Tag: skylight

Extensions

An Informative Guide To Side Return Extension

18th January 20220

For many homeowners, the pathway that runs alongside the ground floor area of the space (the side return area) is an unnecessary space. By building an extension onto it, you can make your home bigger and better.  

What is a side return extension?  

A side return extension is an infill of the passage to the rear and side of the property’s commonly between two houses. While rear extensions often result in a loss of garden space, the side return infill makes use of a typically disused part of the property.  

Will you need planning for a side return extension?  

If you own the property, then often times the extension can be built under permitted development. This means you won’t need planning permission. If you don’t apply for planning then your extension will need to meet these rules 

  • Single storey  
  • Be no more than 4m  
  • Be no wider than half the width of the original house 
  • If the extension is within two meters of a boundary, maximum eaves height should be no higher than 3m to be permitted development.  
  • Not exceed 50% of the total area of land around the original house. Sheds and outbuildings must be included when calculating the above 50% limit. 

Before you start work you will need to notify the council who will then consult with your neighbours. The council will take any concerns or objections on board in relation to the impact of your extension on neighboring properties. 

A common restriction as a result of this process is the need to limit the height of the wall on or next to the boundary wall, to reduce the impact of the loss of light. Permitted development rules allow boundary walls and fences to be erected up to 2m.  

What structural work is involved?  

  • A new wall is built on either the boundary of you and your neighbours land, or just in your side of the boundary.  
  • A roof is added. You should consider a fully glazed design or one with a couple of skylights, so you get maximum natural light.  
  • The side wall to the existing rear room is either completely or partially knocked through. And a steel frame may need to be installed into the wall to support this new opening. 
  • A new floor is usually put in, level with the existing floor.  

How much does a side return extension cost? 

The cost of a side return extension depends on a couple of things such as the size, the quality, and the area. The prices in London can be a lot higher than in the rest of the UK.  

But averagely the cost of this type of extension would be between £30,000 and £65,000. The cost per square meter also varies due to the same reasons. Outside of London, the cost is typically £1,500 to £2,400 per square meter. Whereas, in London, it can go up to £4,500 per square meter.  

How long does it take to build?  

Finally, it should take around 3 – 4 months to build your new extension. However, the project length could be longer if you need to get planning permission and if any delays happen.    

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Veronica Rodriguez)

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Advice Center

10 Ways To Increase Natural Light In Your Home

21st October 20210

Natural light is so important to our health and well-being. Improving the levels of natural light in your home can trigger natural chemicals in our body called serotonin. The more exposed we are to the light the less we feel sleepy and are less likely to become depressed.  

Skylights –  

Skylights are one of the most popular ways to add natural light to your home. They can make a dramatic change, even on dull, grey, damp days, the area is still filled with light. Natural light spills in making the smallest spaces feel light and airy. For extra privacy or to reduce the amount of light to prevent overheating, you can add blinds to the windows. 

FIXED SKYLIGHTS PITCHED ROOF - SKYLIGHT SUPPLIES NO1 ROOFING

 Replacing internal walls with windows-  

Replacing the walls with windows is another way of creating additional light in the home. This also gives the illusion of adding more space, in a small area. They are also a striking design feature and they can make a fantastic focal point in modern homes.  

130 Window Walls ideas | house design, window wall, home

Use glass doors to bring in more natural light –  

Another effective way to bring light into a space is by replacing solid doors with glass doors, bi-fold doors, or French doors. The light can pass easily from one room to another and they also bring the outside, in.  

Make the most of the natural light with a glazed extension in Derby

Use mirrors and shiny objects to add more light –  

Mirrors give a greater sense of space, and when carefully placed it can help direct natural light into darker spaces. They also make the interior of the house look fresh and open Mirrors also bounce the light off things so include metallic surfaces or décor in the room.  

How to decorate with mirrors without turning your home into a fun house | The Star

Choose the right colour palette – 

Painting a room white is probably the quickest and cheapest way to maximise the light in that room. However, this depends on where the windows are placed, because the glare of the sun can alter its appearance.  

Also, if you paint the ceiling a few shades lighter than the walls, the room will feel larger, taller, and brighter.  

10 Best Paint Colors for Small Living Rooms

Have minimal furniture – 

Having minimal and light-coloured furniture opens up the room and makes the space looks bigger. Without the clutter of bulky furniture, the natural light has room to illuminate the living space.  

You should also make sure that you use lighter shades of furniture because heavy shades can block the light from entering your home.  

Minimalist Interior Design Defined And How To Make It Work - Décor Aid

The right flooring  

Flooring can be transformed into light-friendly reflectors by choosing wooden, ceramic, or stone floors with a polished finish. This will reflect much lighter than carpets. However, if you prefer carpet you should stick to light, neutral colours.   

Muniellos Light Oak 910x153 Anti-Slip Tiles | Walls and Floors

Clean windows  

One of the simplest ways to increase light is by cleaning your windows. Eliminating the dirt ensures that as much light as possible can filter through the glass and into your home.  

The Ultimate Guide To Cleaning Your Outside Windows - King of Maids

Remove unnecessary walls  

If you can remove the walls or make the space open plan is a wonderful way to achieve complete openness. Having multiple rooms flow into one to light up the area is great. Because the walls will not be blocking the light and the room would share multiple windows.  

8 Open-Plan Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them

Add greenery  

 When all else fails, you can always count on house plants to help you compensate for the lack of natural light. Plants give off ethereal vibes and keep the air clean. 

How To Style Your Home With Indoor Plants | Our Top Five Tips | Hunting for George

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