Extensions

Adding a single-storey rear extension is a great idea to have some extra living space in the home. But before you start planning check out advice from experts.

There is no doubt that an extension is a great alternative to moving home. Buying a new home is a lengthy and daunting task than adding a simple extension. We also know that space in the UK is often tight for families in the cities. Hence, an extension is a neat solution to all of their living space problem.

It is also true that extension doesn’t come cheap and require a handsome amount of money. On the other hand, they can be a good investment as it adds value to your property.

Types of Extension

When we talk about British cities, there are mainly three types of extensions: Side return extension wrapped extension and the rear extension. We are going to talk about a single-storey rear extension in this article.

A rear extension goes across the full width of the house. It goes out towards the garden. Edwardian and Victorian houses have a cellular feel. So, adding a rear extension can link together two areas to provide you with more open space for your family. Furthermore, it can add value to your home and can bring a lot of daylight in the house.

Does Single Storey Rear Extension Add Value?

Well, how much value it’s going to add depends on the extension and space you want to create. Any extension adds value to the property that’s for sure. But you have to create a balance. You have to make sure that the extension is cost-effective and also adds value to your house.

On the other hand, adding a large extension increase the value of your home. However, the added value is nothing compared to what you have spent. We will recommend you to talk with a local agent to get an idea about the local market.

Lawful Development Certificate

Whether you need planning permission or you can develop under permitted development rights. Single storey rear extension does require LDC (Lawful Development Certificate). You need to apply for this certificate to your local authority. Basically, It indicates that the extension you are building met PD requirement and you don’t need planning permission. It will cost you around 103GBP which is less than the planning fee.

Building extension costs is an important thing to consider. So, you can decide which one is affordable for your home. In this article, we will share a few tips to help you out.

Are you wondering about the building cost of an extension? Do not worry! Costing up a project is an important step before starting the work. You need to have a good idea about what you are going to pay.

There are so many factors affecting the cost of any house extension project. So, it is important to do all the major calculations to avoid any unforeseen delays.

Let’s discuss some of these factors that will affect the cost of building an extension. Furthermore, we will give you a rough estimate of the cost per m2.

Single or Double Storey Building Extension Costs

Depending on your location, the single or double-storey building extension cost is around £1,000 – £2,000 per square meter. Keep in mind that the standard of specification has an enormous effect on the build cost. Normally, an excellent finish costs 40% more than a standard finish.

With that said, you can expect to pay £1,320 to £1,620 per square meter for a basic, £1,700 to £2,000 and £1,800 to £2,500 per square meter for good and excellent quality respectively.

A two-storey extension also costs the same per square meter. The reason is that you are only adding walls and floor joists with fixtures and finishes. Also, keep in mind that both types of extension require a roof and foundations.

You need to do the math and choose what amount you should pay on a house extension. Does the investment you are making add value to your home? If yes! Then you are good to go with adding an extension.

Other Building Extension Costs

Many other factors play an important role such as:

• Type of soul
• Purpose of the extension
• The glazing you plan to specify
• Size of the extension
• Where you are located.

Get Accurate Quotes

You should keep in mind that an estimate and a quote are two different things. An estimate is just an idea about the pricing. While a quote is based on the real cost of the project.

An estimate is just a guess from a contractor which is normally verbal. So, there are chances that the final bill will be much higher.

On the other, a quotation is a written agreement between you and the contractor. Furthermore, it includes the breakdown of the cost and a total with or without VAT.

Are you planning for a kitchen conservatory extension? Then you are in the right place. There are a few things that you should know before planning.

You need to know all the pros and cons of it before you decide whether it is the right choice for you.

Kitchen Conservatory Extension Cost

You may be thinking that you need a simple budget for the conservatory. Well, you are wrong as it can cost higher than a simple living room.

There is a reason because you need a budget not only for a conservatory but also for the fitted kitchen. Maybe you need some new appliances for the place such as an over or Hob.

Things You Need for A Kitchen Conservatory Extension

There are the following things you will need for the extension:

Planning Permission & Building Regulations

The requirement for planning permission depends on the design and layout. You can build a kitchen conservatory extension under permitted development rights to avoid this lengthy process. However, you may still need to comply with building regulations.

You can consult with a professional regarding the requirement. You can also consult with the local authority about whether you need planning permission or not.

Design and Style

What type of extension do you need in your home? There are lots of designs and styles to choose from. In most cases, the kitchen is at the rear of the house. The main purpose of the conservatory is to increase the size of an existing kitchen.

A conservatory uses a lot of glass in the walls. So, either side of the conservatory should have a solid wall for the kitchen. After all, you can’t place cupboards and worktops in the glass walls.

You need to work your way around with the design. You need to mark the area where you want to build the extension. However, it is better to get the help of a professional designer to do this for you.

Doors

Do you want the conservatory to be a part of the kitchen or do you want to separate using a door? If you want doors between these two areas then which type best suits the extension. It is an important consideration as it will have an impact on the overall design.

