House Extensions: Adding Space and Value to Your Home

Do you feel cramped in your current living space? Do you wish you had more room to stretch out and relax? If so, a house extension is what you need! With a house extension, you can add valuable square footage to your property while increasing its value and appeal.

Imagine having a spacious new area in your home where you can spend time pursuing your hobbies and interests, entertain guests, or relax with family. It would be a dream come true, right? But where do you start if you want to build a house extension?

With so many options and factors to consider, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. That's where we come in. In this blog post, we'll guide you through everything you need to know about house extensions, from the types of extensions available to the planning, costing, and financing process.

So whether you're dreaming of a new kitchen, a luxurious master suite, or a spacious living room, we'll show you how to make your dream a reality.

Types of House Extensions

Front house extension

A front house extension involves extending the front of your house. With a front house extension, you can create a large entrance hall, a spacious new living area, or even an extra bedroom.

However, because this is an extension towards the street side of the house, it has more planning requirements. It is advisable to work closely with a knowledgeable architect or designer when planning a front-house extension. This ensures the extension seamlessly blends with your home's existing architecture and meets all requirements.

Side of house extension

If you have an alleyway or path on the side of your house that you would like to put to better use, consider a side house extension. Although the extension is small, it can significantly transform the interior of your home.

Any windows you lose on the side can be replaced with roof lights, allowing more natural light into your house. Plus, with side extensions, you don’t need any planning permissions.

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You can use this extension to expand your living room or dining room area or to create a beautiful open-plan kitchen.

Over-structure extensions

Consider an over-structure extension if you want to preserve your outdoor space or extend your first floor. These are extensions built on top of an existing structure, most commonly the garage. The added space can be a family room, utility room, extra bathroom, etc.

However, there are a lot of technicalities involved in these extensions. Since you are building an extension on top of another structure, you need an engineer to determine whether the building below can support the added weight.

And, of course, all these technicalities only add to the overall cost of the extension.

Double-storey extensions

Double-storey extensions extend over two floors instead of just one. You can extend upwards on a rear, side, or wrap-around extension.

With this kind of extension, you get double the space you would get with a single-storey extension.  Another advantage is that a double-storey extension will cost you just 50% more than a single-storey,  not double.

This is because all the major costs are tied to the lower level, e.g., the foundation, so installing the upper floor is much easier and cheaper. However, you will need planning permissions to install a double-storey extension, so keep that in mind while planning.

Rear house extensions

Rear house extensions are the most popular and the most versatile. They are usually at the back of your house, extending to your garden.

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With these extensions, you can create spaces that perfectly blend with the outdoors. You can expand your living area and kitchen, create a home office, kids' playroom, or a ground floor bedroom.

Small rear extensions may not require planning permissions, but you must apply for them to build something big.

Wrap-around extensions

Wrap-around extensions involve moving your house's rear and side walls to form an L-shaped extension. You can use these extensions to expand an existing room on one side and build a new one on the other. This is why they are ideal for homes with large outdoor spaces.

Wrap-around extensions help you createstunning open-plan indoor spaces. They also make it easier for you to blendindoors and outdoors with bifold doors and roof lights, exposing your home tomore natural lighting.

House Extension Costs

It’s difficult to put an exact figure on the costs involved in a house extension project. This is because the prices vary widely depending on factors such as the property's location, the size, and complexity of the extension, the preexisting site condition, etc.

It is, therefore, important to properly plan and budget for your house extension project. Carefully considering all the potential costs and creating a budget will ensure your project succeeds.

Some of the major costs to include in your budget are:

● Materials - they include everything from the structural components, such as beams, to the finishes, i.e., flooring and fittings. Remember that the cost of the materials will also vary depending on quality.

● Labor - the cost of labor will depend on the experience and expertise of the contractors. The size and complexity of the project will also affect the price. When budgeting, include the cost of labor from the planning and designing stage to the construction and finishing stage.

● Permits - the permits you pay for will depend on the location of your property and the specifics of your project. Examples of these permits include planning permissions, building regulations approval, etc.You can always consult your local planning authority to determine the specific permits you need.

● Design fees - you must account for design fees if you will work with an architect or a designer for your house extension. Ofcourse, the costs will vary depending on the project and how long you will retain their services.

Other costs you shouldn’t forget to account for are:

● The cost of a Certificate ofLawful Development.

● Party Wall Agreement if necessary.

● Landscaping.

● Upgrading of heating, plumbing, or electrics.

