The Inside Edge
Quickie Guide to Home Extensions and Planning Permission
There are many reasons why you might want to consider building a house extension. If you’re looking to upsize, but don’t want to or can’t move right now, an extension can be the perfect solution. Building a home extension is also one of the best ways of adding value to your home especially if you add extra bedroom space. When you do come to sell your home, you will find you make a great return on your investment. Before you go ahead, it’s a good idea to find out as much as you can about the process especially planning permission. Many people have jumped ahead too fast and been scuppered by planning permission regulations so read our quickie guide for more information.
Planning an extension can be challenging. Planning permissions is one of those essential aspects of building a house extension and you really don’t want to overlook it. If you do, it WILL end up in disaster and could result in your extension being pulled down or condemned. Why not take a look at our planning permission guide instead and do things the easy and correct way?
The Benefits of a House Extension
Lots of people are taking on home improvements these days and a house extension seems to top the list. There are some great benefits to choosing a house extension. Not only do you gain extra space and add value to your home when you come to sell, but if you really couldn’t bear the thought of moving, an extension allows you stay put and avoid the upheaval and stress of that moving home brings.
A Little Bit About Planning Permisson
We’ve all seen some of the eyesores that people refer to as their extension. Large concrete monstrosities are thankfully a thing of the past thanks to tighter planner permission controls. It’s important that your extension not only looks good, but that it fits in with the style of other houses in your immediate area. An extension built without the right planning permission can lower the value for your home and those around you and can result in the demolition of your extension.
The following planning permission regulations apply in the UK:
Terraced, semi-detached and terraced houses require planning permission if the house extension is to cover in excess of 70m² or 115% of the total volume of the property.
You will also need to get planning permission if your property extension is going to sit higher than the highest point of your house.
Planning permission is required for all Grade II listed buildings.
All apartments and maisonettes required planning permission for extensions.
If you plan to increase the volume of your property by more than 115 cubic metres or if you plan to build within two metres of the boundary of the property, you need to seek planning permission.
Before you commence any work, we recommend that you contact your local authority’s Planning Office to find out more about the process and to discuss your plans. Once you know what is involved you can start your hunt for a builder and get down to business!