Skip to main content

What to consider before building a house extension?

Different people have different reasons for extending a home. Some families require more space when a new member is coming, so they may want to add a new room for the little one. Or someone who wants to increase the property value by adding an extension to their home. It does not matter what your motivation is behind your home extension decision; you need to know several things before starting the work. Below, we have outlined a few things that you should keep in mind before building an extension. 

1. Planning permissions

To ensure the work runs smoothly and on budget, you need to plan the home extension in Leeds, from the paperwork to entering into a contract with the builder. You also require taking planning permission from the concerned authorities to navigate easily throughout the extension process. Mostly, you need permission for the following things:

• If you are planning to cover more than half of the land surrounding the original house.
• If the material you are using is not similar to your original house.
• If you are extending towards the side of the road. 
• You are planning to construct a balcony. 

You also need to consider other things when you are planning for house extensions, such as

• If you are planning to add features, such as upper-floor balconies, consider using obscure foster glass as they can overlook the neighbours. 
• Constructing a two-storey building in the garden far away from the back of your house can overshadow your neighbours, which can limit your permissible size.
• If your extension interferes with the motorists driving down the road, you may not construct as far as you want. 

What if the application is rejected?

Authorities will outline whether you can appeal for the extension and tell you the time for which the appeal can be submitted. 

What if you want to make changes after you receive planning permissions?

If you want to make significant changes in the home after getting planning permission, you need to make amendments to the application or submit a new application.

2. Hiring an architect

Choose an architect who has experience working on projects similar to yours. Experts recommend choosing local companies/firms as they are familiar with local council norms and native languages. Also, describe what you hope to achieve with your home extension in Leeds. For example, if you want your home and garden to be better connected, discuss this with the architect so they can advise on how to achieve that.

Note: Be aware that some architects charge a fee for their first visit, so check their fee structure before inviting them to your home. 

3. Look for a good builder

Finding the right builder is as essential as finding the right architect. You have to see their previous work and communicate with their past clients to know whether they completed work on time, how they dealt with problems, etc. Compare the quotations of at least three builders/contractors and ask for details or clarification that you require for comparison. And also, ensure that you are comfortable talking with them as you have to work closely with them for months. 

These are the three most common but vital elements to consider before constructing an extension. So, keep this in mind and enjoy your home extension journey.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Home Extensions Rules & Considerations

Home extensions and other improvements are a great alternative for people who want to renew their home's look or enhance the value of a house. Deciding on renovating your home and then choosing builders may be what you consider are the most important measures in improving your home. What many people neglect to take into consideration is the home extension rules and considerations that may be required. When planning home renovations in Leeds , a major addition to your home will need planning permission before any work can begin. If your repair work is a small change that only touches the inside of your property, then you may not require any permission.    Though, planning permission is even expected for the smallest of developments like the installation of solar panels, loft conversions, and porches and extensions to the side and back of the home. However, big home renovation projects such as extensions, dormer window loft conversions, or extended conservatories will require pe...

All You Need to Know About Rear Dormer Loft Conversions

As the housing market continues changing, more and more people are looking to make modifications to their current home instead of exploring new purchases. If the purpose of requiring to move is the necessity for added space, it might be possible that your existing house has extra space than you recognise. The loft is one of those areas in your home that can be the perfect solution to have more space in your house without needing to move to another place. A dormer styled loft conversions in Leeds are an attractive choice for increasing the usable space in the home by building extra room and floor space. This type of attic conversion involves enlarging the current roof structure, which is intended to lengthen vertically from the slanted side of the rooftop. The entire conversion finishes up with a straight ceiling and perpendicular windows and walls. However, some other conversion types appear in bending walls which typically indicate small usable floor and ceiling area. The rear dorm...

Vital Considerations for Your Loft Conversion

Whether you need a craft room, a playroom for kids, an extra bedroom, an extra kitchen, an extra bathroom or an additional space for storage, a loft conversion can be the right alternative for you. With a suitable attic transformation, you can accommodate all your growing family needs. It can add significant functional space without completely changing your home's exterior. Also, a loft conversion is a perfect solution for the shortage of space if you are living in the country's most expensive and strategic areas. Moreover, refurbishing or transforming an attic provides you with numerous advantages. Though, this home improvement project may include some difficulties or challenges. Similar to any other home improvement work, there are several factors to think about while preparing for an attic conversion. The primary thing you need to do is to estimate its potential and make sure that the property is ready to take the pressure of renovated loft space. If you are planning for...