House price inflation, problems with the market, the cost of moving home, not wanting to move away from friends and family, or loving the area you live in ... are just some of the reasons why many homeowners are opting for extensions or conservatories to add value and space to their home.

Building up ... the loft is a great place for a quiet get away either for an extra bedroom or home office. There are a few advantages of choosing this option, for instance, planning permission is not usually required and loft conversions can add value to your home.

If you choose this path then consider installing solar panels while working on the roof. These can cut your fuel bills with the added incentive that the government is giving grants worth up to £2,500 for solar panels or £400 for panels to heat your water. The main points to think about are:

Is your roof structure suitable?
Is your roof space big enough?
Will the extension provide more space than it takes away?
Is it worth the cost?

 

Building out ... this is the most common home improvement with the advantages to getting an extension. Many homes aren't suitable for loft or cellar conversions making this type of improvement your only option.

If you choose a get a conservatory, it can be the quickest to construct and make into a habitable area (depending on its size and nature). The main points to think about are:

Is it worth the cost?
Is it worth losing some of the garden for?

 

Building down ... extending below the ground is becoming popular again. However making the basement into a habitable area can be quite costly and even though it does add value to your home, you can achieve similar added value by extending up or out. The main points to think about are:

Is it cost effective?
Is the house on a flood-risk area? Find out if your property is in a risk area at: www.enviroment-agency.gov.uk

 

So, now that you've thought about how you might extend your home what's the next step?

 

Planning Permission ... Planning Application ... Building regulations

 

Before starting ...

Speak to your neighbours! Resolving any issues now could prevent disagreements in the future. It may also enable your neighbours to become agreeable to any access required via their property during the building works.

Planning permission

• The aim of the council is to protect the local environment
• If you are thinking about extending your home, you'll need to get in contact with your local planning department to find out whether you'll be allowed to develop your home. A number of councils can no longer provide a Preliminary Enquiry Service due to the large number of planning applications they receive. In this instance, it may be necessary to submit your plans and fees, which will be refunded if permission is not required

• There are strict contols when it comes to granting permsission and it will depend on what type of extension you are planning and where it is. Any development must be made ensuring the character of the area is not affected
• Not all development needs planning permission. Homeowners still maintain a degree of freedom when improving their property, for example, if the changes do not affect the external appearance of the building then official permission is not required. In addition, small changes to the outside of a property may not need permission.

 

If in doubt - always best to check with your local planning department. You could end up spending time and money on a project only to find you have to pull it down!

Planning Application

• Find out how many copies of the application the planning department need and ask them how much it will cost. Costs depend on your council, but expect to pay at least £100 for a full application.
• To give the council an accurate idea of where you are, you may need to provide a local map with your property boundaries clearly marked. If you need to, contact the Ordnance Survey to get maps.
• Usually, it'll take the council around 8 weeks to come to a decision regarding your application

Building regulations

• Planning permissions and building regulations are separate requirements. Once you have received your planning permission, you can then apply for a building regulation approval
• Building regulations provide levels of health and safety for people who live in the house.
• Regulations change on a regular basis to stay up to date with the new laws

 

For more information visit planningportal.gov.uk

Don't get scared off by planning permission and regulations - it'll all be worth the effort!

There's a rumour that the government are thinking about simplifying the planning process so certain small-scale building projects may not require building permissions at all in the future. And surveyors and contractors will always help you along the way.

Useful links

Federation of Master Builders www.fmb.co.uk

Royal Institution of British Architects www.riba.org.uk

Confederation of roofing contractors www.corc.co.uk

Solar Panel grants www.lowcarbonbuilidings.org.uk/home

Planning Issues www.planningportal.gov.uk