The homeowners guide to single-storey extensions.
Homeowners in the UK increasingly look to single-storey extensions as a practical and appealing solution to enhance their living space. Whether for a growing family, a home office, or a luxurious new kitchen, a single-storey extension offers numerous possibilities and benefits. However, before embarking on such a project, understanding the UK planning and building regulations is essential to ensure a smooth and compliant process.
You may be thinking, do I need planning permission for my single storey extension?
In most cases you can carry out single storey extensions through permitted development. It is advisable to obtain a Lawful Development Certificate which would protect you if legislation were ever to change, this certificate acts as proof that the build was lawful at the time it was carried out.
Permitted Development Rights: Many single-storey extensions fall under 'permitted development rights', meaning they do not require planning permission if they meet certain criteria. These include limits on size, height, and proximity to boundaries. For instance, single-storey rear extensions can extend up to 6 meters for terraced or semi-detached houses and 8 meters for detached houses without planning permission, subject to neighbour consultation.
Planning Permission: If your extension exceeds permitted development limits, you will need to apply for planning permission from your local council. This process involves submitting detailed plans and may require consultation with neighbors. Approval is based on factors like design, impact on neighboring properties, and adherence to local planning policies.
Building Regulations: Regardless of whether planning permission is needed, all extensions must comply with building regulations. These cover structural integrity, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, and electrical and plumbing standards. A building control surveyor will inspect the work at various stages to ensure compliance.
Party Wall Act: If your extension affects a shared wall with a neighbour, you may need to comply with the Party Wall Act, which requires you to notify and obtain agreement from affected neighbours.
Heritage and Conservation Areas: Additional restrictions apply if your property is listed or located in a conservation area. In such cases, you may need listed building consent or conservation area consent, in addition to planning permission.
What are the possibilities and benefits when carrying out a single storey extension?
Single-storey extensions provide a versatile way to expand your home without the complexities of multi-level construction. Here are some common uses and design ideas:
What are the possibilities and benefits when carrying out a single storey extension?
Single-storey extensions provide a versatile way to expand your home without the complexities of multi-level construction. Here are some common uses and design ideas:
Steps to planning your extension:
Initial Consultation: Discuss your ideas with a proffesional to understand feasibility, costs, and design options.
Design and Planning: Your proffesional will advise you as to whether your extension falls under permitted development or requires planning permission, you can then work together to develop detailed plans to submit to the council.
Building Regulations Approval: Following gaining consents from the council, it is advisable to have some detailed construction drawings produced, demonstrating compliance with Parts A-S of the UK building regulations. These will then be submitted to building control.
Party Wall Agreement: If necessary, obtain agreements from neighbour’s affected by the extension.
Construction: Following building control approval, hire a reputable builder and commence construction, ensuring all work is inspected and certified as per building regulations.
Completion: Once construction is finished, obtain a completion certificate from building control, confirming that the extension meets all regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
Single-storey extensions offer a fantastic opportunity to enhance your home’s living space and value. By understanding the planning and building regulations in the UK, you can navigate the process smoothly and create a functional, beautiful addition to your home. Whether you’re looking to expand your kitchen, add a new bedroom, or create a sunlit retreat, a single-storey extension can transform your living experience.
Conclusion
Single-storey extensions offer a fantastic opportunity to enhance your home’s living space and value. By understanding the planning and building regulations in the UK, you can navigate the process smoothly and create a functional, beautiful addition to your home. Whether you’re looking to expand your kitchen, add a new bedroom, or create a sunlit retreat, a single-storey extension can transform your living experience.
Steps to planning your extension:
Initial Consultation: Discuss your ideas with a proffesional to understand feasibility, costs, and design options.
Design and Planning: Your proffesional will advise you as to whether your extension falls under permitted development or requires planning permission, you can then work together to develop detailed plans to submit to the council.
Building Regulations Approval: Following gaining consents from the council, it is advisable to have some detailed construction drawings produced, demonstrating compliance with Parts A-S of the UK building regulations. These will then be submitted to building control.
Party Wall Agreement: If necessary, obtain agreements from neighbour’s affected by the extension.
Construction: Following building control approval, hire a reputable builder and commence construction, ensuring all work is inspected and certified as per building regulations.
Completion: Once construction is finished, obtain a completion certificate from building control, confirming that the extension meets all regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
Single-storey extensions offer a fantastic opportunity to enhance your home’s living space and value. By understanding the planning and building regulations in the UK, you can navigate the process smoothly and create a functional, beautiful addition to your home. Whether you’re looking to expand your kitchen, add a new bedroom, or create a sunlit retreat, a single-storey extension can transform your living experience.
Conclusion
Single-storey extensions offer a fantastic opportunity to enhance your home’s living space and value. By understanding the planning and building regulations in the UK, you can navigate the process smoothly and create a functional, beautiful addition to your home. Whether you’re looking to expand your kitchen, add a new bedroom, or create a sunlit retreat, a single-storey extension can transform your living experience.
Possibilities:
Kitchen and Dining Areas: One of the most popular reasons for a single-storey extension is to create a larger, open-plan kitchen and dining space. This can significantly enhance the functionality and aesthetic of your home.
Living Room Expansion: Extending the living room can provide more space for relaxation and entertainment, allowing for larger furniture and more natural light.
Home Office: With the rise of remote working, a single-storey extension can serve as a dedicated home office, offering a quiet and productive environment separate from household activities.
Additional Bedroom or Bathroom: For growing families, an extra bedroom or bathroom can be a valuable addition, offering more comfort and convenience without the need to move to a larger home.
Sunroom or Conservatory: Adding a sunroom or conservatory can create a tranquil space to enjoy natural light and garden views year-round, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Benefits:
Increased Property Value: A well-designed extension can significantly boost the market value of your home, making it a wise investment.
Enhanced Living Space: More space can improve your quality of life, providing additional room for family activities, storage, and relaxation.
Personalisation: Extensions offer the opportunity to tailor your home to your specific needs and tastes, creating a more personalised and functional living environment.
Cost-Effective Alternative to Moving: Extending your current home can be more cost-effective and less disruptive than moving to a new property, not to mention the current mortgage rates, avoiding the costs and stress associated with selling and buying homes.
Energy Efficiency: Modern extensions can be built with energy efficiency in mind, incorporating the latest insulation, glazing, and heating technologies to reduce energy bills and environmental impact.
What are the possibilities and benefits when carrying out a single storey extension?
Single-storey extensions provide a versatile way to expand your home without the complexities of multi-level construction. Here are some common uses and design ideas: