Adding an extra space on the property is an effective way to create a more living area, and now becoming an increasingly popular alternative in the UK.
Loft Conversion Hertfordshire is sharing a step-by-step guide to walk you through the challenges you may face and needs to know.
Before moving ahead, ask yourself a few questions, such as –
Are you willing to build one or two-storey extensions or any other extension work you are looking for?
Is the extension limit off-street parking? If so, you may struggle as regards planning permission.
What type of materials do you want to use? Will all materials need to come through the property?
Consider soil condition, services, nearby trees, rights of way and any flood risks.
From where should start –
An extension work needs proper planning, as it’s going to give a new appearance to your home as well as it will take time. You may need to take an architect or designer and build the company to work with you to sketch your extension. According to the extension work, you may also need a structural engineer to compile with building regulations and for calculations.
Check whether needed planning permission –
You need to check whether you need a planning council permission or not, or your extension is falling under permitted development, that does not need any permission.
According to the law, you are permitted to extend a detached property by 8 m to the rear for a single storey and 3 m for two-storey. Though if you have any dilemma, ask your local authority(ROI) for a Section 5 Declaration from or take a Certificate of Lawful Development (NI) to ensure that your plans don’t require any further planning permissions. Abide yourself with all relevant building regulations.
Check your budget –
Embark an extension project by keeping an eye on your pocket. Check your finances and estimate how much you can realistically spend on designing and planning fees, insurance and warranties as well as on building costs.
Get a good builder –
After evaluating the budget and finalizing the designing work, now it’s time to get a good builder to construct your plans into reality. Recommendations and reviews are always the best methods to find the builder on whom people trust and who’ve used the firm before. House extension London has all the specialities which a decent contractor should:
We evaluate your property and after examining the extension work, will share the fixed quotation.
Instead of asking for money in the first place, arrange a payment schedule with you.
We can show you our previous work for your reference.
We have a VAT number and can provide VAT receipts.
You can ask any relevant question to us, and we also ensure to share detailed information.
Prefer as much of the work you can finish in advance –
Take a look on windows, drawers, doors, kobs or tiles to the source yourself, to save on costs. Knowing what you want and where you want it to be done can help the design process immensely and cut the cost as well. It also enables you with the accurate price of your project.
Understand the health and safety requirements –
Most of the time the extension work goes beyond 30 days (for large extension work), hence you should notify the health and safety authority (HSA in ROI and HSENI in NI) and designate a health and safety supervisors for the design and construction work to keep a ledger on site.
Tradespeople and installers –
You may need to hire independent tradespeople to complete different aspects of the extension work. Be upfront with your desires to your main contractor and coordinate with their visits at the site.
Review the insurance –
Check whether your house insurance is still valid or whether it can be extended to site insurance during the extension work. House extension London Management will update you about the insurance covers which all are necessary for your site.
Get your neighbours involved before starting the work –
Inform your neighbours as early as possible about your extension planning and make them at your side. Keeping them in a loop is a common courtesy and also will help you to stay away from any further disputes.