Extensions

There is no doubt that glass extensions are beautiful things, but on the other side, it can be challenging to create. This type of extension requires a high level of creativity, coordination, and precision.

What You Need to Know About Planning Rules

You need to submit an application for planning permission before extending your home. Permitted development can be subjective when it comes to glass extensions. Hence, it is essential to apply for a lawful development certificate from the local authority. If you want to ask for
planning permission, then you must read the guidance from the local authority.
You also need to keep in mind that the requirements for planning permission can vary from one region to another. We will advise you to apply for a lawful development certificate even if you do not need planning permission so that you can have proof in the future. Local authorities often
allow such extensions.

Building Regulations

It is challenging to comply with building regulations. The reason is that large areas of glazing can conflict with these regulations. Furthermore, you need to adhere to the energy efficiency of the extension. However, some rules allow you to use an alternative method in compliance with the regulations. One of the ways to achieve this is by increasing the thermal resistance of exposed elements, such as roof, walls, and floor. If it is not enough for the glass extensions, then you need to use high-performance glass.
Another way is to carry out a Standard Assessment Procedure. You need to make sure that the CO2 emission from the extension is no more than a conventional extension or home of the same size. You can quickly achieve this by making improvements to your existing house by insulating the loft or by installing an efficient boiler or hot-water system. If one of the options does not work for you, then you can combine them to comply with the regulations.

Pros and Cons of Glazed Roof

Well, adding a glass roof can naturally illuminate the space and add a modern feel to it. However, it is challenging to control the amount of sunlight entering the room. So, it is essential to decide the room orientation accordingly before the designing process. The glass can let more light inside the room than vertical glazing- so keep this in mind. To cope with this situation, consider a north-facing glass extension.

In most of the situations, we advise our clients to consider a reliable roof, which is well-insulated and can conceal structure, services, and lighting.

How to Ensure Privacy

You can add blinds within the glazing units, which you can control automatically or manually. You can add these blinds or curtains inside the glazing, so when you open, nothing is visible inside. However, privacy can be a significant issue at night, because the reflections make it difficult to see through glazing. TO cope with this issue, you can consider planting. However, make sure that it does not block the view.

How to Keep Glass Extensions Ventilated?

There are various ways to keep the glass extension well-ventilated. But as an architectural services provider, we believe in using natural methods where possible.
We will recommend you to ensure that the roof space has acoustic and thermal ventilation. If you have openable roof lights, then it can cause cross ventilation (The colder air can come inside, and warmer air can vent out at a higher level. Because when the air becomes warms, it rises. So, consider trickle ventilators inside the frame of your glazing. It can be an effective way to ventilate the space without opening a door.

How to Keep Glass Extensions Warm?

If the underfloor heating is not working properly, then glass extension can become chilly on cold days. Hence, it is essential to consider the position of your thermostats. You also need to consider both underfloor and trench heating depending on the size of the space. Another thing that you need to consider is the quality of glazing. If you are using high-performance glazing,
then the heat loss will be low.

Do Their Other Ways to Regulate Light?

Nowadays, there is glass available with different levels of solar and thermal performance. Modern double-glazed glass can limit heat loss. They have argon-filled cavities, which can limit solar gain. However, these coatings can affect the colour and transparency of the glass. Have you heard about the fritted glass which has an opaque print? Well, this type of glass can reduce solar gain. However, blinds or curtains are the most cost-effective solution right now.

How to Light Glass Extensions

Incorporating light in a glass extension is often tricky compared to a conventional glazed extension. You can also solve the problem of lighting with roof lights. You can consider LED, but make sure that the strips are not reflected in the glass at night.

Are you looking for a guide to a house extension? Then you are in the right place as we are going to share a few tips and how to clear all the necessary paperwork. Adding an extension to your home is a daunting task. It requires more effort than converting an existing space such as a basement, loft, or garage.

In this article, we are going to discuss everything about building an extension. We will also discuss the different steps of the building and planning process so you will not end up going over your budget.

Checklist- House Extensions

Let’s first take a look at the steps you need to follow to add an extension you want.

