More and more people are opting to stay at their current property and are more interested in building n extension rather than move. This is down to several reasons, but on the most part due to the increasing cost which are involved in moving home. With the ever-increasing property prices this has pushed up the cost of Estate Agents’ fees and Stamp Duty – and it is the latter which can really deter people from moving.
But if, instead, you decide to spend the money on adding an extension to your existing property, you may in the end have a property with a higher monetary value and which fits your family better as you will be able to plan the build to suit your requirements.
So, what are the rules on extensions to houses? Where do you need to start?
Rules On Extensions To Houses
The main rules to are, but not limited to, the following (always take advise from a qualified person prior to carrying out any works. For a full guide to the rules, visit Planningportal.gov.uk): –
- No more than half of the land around the existing property can be covered by additional/new buildings.
- No extension is to be higher than the highest part of the existing roof.
- Single-storey rear extensions must not extend past the rear boundary wall of the original property by more than 3m if there is an attached property or by 4m if a detached house. However, the limit is increased to 6m if an attached house and 8m if a detached house until 30 May 2019. These increased limits are subject to providing the local authority with prior notification of the work. A neighbour consultation scheme will take place and if objections are received, the proposal might not be allowed.
- No extension will project forward of the front or side elevation fronting a highway (which means that the extension should not go beyond the front or side of the original property which leads to the street).
- Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of 4m.
- Extensions of more than one storey must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 3m.
- Side extensions to be single-storey with a maximum height of 4m and width of no more than half that of the original house.
- Two-storey extensions to be no closer than 7m to rear boundary.
- Roof pitch of extensions higher than single storey need to match the existing property.
- Materials to be similar in appearance to those of the construction of the existing house.
Loft conversion rules
Planning Permission is not usually required for loft conversions, however, please remember to take the appropriate advice before carrying out any works to your property. As a rule, the following limitations surround loft conversions: –
- A maximum volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terraced houses or 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached properties.
- No extension beyond the plane of the original roof slope to the principal elevation which fronts the highway.
- No extension is to be higher than the uppermost part of the existing roof.
- The materials which are used are to be similar in appearance to the existing property.
- No verandas, balconies or raised platforms from the loft area.
- Side-facing windows must be obscure glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.
- Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones [a typical roof with two sloping sides], to be set back at least 20cm from the original eaves.
- Any roof enlargement must not overhang the wall of the original property.
You will also need to consider Building Regulation Approval which may be required. Again, it is best to seek professional advice before carrying out any works to your property. It can be a costly exercise in the beginning but if you do not get the appropriate advice from the start then this can end up costing you much more in the long run.
By instructing experienced, qualified and time-served tradespeople for the relevant works you should be able to obtain references from previous customers and to be able to obtain evidence of their previous work. With the internet and Social Media being widely used nowadays, there are always good and more importantly bad reviews out there so make sure that you do your research. Most reputable tradespeople will not expect to be paid until the job is complete or may ask for interim payments at certain stages of the project when you are happy that they have completed each part.
At Trade Access Panels we provide many products which may be required for your project so please bear us in mind. If you should require any further information or assistance then please let our dedicated team know and we will be happy to assist further 01922 500145 – sales@tradeaccesspanels.co.uk