Since it was just an internal renovation, other than checking and adhering to building regulations, it was a fairly simple renovation. But what if you want a major makeover? Perhaps, you've been thinking of adding extensions to your home. Maybe your family’s getting bigger and you need more space, or maybe you’re looking for a more noticeable change.
Regardless of why you want an extension, it’s not a simple process. You have to make sure the work you want done is within budget. Guest contributor Emma, walks us through all the requirements for building extensions and the types of transformations you can plan for in the U.K. However, whether it is the U.K., Australia, the U.S or South East Asia etc, the fact remains that it’s a MUST that you obtain consent and planning permissions from your local planning authority or council if needed.
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What is planning permission?
This refers to the ‘consent’ you need to obtain to be allowed to build on land or change the use of land and buildings. Before anything else, planning permission is the first thing you need to acquire.
Building Regulations are different from planning permission; you should not confuse yourself with the two.
The former is mostly subjective and encompasses the use of land & buildings, the appearance of buildings, landscaping considerations, highway access and the impact that the development will have on the general environment.
Building Regulations, on the other hand, are specific to the design and construction of the buildings. These regulations are meant to ensure the health and safety of the people living in or around the building.
When it comes to building extensions, you may need both planning permission and Building Regulations approval to start work. In some cases, it can be either of the two. If you’re in doubt, it’s best to check with your local planning authority.
Do note that some works fall under Permitted Development. If this is the case, you do not need to apply for a formal planning permission. Otherwise, you’ll need legal consent before you proceed.
Building Extensions Ideas
Before planning permissions and/or building regulations, you need to prepare what extension work you’d like to do. Do note, building extensions don’t always mean you’re literally expanding or extending a part of the house. It could be as simple as rearranging things to make your space look bigger.
Nevertheless, here are some ideas to help you get started. Included are estimated costs to give you a better grasp of how much you’re possibly going to have to shell out.
This refers to the ‘consent’ you need to obtain to be allowed to build on land or change the use of land and buildings. Before anything else, planning permission is the first thing you need to acquire.
Building Regulations are different from planning permission; you should not confuse yourself with the two.
The former is mostly subjective and encompasses the use of land & buildings, the appearance of buildings, landscaping considerations, highway access and the impact that the development will have on the general environment.
Building Regulations, on the other hand, are specific to the design and construction of the buildings. These regulations are meant to ensure the health and safety of the people living in or around the building.
When it comes to building extensions, you may need both planning permission and Building Regulations approval to start work. In some cases, it can be either of the two. If you’re in doubt, it’s best to check with your local planning authority.
Do note that some works fall under Permitted Development. If this is the case, you do not need to apply for a formal planning permission. Otherwise, you’ll need legal consent before you proceed.
Building Extensions Ideas
Before planning permissions and/or building regulations, you need to prepare what extension work you’d like to do. Do note, building extensions don’t always mean you’re literally expanding or extending a part of the house. It could be as simple as rearranging things to make your space look bigger.
Nevertheless, here are some ideas to help you get started. Included are estimated costs to give you a better grasp of how much you’re possibly going to have to shell out.
Conservatory
A conservatory is, without a doubt, one of the most popular home improvements that you can do. It’s relatively inexpensive, and at the same time, it can be built without planning permission. It differs from an orangery which tends to have a partially solid roof and a higher proportion of solid wall.
It’s also worth noting that a good and nice-looking conservatory can add at least 5% value to your home during a building survey. This is especially important if you are planning to sell your house.
Conservatories are also exempt from Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Building Regulations provided that:
- at least 50% of the walls are constructed from a translucent material
- at least 75% of the roof is made from a translucent material
- the floor area does not exceed 30m²
- the conservatory is at ground level
- heating must be independent of the primary dwelling (or operationally independent through zoning)
- glazing meets Part N (safety concerning impact opening and cleaning) in critical zones
Kitchen extension
Working in a small kitchen can be a real pain especially if you have a big family. If remodelling the kitchen area won't quite cut it, an extension is your best option.