Planning

First of all, you need to make sure there are no legal barriers to get an extension. The phase starts with getting approval from the local council. Keep in mind that the approval process can take a long time, so it is better to start in advance. You also need to talk with your neighbours and resolve any issues in advance to save time. It is an essential thing as it can cause significant delays to the project.

Now’s the time to select a builder and an extension plan. Keep all of your needs and requirements in your mind while looking at the plans. It is crucial to understand the policy before you start construction. Any change in the plan means you need to submit again to the local council.

Contracts

Before signing any contract, it is better to read it thoroughly and understand it fully. If there is something that you cannot understand, then you can get legal advice or can ask the contractor about it. Another thing to know is whether it is a fixed-time contract. If yes! Then when it is going to start and finish so, you can plan accordingly. You also need to know about your rights if something goes wrong. Another important thing is to make sure that the contractor has insurance coverage in case of damage or theft during construction.

Building A House Extension

You need to make a file of all the necessary paperwork before and after the construction process. Furthermore, make sure to keep a record of all the receipts, plans, and contracts that are related to your project. We will advise you to keep a record of the progress and the conversation with builders, project managers, surveyors, etc. It is a better way to track the progress of a project and to understand what still needs to be done.

Furthermore, if you are living far from the construction site, then it is good to visit as frequently as possible. Keep the contact details of someone from the builder’s office so you can contact them in case of changes to the plans or for any urgent news. When the construction is completed, thoroughly inspect the building. Make a list of any small or significant defects and report to the project manager. These fixes are free of charge, so it is better to get them done as soon as possible. If you do not know anything about construction, then you can hire a surveyor to inspect the work.

Some Ideas for House Extensions

You need a house extension if you need more space for your family or need to add an extra room. There are various ways in which you can add an extension to the home. Every way has its advantages and as well as disadvantages. The following are some house extensions ideas to help you decide which kind of house extension meets your requirements.

Single- Storey House Extension

It is the least expensive kind of extension, in which we build a single storey room onto the rear or side of the house.

Multi-Storey House Extension

These kinds of extensions can cost more than a single-storey extension. Furthermore, you have to face more issues to get approval from the local council. You can choose either add new rooms to different floors or maximize the space of different rooms.

Building Above

Another effective way to add extension is to add a storey. Furthermore, it is easy to get approval from the local council. In short, you can double the available floor space in your home. However, it can be expensive and comes with various extension choices.

Building Underneath

In this kind of extension, we add more space underneath the property. These types of projects are extremely costly due to structural changes, logistics, and features like damp-proofing.

Which extension is best suited for you? Depends on your budget and the particular circumstances of the property. An extension can help add more living space to the house. Furthermore, it helps in increasing the value of the property. If you want to know more about extending your house, then you can contact us. We have a team of professional experts which will help transform your home.

One of the cost-effective ways to add more living space in your house is through a single-storey extension. In this way, you do not need to move house. Furthermore, it provides an excellent opportunity to layout additional space that suits your home. You can add a light-filled space linked to your garden, which can increase the value of your property.

Cost of Single Storey Extension

The first step before planning any extension is to set your budget and to make sure that you can afford it. The breakdown of the build cost is as follows:

Well, for a simple single storey house extension, expect to pay around £1500 to £2000 per square meter. But if you want good quality material, then it can cost you between £2000 and £2500 square meter. The cost can get even higher for a high-spec extension. Some other factors can add up to the build cost, which is as follows:

• First, you are going to hire an architectural services provider who will help you with planning permission and drawings.
• If the extension requires changing the structure, then you will need the help of a structural engineer.
• In some cases, you need to hire a surveyor which costs between £500 and £1500.
• The project manager will charge a fee of 3-7% of the build cost. You can also ask them about their hourly or daily rate. But if you are sure that you can manage on your own, then you can save some money.
• VAT (Value added Tax)
• You also need to get planning permission, and an application cost is £206.
• Another fee that you need to pay is building control charges which depend on the size of the extension. You also need to pay a party wall agreement which can cost from £700 to £100 per neighbour.
• You also will need to pay additional fees such as tree report, flood risk assessment, ecology report, archaeological report, historic building report, etc.

Cost of Fitting Out Single Storey Extension

What is the cost of fitting out a single-storey extension? It depends on the type of room. Adding a kitchen is expensive than a home office so that the price can vary depending on the size and nature of the room.

