Many homes throughout the UK have the potential to be expanded. The options for adding space are diverse: converting loft space into a spare room, adding a conservatory, and even excavating a cellar. Extending in a manner that complements the existing structure can increase the value of your home while providing your family more living and working space. Take a look at our guide to the different kinds of house extensions you can build.
Porches
Although porches are usually smaller extensions built onto the side of a home, they can be built on the side or rear and designed on a larger scale. Most porch extensions are simple, consisting only of brick walls, windows, and a door. Some are plastered, while others are bare brick.
The majority of porch extensions do not require planning permission, but it is always best to check with your local authority beforehand. Building regulations certification is also unnecessary unless it is heated. In that instance, the work must be performed by a Part P registered electrician or be inspected by the building control department.
See our Extensions Page for costs.
Conservatories
Intended to provide an environment with plenty of natural light, conservatories are fairly simple structures that do not always require planning permission, although some do. Rules and requirements that apply to porches are also valid for conservatories.
Orangeries
Also known as a sunroom, an orangery is similar to a conservatory in purpose, only with sturdier walls and roof. Assistance from an architect and experienced builder is recommended, Their planning permission requirements are similar to those of conservatories, and building control permission is typically required.
Single Storey Extension
These house extensions are built onto the side of the house and consist of a ground floor and any added basement. When planning, primary considerations will include:
Extension size
Impact upon neighbours, if any
Making the roof compatible with the existing building
Excavations
Position of flues and drains
While planning permission will not always be required for single storey extensions, building control permission is nearly always necessary.
See our Extensions Page for costs.
Multi-Storey House Extensions
Multi-storey extensions can also be built onto any part of an existing building, but the added size makes the potential impact on neighbours a greater concern. Like single storey extensions, planning permission is not always necessary, but it is best to check with the Planning Department first.
See our Extensions Page for costs.
Over-Structure House Extensions
As the name suggests, over-structure extensions are built over the top of a kitchen, living room, garage, or other existing structure. They can present complications: for example, many garages have single-skin brickwork and the new structure will call for twin-leaf brick and block work. Kitchens and dining rooms with twin-leaf walls that were built during the 1960s may lack the foundation needed to support the extension.
Whether or not planning permission is needed will depend on multiple factors that include impact on neighbours and aspect ratios, but building control permission will almost certainly be needed.
Loft Conversions
Loft conversions provide extra space for bedrooms, offices, playrooms, and other spaces. Velux loft conversions use the space already available while dormer conversions include a roof extension.
Not all loft conversions require planning permission, but those that do include:
Conversions that change the exterior appearance of the building
The new space will represent a change of use, such as an office
Conversions that create more than two habitable rooms
Work done on homes in conservation areas
See our Conversions Page for costs.
About Connection Construction House Extensions in Chelmsford & Essex.
Connection Construction is a main contractor providing both residential and commercial building services in Essex, including Chelmsford, Braintree, Colchester and Maldon.
Our team of contractors and subcontractors have years of experience in completing successful extensions, complete new builds and conversions in the Essex area and we always show exceptional attention to detail in our construction work. We take great pride in every contract, where even the smallest of jobs is delivered with the same level of detail and care as major, high profile, developments.
If you are looking for reliable builders in Essex, contact us about your house extension project, new build development, conversion project or home improvement by visiting our Extensions page.