if you build within permitted development. 

Advantages and disadvantages of a timber orangery –  

Here are some of the main advantages of a timber orangery –  

  • Can be built to exceed 60-year design life  
  • Fast heating due to low thermal mass 
  • Energy efficient when constructed 
  • Quick build time 
  • Reduces site labour 
  • Recyclable  
  • Renewable 
  • Reduced construction waste 

And here are some disadvantages –  

  • Acoustics  
  • May decay when exposed to excessive moisture 
  • Subjected to risk of fire  
  • Lack of experienced builders and erection crews 
  • Transportation and carriage access  
  • Deficiency of site quality control 
  • Requires regular maintenance  

How much will a timer frame orangery cost?  

Building an orangery is often cheaper than building a single-storey extension based of a structure that is similar in size. Orangeries are one of the most affordable ways to create more space.  

As of 2021, the average price of an orangery stands around £19,000. Although, because of the material shortage wood has become a bit more expensive. This means the average price can be from £20,000 onwards.  

However, orangeries are a good investment because they can increase the value of your home. They are known to add around 11% more value to your property.  

Orangeries aren’t just for the summer –  

In addition, how you use your orangery is completely down to you. However, they have so much more potential than just being a sunroom, it is an improvement to the heart of your home. They are perfect spaces for entertaining and hosting friends and family all year round. 

Photographs: Richard Downer Photography