Extending your kitchen is a good move if:
A low to mid-range type of kitchen will cost you around £10,000. It all depends on how luxurious and high end you want it to be, so be prepared to spend more if that’s what you're aiming for.
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Working in a small kitchen can be a real pain especially if you have a big family. If remodelling the kitchen area won't quite cut it, an extension is your best option.
Extending your kitchen is a good move if:
- You just don’t have enough space to remodel
- You’ve considered moving to a different house with a bigger kitchen, but it’s not within your budget
- The value that will be added to your property by extending is larger than your expenditure
A low to mid-range type of kitchen will cost you around £10,000. It all depends on how luxurious and high end you want it to be, so be prepared to spend more if that’s what you're aiming for.
[source]Garage conversion
With extending your kitchen, you can opt to convert your garage into one. If you’re okay with your cooking area and you just want extra living space, your garage will also do the job just fine.
A well-executed garage conversion can add up as much as 10% value to your home. In addition to increased living space, you also avoid the inconvenience and costs of moving. An average single garage would require anywhere between £5,000 to £8,000 to convert.
Planning permission is also not a requirement if you don’t plan to alter the structure of a building. This means that it falls under Permitted Development in most cases unless:
- You live in a listed building or conservation area
- Your house is newly-built with the condition that requires the garage to remain as a parking area.
- Standalone garages are more likely to require one if you plan to convert it to a ‘habitable’ area
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Loft conversion
The attic is also a very good place for an extension. Not only will you and your family benefit from the extra accommodation, but it will also add value to your home.
The main factor to consider in loft conversions is whether or not the space is suitable. The type of roof that you have as well as if there’s enough room for the conversion that you also want matters. The following are the types of loft conversion options available to you.
Velux - £20,000 to £25,000
Dormer - £25,000-£30,000 for standard and £40,000-£45,000 for an L-shaped
Hip to Gable - £42,000 to £48,000
Mansard - £45,000 to £50,000
You’ll need to secure planning permission based on the type of conversion and the status of your property (if it’s listed or not). You may also have to wait for 21 days for any objection from your neighbours. That’s if the resulting loft conversion will affect the view of others when it’s higher than the original roof.
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The attic is also a very good place for an extension. Not only will you and your family benefit from the extra accommodation, but it will also add value to your home.
The main factor to consider in loft conversions is whether or not the space is suitable. The type of roof that you have as well as if there’s enough room for the conversion that you also want matters. The following are the types of loft conversion options available to you.
Velux - £20,000 to £25,000
Dormer - £25,000-£30,000 for standard and £40,000-£45,000 for an L-shaped
Hip to Gable - £42,000 to £48,000
Mansard - £45,000 to £50,000
You’ll need to secure planning permission based on the type of conversion and the status of your property (if it’s listed or not). You may also have to wait for 21 days for any objection from your neighbours. That’s if the resulting loft conversion will affect the view of others when it’s higher than the original roof.
[source]Basement conversion
According to The Guardian, the number of planning applications for basement extensions has increased by 183%. Though they’re one of the most expensive methods of extending your living space, it’s a really good idea if you live in a high-cost area.
This is not to discourage you from converting your basement but to give you a better idea, here’s a quick rundown of the costs involved:
- Conversion of an existing cellar: £750 – £1,400 per square metre
- Lowering the floor level and underpinning an existing cellar: £1,500 – £2,000 per square metre
- Digging a new basement and underpinning: £2,000 – £3,000 per square metre
- creating a light well / external access: £5,000 – £7,500
- Engineer’s fees: £1,000 – £1,500
- Planning application, if required: £165
- Building Regulations application: £750+ depending on the value of the work undertaken
- Party wall agreements, if required: £700 per neighbour
- VAT: an additional 20% added by VAT-registered contractors
Unwanted trees out
It’s not exactly building an extension but removing those unneeded trees can free up some much required space. But before you do so, check if other tree projects are possible instead of just removing them. For instance, you can create great works of art through tree carvings.
