There are a lot of things to keep in mind. When planning an extension, and if you have a period property, you’ll need to consider having an extension or outbuilding that has the same style as the house; working with historical architects will ensure everything looks natural.
Planning permission
Planning permission is the green light for your extension or any changes to your building. It can be a challenge if you aren’t sure what you need, or perhaps you haven’t fully decided what you want. You will apply for planning permission after you have the plans with your architect - and where possible, speak to an architect or building contracts who have links with local planning authorities.
Here are a couple of things that you will need planning permission for:
Extending more than 6 meters from the back of a property
Different materials
Balconies and raised verandas
Listed buildings
Increasing the height of the building
Access issues
Sometimes our planned extension might present some access issues for the people who live on either side of you. Anything that might limit access should be carefully considered because neighbor relations can quickly turn sour regarding extensions that impact how they live.
Make sure you understand the full scope of how the materials will get to the place of the extension because, in some cases, it might need to go over the home and the homes of those residing next to you.
Be considerate to your neighbors.
Regulations
Building regulations are there for your safety - not just to make the paperwork longer and the cost larger. Building regulations will need to be adhered to. The design you have from the architects will need structural engineer calculations and drawings regarding your regulations application.
You can submit your plans as a full plan or as a building notice. Ensure you have guidance to deliver everything correctly to reduce the chances of your plans being rejected.
Your property will be inspected regularly during the construction - you’ll have key stages outlined.
Fire regulations
No one likes to think about their property catching fire, but your extensions can be a fire issue. Although most extensions will naturally meet the fire regulations because of modern materials, rogue builders won’t be so concerned about that. Typically, modern materials can resist the spread of fire for about 30 minutes.
Always remember that you should have a fire alarm, and the regulations become more stringent for larger builds (upwards in floors).
Architect
You need an architect with experience in the type of extension you want and the type of property too. Period properties and properties like terraced houses all have unique challenges, so working with someone who has experience will give you the best for your cash.
One of the most exciting things about extensions is that you get a new space to design the interior: Designing A Home You Love: How To Create A Haven.
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