Guide to House Extensions
House Extension Southampton are an effective way of adding space to your existing premises without going beyond your boundary. The right extension will not only save you from the cost of moving to a new home but also add sufficient space which you can use for several purposes including building new rooms.
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What are the common types of extensions?
There are five common types of house extensions which are carried out in the UK. These include :
- Rear extensions
- Side return extensions
- Wrap-around extensions
- Single or multiple storey extensions
- Dormer extensions
Rear extensions
Rear extensions are carried out at the rear of your house, extending to your existing garden or patio. Minor rear extensions can mostly be carried out without the need for planning permission, saving some time, resources and hassle. Minor rear extensions may take 3 to 4 months while major ones can take over six months.
Although there is no set of rules for exactly estimating the cost of a rear extension you can expect it to be around £40,000 at least for a 5 square-meter extension. It should be noted that the cost can vary considerably based on raw material quality, utilities you opt for, and your location.
Always hire local contractors, for instance, if you live in Hampshire, opt for professional Builders Hampshire as they will be more aware of all the rules and regulations about permitted development in Hampshire.
Side return extensions
Side return extensions are carried out if your home has a path on the side of your home or an alleyway. These are mostly found in period properties and use the otherwise wasted areas of your home where you keep bins, bobs, and garden bits.
Side return extensions can transform the interior of your home and give your home a new look. These extensions do not require planning permission, another reason for their popularity. Side return extensions can typically cost £25,000 to £35,000 and take three to 4 months for completion.
Wrap-around extensions
Wrap-around extensions are a combination of side return extensions and rear extensions. This type of extension adds immense living space and is highly suitable for large or growing families. They create a substantial open-plan space.
which you can use to add a decent-sized seating space, dining area, and kitchen all together in one room. The cost for a wrap-around extensions cab varies considerably. A rough estimate will be above £55,000. This extension can take anywhere from four to six months for completion.
Single or multiple storey extension
Single or Double-storey extensions imply that you will be adding one or two new floors to your existing home. It should be noted that the cost of a double-storey extension will be only 50 % higher than that of a single-storey extension.
That’s because all associated costs with foundations are already covered in a single-storey extension. You get double space but at a lower cost. These extensions require planning permission and are costlier than all other types of extensions. They will also take more time to finish because you will be adding a lot more than just a floor.
Dormer extensions
Dormer extensions use the otherwise wasted attic space in your home and turn it into usable space. In a dormer extension, the pitch of your roof is removed and a flat roof is created. The new roof is in line with the top of your current pitch, giving you a box-shaped space.
This space can be used for creating master bedrooms, bathrooms, kids’ bedrooms, etc. Dormer extensions typically do not require planning permission. They are highly affordable compared to all other types of extensions. They can cost over £32,000 and may take 3 to 4 months for completion.
Other associated costs
Depending on your plan, the cost of a house extension may or may not include the following :
- Structural engineer fees
- Designer/Architect fees
- Surveyor fees.
- Building control fees
- Planning permission costs.
- Party wall agreement
- The cost of a Certificate of Lawful Development.
- Folding/sliding doors
- Decoration.
- Landscaping
- Kitchen and bathroom fittings
- Utilities such as electric, plumbing, and heating.
Requirement of Planning permission
Planning permission is not required for all house extensions. Some areas may not even require it for carrying out double-storey extensions. For instance, the planning permission requirements for House Extension Southampton may be different than those in London. House extensions typically require planning permission, if:
- The house extension covers more than 50 % of the land area of your home.
- The height of the extension will be more than your existing roof( highest part), or the height of your eaves is more than that of your existing eaves.
- It faces a highway or is it to be built ahead of your main elevation
- A raised platform, balcony, or veranda is included.
- It requires the installation of a new microwave antenna.
- It will include a vent pipe for soil or flue and a chimney
- The existing roof has to be altered.
Building regulations to consider
All extensions, regardless of their type or size, regardless of whether they require planning permission or not, have to comply with building regulations. There may be few planning permission requirements for House Extension Southampton.
But they will still have to comply with building regulations. This is one of the most important facts to remember when you want to carry out a house extension. Apart from new construction, compliance also has to be ensured for the following:
- Roof
- Doors
- Windows
- Foundations.
- Drainage.
- External walls
- Internal walls
- Electrics.
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms.
Regardless of which type of extension you want, make sure to hire experienced contractors who know everything about building regulations. It is always best to look for local contractors, if you are living in Hampshire look for Experienced Builders Hampshire, if you are living in London, look for those who have been working in London for years.