But if you have to cut them down, proceed with caution. Tree Preservation Orders are set in place to protect them. Removing or altering a tree without legal consent can spell big trouble.
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It’s not exactly building an extension but removing those unneeded trees can free up some much required space. But before you do so, check if other tree projects are possible instead of just removing them. For instance, you can create great works of art through tree carvings.
But if you have to cut them down, proceed with caution. Tree Preservation Orders are set in place to protect them. Removing or altering a tree without legal consent can spell big trouble.
[source]Glass extension
Glazed extensions are different from conservatories as their mainly used to connect two solid parts of the house. They’re also more expensive, but that’s because the ‘wow’ factor that it brings to your property is unparalleled.
Old and listed properties simply look great and are complimented very well by glass extensions. Do note, that if your house is listed, you’ll be needing planning permission. Glass extensions are also functional especially in increasing insulation levels and making your home more energy-efficient.
And since they’re way more expensive than conservatories, prepare a budget of at least £3,000 per square metre.
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Rear extension
This type of extension is usually one of the easier ones to do as they usually fall under Permitted Development unless your property is located in a Conservation Area or is listed. However, there are still certain guidelines that you need to follow, like the ones below:
This type of extension is usually one of the easier ones to do as they usually fall under Permitted Development unless your property is located in a Conservation Area or is listed. However, there are still certain guidelines that you need to follow, like the ones below:
- You can only extend up to eight metres from your property’s original rear wall if it’s a detached home.
- You’re allowed to extend up to six metres only on a semi-detached or terraced home.
- In both cases, the extension should not be higher than four metres.
- If the extension project is within two metres of a boundary, the eaves should not be higher than three metres.
The estimated cost for a rear extension of anywhere between £1,200 to £1,500 per metre square. In high-cost areas like London and the South East, it can be around £1,500 to £2,000+ per square metre.
[source]Two-storey extension
If it’s additional space that you’re looking for, a two-storey extension is the best way to go. It can significantly increase both your living space as well as bedroom accommodation at the same time. That’s way better compared to moving to a different house!
While most types of building extensions fall under Permitted Developments, there are some restrictions that you need to keep in mind such as:
- The new extension should not be taller than the highest part of the existing roof
- It must not extend beyond the existing rear wall by more than three metres
- The extension needs to be at least seven metres from the property boundary
- It needs to be constructed using materials that match the original structure
- You need a formal consent from your neighbours especially if your property shares a wall with theirs
The cost for a two-storey extension with a kitchen will be around £10,000. A two-storey with bathroom will be at a price range of £7,000. If you need a shower room together with the extension, expect to shell out at least £9,000.
Cellar conversion
A well-converted cellar is a great addition to your home. It can be turned into a gym, a home office, or anything else that’s both habitable and functional.
Just make sure that it’s properly constructed to be damp and waterproof. Just like basements, cellars are located under the ground which make them prone to problems with damp. The good news is that there are some systems used to damp-proof cellars.
If there’s already an existing cellar at your property, it is highly unlikely that you need planning permission. However, you’ll need to secure one if the conversion will alter the external appearance of the house. A good example is when you’re going to add a light well.
Since cellars and basements have a lot of similarities, you can expect to spend more or less the same for cellar conversions.
[source]So there you have it - an extremely comprehensive guide and costs of various extensions and home transformations! If like my sister, you reside in the UK, then this guide will hopefully be super handy when you plan an extension.
I'll try and put up a guide for fellow Australians soon.
Till next time... are you planning a home makeover or an extension?
About the Author
Emma is a part-time property developer who loves sharing how others can make their homes amazing both inside and out on her blog Fixtures and Flowers. You can chat to Emma on Twitter.
The cost of your loft conversion will depend on your roof structure, the existing available space and whether any alterations need to be made to the floor below to accommodate the staircase. SurreyLofts.co.uk
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