For example; if you have a small conservatory then adding swing doors is not good as they will take up valuable space. Instead, we will recommend you to use pocket or sliding doors.

Final Thoughts

A kitchen conservatory extension is a good place for your family to sit and enjoy the meal. A kitchen is an important area of a house. Furthermore, it should be bright and airy for your family to socialize. Hence, planning is an essential part to make sure everything is as you want.

Are you fighting for more room, then the loft extension is the way to increase living space? The loft extension cost can range from £30,000 to £50,000. In most of the cases, this project is very straight forwarded. In this guide, we will provide with a cost estimate of converting a loft.

As you know that most of such projects allowed under permitted development rights. It means that you do not need to apply for planning permission. Furthermore, you do not need to sacrifice the garden area to get some space you need.

Loft Extension Cost in 2021

The cost can vary depending on the size of the loft. Sometimes, it requires you to make alterations in the roof and floor for staircase access. Furthermore, it depends on the area you live in the country.

To break down loft extension cost, you need to choose a type:

To create a simple room in the loft, you need skylights, insulation, eclectics, heating, and floor reinforcement. The cost of such conversion starts from £15,000.

However, in a dormer loft extension, you need all the above things plus a dormer window. If you are looking for some functionality and some basic look for your loft then this option is for you. You can also consider this extension if there is not enough head heigh or floor space. This type of conversion will cost you around £20,000 for a basic build. However, if you want some advanced finish to your loft then you can expect to pay £35,000 upwards.

Another type is the mansard loft extension which can cost you between £35,000 and £45,000upwards. On the other hand, if you have a pitched roof then we will recommend you hip-to-gable extension which can cost you around £30,000 upwards.

There are also ready-made loft conversions available. It means that all the construction work is done off-site and then craned into position. It dramatically reduces the cost of labour and bad weather conditions do not affect such builds. You can expect to pay around £55,000 for this kind of extension.

In some cases, the existing roof is not suitable for conversion and hence required some structural changes. In this case, the cost of removing and rebuilding the roof will add up to the final cost of the project.

Does It Add Value?

There is no doubt that loft conversion provides one of the best returns on investment. There is a rough estimate that adding an extension can add up to 20% value to your home. However, you need to make sure that the loft extension cost is not greater than the added value to your home. You have to do the math as you better know the property prices in your area.

Professional Fees

The loft conversion can be completed under permitted development rights. However, you still need to obtain a certificate of lawfulness from local council which will cost you £86. If you also need planning permission then expect to pay £172 fees. In case of a semi-detached house extension, you will also need party wall agreement from the neighbours which typically cost between £600 and £1,000 per neighbour.

A loft extension is an affordable way to increase some useful living space in the home. In this guide, we will cover all the things you need to know about extending a loft.

In the UK, extending loft is the most popular way to create living space for family members. Furthermore, it is the best choice for those in tight urban areas and eliminates the need for moving house. You can also consider building a two-storey extension, but in such areas; it does not make financial sense. The loft is already there so why not convert it into a bedroom or a bathroom.

A basic loft extension starts from £15,000 and can cost up to £90,000. There are also options to create an extension off-site and then craned into position. Keep in mind that adding a room or a bathroom can add 20% value to the property. So, loft extension does make financial sense.

Planning Permission for Loft Extension

To extend a loft, you do not need planning permission as it falls under permitted development. But keep in mind that the design should comply with specific parameters. If your project extends beyond these limits or you are living in a conservation area, then you need to apply for planning permission. Furthermore, alterations to the roof height and shape also require a planning application.

A dormer loft conversion can be done under PD, but the height must not exceed over the existing roof.

Types of Loft Extension

There are following types of Loft Extensions:

Rooflight

If you are looking for the cheapest way to convert a loft, then this option is for you. You just need to add roof lights into the existing space. Furthermore, you need to reinforce the existing floors and add a staircase. If you plan to create a bedroom, then it requires electrics and insulations.

If you have smaller space and only require a single bedroom this loft extension is ideal for you.

Dormer

It is the same as above; the only difference is the installation of dormer windows. The reason to use these windows is to increase floor space and head height in the loft. Furthermore, dormer loft conversion provides more options when it comes to adding stairs.

Hip-to-Gable Loft Extension

In hip-to-gable loft conversion, the hipped section of the roof is converted into a vertical wall. After that, the pitched roof provides you with space and enough headroom to convert the way you like. You can also use the vertical walls to install standard window openings.

Mansard Loft Extension

Unlike others, a mansard loft conversion adds an entirely new storey to the home. Hence, it requires a lot of work to alter the structure of the roof. Most of these conversions run from one gable wall to another.

Can You Add Loft Extension?

Before making any decision, it is important to assess the space you have in the loft. So, you can make sure which loft extension is suitable for your home. There are various factors involved such as;

• Pitch of the roof
• Head height
• Obstacles such as a chimney or water tank

You must have a head height no less than 2.2m. Otherwise, you will need to raise the roof, which will add to the loft extension cost.