• If you are planning on adding a kitchen, then it can cost between £5,000 and £30,000.
• Adding another bathroom can cost between £4,500 and £10,000. It depends on the quality of the fittings.
• You also need to add an extra £25 to £100 per square meter for flooring.
• Another thing that adds up to the cost is heating. Extending an existing heating system is not difficult and requires only two days, which can be done by a plumber. But if your house has underfloor heating, then it can cost more because it may need an additional boiler to cope with demand.

Do You Need Planning Permission for A Single Storey Extension?

If your single-storey extension is within the permitted development criteria, then you do not need planning permission. You will need planning permission if:

• The extension requires more than half the area of land.
• You want to extend towards the road.
• You are going to increase the height of the building.
• It needs to extend 6m from the rear of an attached house.
• It needs to extend 8m from the read of a detached house.
• The extension is greater than the width of the house.
• You want to extend the balcony or veranda.

The architectural services provider is well aware of the limitations and can help you with that. If you do not require planning permission, then it is good to apply for a certificate of lawful development from the local council.

Do You Need to Comply with Building Regulations?

No matter what type of house extension; you need to comply with building regulations. For this, you need to apply to your local building control department. When it comes to the cost, each authority has its own rates. Some builders are building control certified; they do not require this certificate to carry out work.

Party Wall Agreement

You may or may not need a party wall agreement, depending on your relationships with your neighbours. Talk with them and show your plans, maybe they will sign the party wall agreement wavier form. You can also hire a surveyor for this task, but if your neighbour is not happy, then he or she can employ their surveyor.

How Big Your Extension Can Be?

The size of the house extension depends on how much your house has already been extended. But if the extension is reducing the size of the garden, then it is not good for the desirability of your property. If the extension is within permitted development criteria, then you do not need planning permission.

Side return extension is a popular house extension and a great way to extend the end of terraced and semi-detached homes. In this article, we are going to share tips that will help you make the most of your living space.

What is a Side Return Extension?

Well, this type of extension is a narrow strip of land which runs alongside the ground floor. Most of the people use side return extension for dumping outdoor equipment, bikes, and bins. This way of extending the living space is called the side return extension.

Whenever someone sees your home from outside, it feels like you have gained some few extra feet inside the house. But these few feet or meters can make a significant difference to the interior of the house. The owner feels that they have more space inside the home. However, to make the best use of this space, you need an excellent design to make it brighter and more prominent with some functionality. In this regard, the Architectural Services Provider can help you make the most out of this limited space.

For example, you have a small kitchen, and there is an extra space where you can put a table where people can sit around. This type of extra space can make a big difference. But if you have a big property, then adding a kitchen island, dining, and seating area can make a significant difference.

Planning Permission for Side Return Extension

There are some extensions where you do not need planning permission; such is the case with side return extension. If you are relaxed and careful with the design, then you do not need it. You can also consult with the design professionals in the local council planning department whether your project comes under “Permitted Development” rights or not. However, you still need to comply with the building regulations.

On the other hand, some professionals always advise their clients to apply for planning permission. We know that it is a lengthy process, but you will have the opportunity to be more creative about the design. Furthermore, you will be able to build the extension with different materials which are not allowed under Permitted Development.

Light from Above

Using natural light inside the house can help make the extension brighter. That is why; we recommend our clients to introduce light from above. On the other hand, if you go for a single-storey extension, choosing skylights is a great way to make the living space brighter. Another excellent option for you is the all-grass roof. But you need to keep in mind that you need to clean the roof windows.

Most of the roof windows can rotate 180 degrees which means you can clean them easily from the inside. Another thing to keep in mind is the privacy of your house. Using skylights is a great option when it comes to privacy.

Bring the Outside In

Full-size windows allow more light into the house. There are various types, including sliding, fixed, bi-folding patio doors. It all depends on the space you have to choose a window type. We recommend the floor to ceiling windows because they improve the connection with the garden.

Larger Space

Another thing to consider for side return extension is the sort of extra internal space you have. How you are going to use this extra space in the home. We will recommend you to knock through walls to create more space inside your old kitchen. Furthermore, you can consider side return extension in an Edwardian and Victorian home that can run along with the kitchen and living room. Mostly, it is required to knock through walls for side return extension.

