Tag: home

Design and insperation, Extensions

The complete guide to annexes and a granny annexe

10th September 20210

What is an annexe?   

A self-contained unit is more commonly called an annexe or a granny flat. It is generally a building or a part of a building that is used as separate living accommodation. And they may share common services and an entrance with the main house.  

A garden annexe can transform a family’s life. Because by giving the person living in the building closeness to their loved ones. Whilst still maintaining the privacy of having their own space. With a granny annexe, you can avoid costly care homes or the guilt and worry experienced when an unwell or elderly relative lives alone. 

A garden annexe isn’t a permanent residence and doesn’t usually require planning permission. A granny flat is intended to be someone’s home. If the building is being used for habitation with all of the main services. Such as a kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom and bedroom, this would need either householder applications or the caravan act. Therefore, requires permission from the local authority, though this can be via a normal planning application.  

How much does it cost to build an annexe?  

Typically, the average cost to build an annexe is around £20,000. However, the price can vary depending on the size and the quality of the project. Most annexes have between 48 – 75 square meters of living space. Many people like the idea of an annexe because some estimates reckon that they can add as much as 20-30% to the value of the property.  

How long do they take to build?  

Annexes you build on-site typically take 7-14 weeks depending on the size and the specification, but you also need to allow extra time for manufacturing. And build off-site annexes usually take 10 weeks to manufacture, then 4 days or less to deliver on-site.   

Many people also like to have annexes because they are allowed to rent them out. When you rent your property, it would fall under the category of a lodger rather than an assured shorthold tenancy. And also, because annexes will be exempt from paying council tax. Only if it is separately banded for council tax but forms part of another property and a dependant relative is living in it as their main or only home.  

large Granny Annexe is a luxurious self contained home | Architecture, House, House design
An annexe/ granny annexe.

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Extensions, House Extension

What you need to know about a house extension

9th September 20210

What is a house extension? 

A extension is built adjoining the existing house. The method of connection requires careful consideration, in particular, openings between the extension and the existing building.   

A house extension can be very attractive to those lacking room inside their home. However, extending your home is likely to be an expensive project. This is because on average a 30 square meter single storey built on a budget cost between £30,000 and £48,000. And if finances can stretch a bit more amid range extension costs between £51,000 and £60,000. 

Without planning permission or neighbor’s permission, the extension must be no taller than 4 meters high and no longer than 3 meters and must be a single storey. And with permission, if your extension is one storey, it can extend up to six meters from the property. However, you can extened a detached house 8 meters.

Rules for a extension  

The extension cannot be higher than the highest part of the existing roof, or higher at the eaves than the existing eaves. Where the extension comes within 2 meters of the boundary, the height of the eaves cannot exceed 3 meters.  

The 45-degree rule is a common guideline used by local planning authorities. This is to determine the impact from a housing development proposal on sunlight and daylight on the neighbors’ properties. 

Do you need an architect for an extension? 

There’s no law requiring you to hire an architect in any scenario, although having one present on these projects helps ensure you create a safe legal addition to your home.  

Purely as an indication, here is a guide to what architects will charge for drawings at different stages of a project: Cost for architects to draw up planning drawings for planning applications starts from £3,000 for extensions and £4,000 for small scale conversions and from £5,000 for small scale new build schemes. 

Will I need planning permission for extension work? For a full planning application, you will need professional architecture drawings, so the answer would be Yes. Your architect should be able to create your more detailed building regulations drawings and instruct a structural engineer on your behalf. 

Architects’ drawings costs vary from customer and project, you could pay anywhere between £1500 to £7000 for the plans alone. This typically doesn’t include any add-on services like extra revisions, project management services, or any type of construction help.  
 

15 single storey rear extension ideas under £100,000 | Real Homes
A single storey extension.

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