The Build Group

Things You Need To Know Before Having A House Extension Built

Having an extension built on your home can be an exciting project; it will bring you extra space in your home, without the hassle of moving. Many people see an extension as an investment to their home, so if you are considering an extension on your home, there are several things to consider to help your project run smoothly.

At The Build Group, we aim to offer our customers peace of mind when undertaking a home extension; these are the things you should be aware of before having a house extension built:

Where to Start?
Ideally, before you begin with the building, you need to establish your needs and your reasons for wanting an extension. If you need more space in your house, for example, consider where you will need the additional square footage or space.

If you haven’t had an extension before, it can be difficult to know what to expect, but taking important first steps such as having detailed plans drawn up by an architect to ensure the design and build process has no snags and is approved by the local council.

Qualified Tradesperson
Probably, the most important factor when having an extension built is to find qualified and trusted tradespeople to start the building work. The Build Group is a qualified trades company, we are a registered member of the Federation of Master Builders. We undertake a range of building projects from smaller maintenance contracts to large scale property renovations, as well as commercial projects such as restaurant and shop fit.

How Far Can You Extend A House Without Planning Permission?
You can extend your house to a certain extent without planning permission; this does vary based on the type of extension. For example, the extension cannot be over four metres in height when it is within a two-metre boundary; there are further guidelines for whether the house is detached or sem-detached. It’s definitely best to err on the side of caution and consult an architect. The Build Group works closely with architects and can provide advice as well as communication with the Liverpool city council. We work closely with our sister company Address Properties, allowing us to maintain the letting portfolio to an impeccable standard.

Compliance with Building Regulations
Prior to starting building work, you will need to contact your local authority or council to confirm that your plans comply with relevant building regulations within your area. The regulations set out key requirements to ensure that an extension is in place, for example, fire safety and damp proofing. Some properties can benefit from a ‘permitted development’; this means that you can extend the original building without applying for permission, but only if you obey certain restrictions. This may include not extending above the height of the roof, and limitations on how far your extension can project outwards.

Will An Extension Add Value to Your Home?
Even if you aren’t planning on selling your home, it is important to understand that an extension is an expensive project, but it could be rewarding should you want to put your house on the market. The added value may depend on the quality of the building work, any additional rooms you have added and the local house price average.

Hopefully, these tips will help you make a house extension checklist, and you can put your plans into place and get the extension you’ve been dreaming of. Should you need any further information about house extensions, why not get in touch with The Build Group today?