Back Garden Access

Rear extension into space can be attractive, but it can also affect the access to the back garden. That is why; it is essential to have a good design that does not affect the access. Another thing to keep in mind is the space to store your equipment and materials. One of the best ways is to leave space outside for a passageway into the back garden.

Party Wall Issues For Side Return Extension

Have you heard about Party Wall Act 1996? If not! Then you should know about this law. It is important legislation which is relevant to the side return extension. It is a framework which allows you to resolve disputes with involved party walls. However, it is not a big issue; you just need to have a chat with your neighbours. Maybe they are kind enough to sign the party wall notice. If they are not, then you will need a surveyor or need to pull back from the boundary. Furthermore, if you are digging foundations, then you need a party wall agreement. Hence, it is essential to hire a surveyor early to get this done before you start building the side return extension.

If you do not want to move into another house, but want some more living space, then 2 storey extension is the most cost-effective alternative. A single-storey extension does provide valuable living space, but sometimes it does not offer enough rooms for bathrooms to balance bedrooms. However, a double-storey extension remedies these problems.

The key for a successful 2 storey extension is to integrate both upstairs and down rooms in the home. You also need to make sure that the main rooms in your house should be accessible from the main hall. Furthermore, your kitchen and dining room should be grouped next to each other.

In short, a double-storey extension is indeed a cost-effective option to get some more living space and to transform and look and interior of your home. It is a perfect choice for those who have growing families with small houses.

Does 2 Storey Extension Add Value to Your Home?

If living space in the main reason to extend the home, then it does add value to your home. Furthermore, you should take a look in your neighbourhood and find out what type of extensions other houses have. Maybe the cost of an extension is higher than the value it is adding to your property. However, it is still an affordable option compared to moving to a new house. Just keep factors like legal fees, stamp duty, estate agents’ fees, and removals fees in mind while considering moving to a new home.

As you know that the value of your property is based on price per square meter. If you want to get an idea about the value of your property, search similar properties in your neighbourhood. Furthermore, you can ask an agent to evaluate the value of your property. It will help you get the average cost of your home.

After that, compare this price with the cost of extension per square meter to find out the increase in the value of the property. You should keep in mind that there is a limit on how much value you can add to your home.

Is It Better Than A Single Storey Extension?

Well, adding an extra storey provides additional living space and offers excellent value for the money compared to other home extensions. You need a roof whether you have a single or double-storey extension, but you are only paying for additional walls and floor to get more space.

Having a second storey increases the value of the property, but it is not a simple task as you know that property values are very diverse these days. Prices can go down or up at the same time. If the prices in you are rising, then building an extension adds value.

Another thing that influences the value of a property is the supply and demand. In some areas, extending living space is the right choice, such as London. While in other regions of the country, buying a significant home is more cost-effective.

How Tall Can It Be?

One of the limitations with the two-storey extension is the roof height. The eaves and ridge mustn’t be taller than the existing roof. If a building has a low ceiling, then integrating two storeys is challenging. You can use low ceiling height in the rooms at first-floor level, can integrate upstairs bedrooms into roof space.

If the building has a shallow pitched roof, then you can cover a large extension. However, it is not acceptable in sensitive locations such as a conservative area. On the other hand, a flat roof can cover the entire area, but it is not a satisfactory solution for 2 storey extension.

What is the Cost?

Well, the costs of labour and build vary from one location to another. Other factors that affect the cost are to build spec, design and materials you choose. If you are going to develop a standard-quality 2 storey extension, then it will cost you between £1,320 and £1,620. But if you want an extension with the premium design, then it will cost you around £2,100.

Fees for Two Storey Extension

Other costs that can add up to the final cost of the extension is around £25,000. It all depends on the fees you are going to pay.

• First of all, you need to hire an architectural services provider for drawings and planning, which can cost you around £2,700.
• Furthermore, you need to pay the fees of a structural engineer which will cost you around £800.
• In some cases, you may need to hire a surveyor who can cost you between £500 and £1,500.
• The planning permission fee for a two-storey extension in England is £206.
• If you need party wall agreement, then add extra £700 to £1,000 per neighbour.