While you just can’t wait to see your extension built and ready to be used, you need to keep in mind that it involves a lot of planning and preparation. Hopefully, this guide on building an extension will help you make everything right and make the best decisions according to your goals and budget, all within the law.
How Much Does Building An Extension Cost?
We can say exactly how much you need to spend to build an extension since it depends on where you are as well as on the type of extension you are looking to build. Anyway, you should keep in mind that:
- Building a single-storey extension may cost per m^2:
- Basic quality: between £1,000 and £1,680
- Good quality: between £1,680 to £1,920
- High-quality: between £1,920 to £2,160
- Building a two-storey extension will not be a lot more expensive than building a single-storey. After all, you will only need to add a couple more walls and floor joists.
Does Building An Extension Add Value?
While it depends from case to case, the general rule is that they don’t end that much value. After all, you may end up spending a lot more building the extensions than the extra profit you may get for selling your home with the extension.
To get a better idea about how much your new extensions will cost, you can ask for a budget at the National Association of Building Contractors.
It’s important to keep in mind that there are other investments you can make to your property that will add more value when you are just looking to sell your home. Nevertheless, you can always get in touch with a real estate agent and get his opinion since he knows the local market better.
Do All Extensions Need Planning Permission?
No, in some special cases, you may build your extensions under Permitted Development (PD). Here are the rules you need to comply with:
- You can extend a detached property by 8m to the rear if it’s a single-storey extension or by 3m if it’s double
- A single-storey extensions can’t be higher than 4m on the ridge and the eaves, and ridge heights of any extension can’t be higher than the existing property
- Two-storey extensions must not be closer than 7m to the rear boundary
- Side extensions can only be single-storey with a maximum height of 4m and a width no more than half of the original building
- Any new extension must be built in the same or similar material to the existing dwelling
- Extensions must not go forward of the building line of the original dwelling
- In specific areas such as areas of outstanding natural beauty, conservation areas, among others, side extensions require planning permission, and all rear extensions must be single-storey
- An extension must not result in more than half the garden being covered.
When in doubt, you can always ask for help here.
What To Consider Before You Build An Extension
1: The Design:
While you can design your own extension, it is always preferable to work with a design company or with an architect. Then, you will need to find the right builder for the job.
Notice that you should spend some time to ensure that you pick the right person for the job Just ask your family and friends for references to get you started. You can also find the right person at the National Association of Building Contractors. Then, you need to make sure that you’re in sync about what you need your new extension to be like.
2: Site Access:
To build an extensions, you will need materials that need to be dropped off at your home. So, you need to discover how lorries and trucks can unload large items and materials.
3: Other Things To Check:
Most people tend to forget that there are many other things they need to check before they start building an extension. These include surrounding trees, soil conditions on the site, history of flooding, among others.
