If you love living where you are and don’t want the hassle of moving somewhere new, extending can be the perfect solution. Not only can it add extra living space, extending can also add value to your home. Building an extension does require quite a bit of planning to get it right though. Here’s our guide to a single storey extension with everything you need to know…
Benefits of a single-storey extension
Added value
An obvious benefit is the extra value a single-storey extension will add to your home. Adding more square footage will increase the property’s value. See it as an investment. Not only does it add value when you come to think about selling it in the future, but you get to enjoy the benefits of the extra room while still living there.
Added space
Extending your home can give you extra space you didn’t have before. Some of the most popular reasons for extending are to make a bigger kitchen or dining area, or to add an extra bedroom or bathroom. However you choose to use the space, extending is a great way to make the most of the space you do have whilst adding a bit extra to accommodate your needs.
Fully customisable
Another benefit of a single-storey extension is the freedom it offers. Whether you want to add bi-fold doors opening to your garden or create open-plan living, you can fully customise your extension right down to the materials used.
How much does a single-storey extension cost?
The cost of your extension will vary depending on the size, style and spec. Costs can also vary depending on your location. Typically, you can expect to pay £2,200 per square metre. There are however professional fees for a structural engineer and architect on top. It’s always best to request an estimate, but a fixed quote cannot be drawn up until you have structural plans.
Do I need Planning Permission?
Generally, many single-storey extensions do not require planning permission and can be built under a process called Permitted Development. You can add a single storey extension under Permitted Development if it doesn’t extend beyond the rear wall of the property by 8m on a detached property, or by 6m on a semi-detached or terraced property. You can also add single storey extensions under Permitted Development to the side of your property up to 4m high and up to half the width of the original building. Whether or not you need to apply for planning permission from your local planning authority depends very much on the size, placement and materials used. The Government’s Planning Portal is a good place to start.
What building regulations do I need to consider?
When building a single storey extension it must comply with Building Regulations, regardless of whether it needs planning permission. Building Regulations help ensure your extension is going to be safe and structurally sound, laying down the minimum the standards for design and construction, structural integrity, fire protection, energy performance and electrical and gas safety.
Building Regulations must be sought from Local Authority Building Control Departments who will issue a certificate to certify that the work carried out is compliant.
Do I need an architect?
When it comes to building an extension on your home, it’s always worth asking for the help of an architect who is a trained design professional.
When you decide you want to build an extension on your home, you probably already have an idea in your head of what you want the extension to look like. However, you might not be fully utilising the space you are adding. An architect may bring to the table ideas you haven’t thought about regarding maximising natural light, the type of roof you are adding or what materials you should use. In fact, hiring an architect may even save you money in the long run as they can advise on the most cost effective solutions. They can also ensure you comply with building regulations.
How long does it take?
You can usually expect a single-storey extension to take around 12 – 16 weeks to complete. Although, this does vary depending on the size, materials, and design of the extension. Other factors to take into consideration are the weather and sourcing materials. Often delays that occur are outside of your builder’s control.
What to consider in the design?
When you are thinking about how you want to design your new space, there are a quite a few things you should consider. You should start by thinking about what you want to achieve.
How much extra space do you need? Where to extend is a key decision. For example, if you extend to the side it is less likely to encroach on your garden space, but if you live in a terraced house your options will be limited to the rear unless it is end of terrace.
Do you need more space or light?
Do you want to reconfigure your existing space to make it more open?
What type of roof will you need?
What doors and windows will you be adding? A popular choice for extensions at the rear of the house use bi-fold doors to open up into the garden.
What type of materials will you use?
Vetted and Approved
We hope our guide to a single-storey extension has been useful. If you’re looking to find a builder for your extension, the Association of Master Tradesmen has finely selected building companies nationwide. Our members are strictly vetted, checked, and continuously monitored throughout their membership to ensure the highest standard of work.
Whether it’s a price for a house extension, garage or loft conversion or an internal renovation, we will find Master Builders who are right for you and what you want to achieve.
Unlike other associations, we don’t automatically match the builders to you. We carefully select the building company that matches your criteria. To find a builder, post your job on our website.
