All You Need to Know About Modern Extensions

When it comes to modern extensions for your home, there are a number of different solutions to select from.

Many of today’s extensions can be constructed using a wide variety of different materials. Just because you have a period property doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider extending it. In fact, many modern extensions available can cater for everyone’s requirements. In the current economic climate it could be a much wiser investment to extend your home rather than moving to a larger property.

There are still many people who choose to use a style which matches the original property when selecting a type of extension. However, as many people are now beginning to realise; going for modern extensions which contrast completely with the style of their home are just as great.

If you are considering having a modern extension built on to your home there are certain factors one needs to take into consideration beforehand. Below we take a look at just what these factors are.

1. Before you start having an extension built you must obtain the correct planning permissions. When considering designs you should look carefully at those which make the most use of the space you have available and that fit within your budget. You will also need to go for a design which the Local Authority Planning Department see as an architectural merit to the area where you live. Be aware that if your extension plans fall under the permitted development rights, then the planners at the local authority will have no say in what design you select.

2. In most cases if the extension will not extend from your property by more than 50 cubic metres or is not more than 4 metres above ground level you will generally not need to obtain planning permission to build it. This is also the same if you are only extending your property by a further 10% of the existing floor space you have. But, as mentioned above, still check with the local planning authority as other conditions may apply.

3. Make sure the design is one that meets your particular requirements perfectly. It is advisable that you make a list of what you want and convey these to the person who is designing the extension for you. It is a good idea to speak with the Local Authority planners to get an idea of what kinds of things they will be looking for when they review your case.

4. When designing and constructing an extension, you will need to discover where you stand with regards to “Part L Regulations”. This is what tells you how much glass you can use within the extension. This will ensure that the properties thermal efficiency is not compromised. However, by installing low emission double or triple glazed panels and high efficiency insulation, you can help to offset these restrictions.

5. If your home is attached to another property, then be aware that you may be required not just to underpin your property but also that of your neighbours’. You will need approval from the buildings inspector with regards to damp proofing, ventilation and wiring for the extension before work commences. So to ensure that you are doing everything correctly, it is advisable to employ the services of an architect.

6. If you are intending to put an extension into your roof space, you need to look closely at the space that is available. Certainly in older homes (those that were built before 1975) this shouldn’t be a problem. But in more modern homes the roof trusses need to have more structural work carried out on them and you may have to get the ceiling below lowered to give you the minimum amount of height in the roof space.

7. Along with finding out what building regulations you should meet. You also need to find out what fire and safety requirements the building must meet. All this information should be readily available from your local planning authority department and any reputable architect should know what these are.

8. When applying for planning permission, you need to remember that the owners of the properties’ close to yours will have the chance to air any grievances or misgivings about your planned extension. So, if you want the planning application process to run smoothly, you choose a design that will blend in with the properties in the street where you live. Involving your neighbours from the beginning, could save you a lot of money and headaches in the future.

Above we have looked at a number of factors to be taken into consideration when thinking of having modern extensions built on homes. Certainly the more you keep in mind, the more chance of getting your plans accepted and the extension that you want built.