Tips to Keep House Extension Costs Down

The cost of building a house extension can be significant. Consider the following tips to help keep the costs down without compromising on quality or functionality:

1. Work with professionals to create a detailed plan that accurately highlights the scope and cost of the project.
2. Read through your contractor’s quote carefully and compare it with quotes from other contractors to ensure you are being charged fairly.  
3. Keep your house extension design simple to reduce the cost of labor and materials.
4. Do proper research on the materials you need. Buy materials that give good value for your money. You can also lower the cost of materials by using reclaimed     pieces.
5. Consider alternative construction methods, such as prefabricated construction. They are often cheaper than traditional construction methods.
6. Consider DIY options - this can save you thousands if you have the proper skill set. However, only take tasks you are confident you can complete safely and to a high standard. This is because if you were to mess up, you would spend more money than you would have saved to correct the mistake. Therefore, only work on flooring, plumbing, electrical wiring, and demolition projects if qualified.

Financing a House Extension

Here are a few financing options to consider:

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● Personal savings - this is the perfect option if you have enough savings. It allows you to easily finance your project without incurring debts.

● Credit card - credit cards are risky as the interest rates can be high. However, this is an excellent short-term financing option if you can pay off the balance quickly.

● Personal loan - a personal loan is only a good option if your project is small. Personal loans have higher interest rates, and the repayments can add up quickly, especially if you borrow from several sources.

● Remortgage - an excellent financing option, especially if you can get it at a lower interest rate than your existing mortgage. You can use your current and future home equity to get the exact amount you need.

Planning Permissions and Permitted Developments

Any changes to the existing structure of a building may require you to get planning permissions from your local council. However, some home extension projects may fall under the permitted development rights, so you don't need to apply for planning permission.

Your extension project will require planning permission only if:

● The extension will cover more than 50% of the land your home sits on

● The extension will extend higher than the highest part of your roof

● There will be any changes to the existing roof of your house

● It will include a balcony, verandah, or a raised platform

● You are extending towards a road

● You will install a chimney or a vent pipe on the extension

● The eaves will exceed three meters in height, or the extension willcome within two meters of the boundary.

● You plan to install a new antenna on the extension, for example, a television aerial.

● Your house is listed

Listed Buildings Consent

The government protects listed buildings because of their architectural or historical importance. Altering such structures, even internally, is illegal without proper consent.  Permitted development rights also don’t apply in such cases.

If you wish to install a house extension on a permitted building, it must conform to the original house's flavour, appearance, and material used in construction.

House Extension Regulations

Though not all house extensions require planning permissions, they must all adhere to current building regulations, regardless of size.

You can either submit a Full Plans Application or a Building Notice. A Building Notice gives the local authority a 48-hour notice of your intent to start construction.

With a Full Plans Application, you send plans to your local authority for approval before you start building.  If you are making a large extension, submitting a Full Plans Application is easier than a building notice. This is because the extension’s design will have been checked and approved before you begin construction, making you less likely to have compliance issues.

The local council inspects the construction process at several key stages. You should inform them when each stage is reached. If you do not, they will pause your project for inspection, which might invalidate all your work if it doesn’t meet the set regulations.

It is, therefore, essential to work with a professional, such as an experienced builder, who can take you through the whole building regulations application process. They can also advise you when the building inspector should visit and ensure you have done everything per the regulations.

What to do if your Extension's Planning Application is Rejected

Typically, you will receive a rejection notice with instructions on whether you can submit an appeal. The notice will give you a limited time frame to submit the appeal if you can.

An independent planning inspector will handle the appeal. They will consider the national and local policies and the impact of the proposed extension before delivering the results of the appeal.

Insuring your Extension Project

Accidents can happen during construction, and you may incur damages to your house or possessions. You should ensure you have a sufficient house extension cover before construction begins.

If you have existing home insurance, consult your insurer and determine if it can cover any damages incurred during construction, whether to the existing or the new structure.

If it cannot, get an additional cover that protects your house and belongings during construction. Once the extension is complete, ensure your insurance is updated to reflect the extra space and the new value of your property.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you've made it to the end of this article on house extensions! Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the different types of house extensions available, the costs involved, and the applicable regulations.

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As you have seen, undertaking a house extension project can be challenging. You must carefully consider your options, plan your project, and follow all the set guidelines to ensure the successful completion of your project.

Remember to keep to your budget and explore financing options that suit your circumstances. Also, work with experienced professionals who can guide you through the process and ensure your extension is safe, compliant, and meets your expectations.

By following everything we have discussed, you can create the house extension of your dreams and enjoy all the benefits that come with it. So why wait? Start planning your house extension today and turn your house into your dream home!

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