House Extension Ideas, Planning & Advice
A house extension can add significant space to your existing property and is an excellent alternative to moving home. A house extension is usually a fraction of the cost of moving house, and with the arduous task of packing and relocating, the work involved is not necessarily any greater.
Can I have a house extension?
A house extension will in most cases exceed your permitted development allowance, unless you are planning on a small addition, and will require planning permission. Even if your plan does not exceed the allowance, you will need to ensure it is not listed under the terms for applying for planning permission.
A practical solution?
A house extension is not always the best solution to a space issue. A loft conversion is a great way to make habitable space out of your existing property, without worry for the size of your plot. It of course depends on what you plan to make of it.
How much space do you need to gain? Ground floor extensions can make ideal lounges and elegant dining areas, with smaller extensions suited for offices and porch areas. House extensions with more than one floor tend to be greater in cost and timescale, but they can generate an enormous amount of additional space. You could even have an enclosed garage with a bedroom above. It's entirely up to you!
Things to think about
House extensions have virtually endless possibilities, but there's always a few things you can consider before planning one.
Keep in mind the lighting available for your extension. House extensions that are nested between properties, or at the front or rear of your home, will be shadowed for certain periods of the day. In which direction does the sun rise and set from your property? Do you want your house extension to benefit from light in the mornings or early evenings?
Window quantity naturally plays an important role in the amount of light your house extension will benefit from. Ensuring an even number of windows on opposing sides of your house extension will make the most of the available natural light. Conservatorys are an excellent option for well lit areas, but can suffer from cooler temperatures than fully insulated extensions. Underfloor heating is an excellent solution and is a great alternative to radiators in any room.
Will the finished extension cramp your remaining land? Will your house remain accessible both front and rear? It's always hard to visualise how it will finally look, but simply marking out a plot on your existing land can help considerably. Also consider how your proposed house extension will affect your neighbours. If applying for planning permission, your neighbours will have the right to object. Make sure you are on friendly grounds with them before you start, and be prepared to compromise if neccessary.