If you have been living in the same house for many years, chances are you would want to make changes along the way. Either your family size has expanded, and you need more space or are looking to take on a project to keep busy during the pandemic. Either way, an extension is a great way to make your house more functional and increase your property’s overall value.
If you are considering extending your ground floor space, you might be confused about where to begin. Whether you are looking for a garage, side, or rear extension, there is a lot to consider.
Many questions may be coming to your mind regarding the process and rightfully so because chalking out details and planning will ensure a successful installation.
To help you kickstart your extension plans, we have put together a detailed guide on the various aspects of installing a single-story home extension. If you want a hassle-free experience, stay with us as we take you through everything you need to consider before you begin.
Why Do You Need An Extension?
The very first step is to understand why you need an extension in the first place? Knowing the purpose it will serve will help you decide how you want to go about executing the planning and design.
Is your house size not sufficient enough to accommodate storage? Are you finding it difficult to put away items you currently do not need? If the answer is yes, then an extension is a great idea to free up space and declutter your rooms. You might also be looking to create an office space away from the noise of your main house. Since working from home has become the new normal, perhaps you crave a quiet room to take your calls and meetings.
An extension is also the perfect leisure spot inside any house. If you are someone who frequently entertains, having a separate area that caters to parties is ideal. You could also use the same space for the kids or some family fun time.
What Is The Cost Of Installing An Extension?
Now that you have thought about the purpose behind building an extension, let’s talk about the cost. If you are looking for a cost estimate of building a single storey extension, you need to understand that the answer is variable. There are several factors involved that can influence the overall expenses, depending on what you are trying to achieve.
The first factor is the size and purpose of the extension. Generally, an estimate of the cost is around £1,000 to £1,500 per square meter, so the price will vary depending on how big or small the extension will be. When it comes to usage, different extensions have different costs attached to them; for example, if you plan on using the space as a bathroom or a kitchen, keep in mind the additional cost of fixtures.
Another major factor in deciding the cost of building the extension is your location. Since prices tend to vary as per the area you reside in, you will find the cost to be higher in some locations compared to others. In the UK, for example, building costs are higher in London and the South-East area. Other variables to consider are the complexity of the design and the materials you will be using to build the extension. Also, take into account the cost of hiring a contractor because you should not attempt this project on your own.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
Before you begin building an extension, we advise that you first determine if you need to seek planning and building permissions. Imagine starting the construction process and then facing a roadblock due to legal restrictions. It sounds messy but completely avoidable if you check in with your local authority before beginning the work.
Usually, you will not need a planning permit, but there are specific rules that you should abide by when it comes to building. For a single-storey extension, you do not need a permit as long as the ground that covers the extension and other structures within the boundary of a property, other than the original house, is not more than half of your property’s total area. Also, the height of the extension should not exceed the highest point of the existing property. Anything beyond that requires a building permit. You also need to pay attention to the materials you plan to use because they should be similar to your house’s overall appearance.
Since most single storey extensions fall under such guidelines, you will not need special approval. Still, we strongly recommend that you or your contractor consult the local authorities with a plan in mind.
What Is Your Vision Design
If you have thought through all the technicalities, congratulations because now comes the fun part; designing the extension. This is where you can unleash your creativity to make the space come alive.
You could either opt for an architect and designer who can help you turn your vision into a reality or do it yourself. Regardless, you should begin planning the interior design well in advance so that you have time to make the right decisions. The model you go for and the materials you plan to use will affect the look, duration, and cost of the project, so you need to think this one carefully and be sure of what you want.
Aspects of design include how much space is available and how the exteriors are going to look. Will you be using material that matches the rest of the property, or will you go for a glass extension? Think about the kind of roof you are looking for that compliments the rest of the house and the doors, windows, and flooring you want to use. Knowing everything beforehand will help you purchase things and have them ready as the structure comes to life.
Final Thoughts
Building an extension has several benefits for your existing home, including making it more adaptable and functional for your family. Installing a well-thought-out space can make your interiors feel brand new. The journey to achieving this look can be very exciting if you plan carefully. Go over our guide to understand everything you need to know about building a single storey extension, and you won’t go wrong.
