In this article, we examine the trend of renovations, extensions and conversions. We also discuss the dangers and restrictions before evaluating the benefits of various types of home renovation projects.
Current Trends
Lockdown forced homeowners to look at their homes like never before, and they were required to be more active in their homes. Families may be the most affected by living space, and often have to locate areas that are suitable to be used as a home office or for children who are in school. This has resulted in an re-evaluation of the home’s purposes, and the result is that many families face the issue of moving or expanding to make more space.
Numerous households, who have made savings by not having to commute and not having to travel to other countries, have opted for home renovation plans. The result is a surge in house extensions as people are seeking to increase area in the most efficient method.
Conversion or extension options
Loft conversions along with rear and side extension, garage conversions gardens rooms, basements or pods all contribute to the creation of additional space and increase the value of a home in helping it realize its maximum potential. There are other options for home improvements like kitchen extensions or a bathroom remodel to enhance functionality and supply the space you require.
Potential Pitfalls
Value adds up to the fact that there is a lower chance of buyers if the property is priced higher than the price of the market in the vicinity: it could lead to the cost of the renovation being recouped by a subsequent sale.
Extending a house too much relative to the size of the area can have a negative impact on the value of the property rather than adding to it, the project could hinder a sale.
Increased light infiltration from glazing could require mitigation measures to lessen the amount of glare as well as diffuse light. Building Regulations determine the amount of glass that can add to an extension. It must be in line with standards for energy performance.
A badly constructed home extension could decrease the value of the property and result in the loss of gardens.
Take note of growing costs and the current dearth of construction materials , which causes delay in supply chains.
Make sure that the boiler is able to meet the additional demands put on it by an home extension.
Consult with your local authority to determine if the property extension is subject to Community Infrastructure Levy.
Site insurance is mandatory for both the current and the new structure.
Do you require permission to designate a home extension?
Permitted development permits improvements and extensions to homes without needing to submit plans permission applications when certain requirements are satisfied. The work categories that are not considered to be development are described within section 55 (2) of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990.
Permitted development includes loft conversions, extensions to properties garage conversions lighting, solar panels and new windows. However there are restrictions on the building’s height works and the distance that new extensions must be from existing properties. In National parks, Permitted Development Rights differ and listed structures require listed building consent. An application for a change of use could also be required.
To ensure that the scheme is in compliance with permitted development guidelines A request for a legal certificate of development may be submitted to the local authority for planning prior to the start of working. Locally granted planning permission could be available for the type of development you intend to create, for instance an Local Development Order; a Neighbourhoods’ Development Order or an Community Right to Build Order. A visit to the site by an officer of the planning department could be required to determine the extent of extension and conversion work is permitted.
Even the formal planning permission application is not necessary, other permissions might still be needed for projects that involve tree species, listed buildings permits or environmental permits. Developers are responsible to ensure that the required permits are obtained. Work that are not carried out with the necessary approvals can lead to enforcement action In all instances, it is recommended to consult with the local authority for planning prior to preparing the site for the process.
Building Regulations
If your extension can be constructed in accordance with Permitted Development Rights, the construction must receive Building Regulations approval: this sets a minimum requirement for construction, design and modifications.
Building Regulations cover matters such as structural integrity and the safety of fire, energy efficiency damp proofing, ventilating electrical work like wiring, underpinning, new waste plumbing and various safety checks that will be observed by site visits at various phases of construction process.
Surveys
A structural survey might be required, especially for an older structure prior to building extensions to the property. Wildlife surveys could also be required. For instance bat surveys may be required if your project could be detrimental to bats that are legally protected. If trees are located within your development, and tree surveys may have to be conducted..
Extensions
A seamless extension to your home is usually what people strive to achieve, but it requires skill and imagination The extension could be either in the look of the original structure or an alternative contemporary design is often a good match for the traditional style of a structure.
To make sure that the extension will add value to the house in relation to the cost it is crucial to research comparable homes in the vicinity and work with an experienced team. If you are building on top of a single-storey structure, such as a garage it is essential to ensure that it’s strong enough to handle the additional load. Strengthening could be needed or it could be more affordable to tear it down and then rebuild.
Party Wall Act Party Wall Act
The Party Wall Act 1996 is important because it was created to stop and settle disputes over boundary walls, party walls and excavations within adjacent structures. Party walls are constructed when the owners of both sides have a legal right the developer has to notify neighbors about the proposed work and they have the right to challenge the proposed work. The Act governs new construction work within or near the boundary between two properties. Excavating are required to be no more than 3m or 6m of the neighboring property, depending on the depth.
Class Q Development
This kind of development might be of interest to those who are considering changing redundant farm structures. According to the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, Schedule 2, Part 3 Class Q permits the change in the use of a structure and the land within its curtilage, from being used as an agricultural building to use as a dwelling house. It has to be in use for agricultural purposes at the time of the 20th March 2013, If it was converted to agriculture afterward, a period of 10 years must be completed before the development permitted under the Class Q is permitted.
The amendment of 2018 differentiates between smaller and larger homes; for larger homes, the plan permits three separate houses with a floor area of not more than 465 square metres. For smaller homes, there is the maximum of five with a total floor space of 500 square meters.
Offsite Construction Systems
They are worth looking into since they can help reduce time and cost when building an extension for your home. These frames can be made of oak and cross-laminated timber as well as structurally insulated panels as well as frames made of timber.
Garage Conversions
As with every extension, there’s an increase in garage conversions, which can increase by 20% the value to a home and provide it with new life. Garage conversions can be an effective way to create extra space. The average cost are about PS6,000. There’s typically no requirement for walls or foundations, and power might already be present.
But, foundations might require reinforcement, walls might require repair and the ceiling’s level may require alteration and all of these will require the help of a skilled team, such as architects or designers. A planning application might be needed, however garage conversions in general are permitted under permitted development.
Planning permission is required for properties that are located in a conservation area . A changes of use consents are always required, and requires Building Regulations approval. It is also essential to review the deeds for the property to ensure there isn’t a need for parking to be maintained in the property.
Loft conversions
One of the major benefits of converting a loft is that they do not build over the valuable space of the garden and, in most cases they require less work walls and roofs are already in place, so no structural changes are required. Loft conversions also provide the possibility of incorporating more insulation in the roof, which makes the home more energy efficient.
It is also less weather dependent than extensions to the outside more efficient, less disruptive and may be less expensive. According to a report from Nationwide The loft conversion to make an additional bathroom and bedroom could add 21% to the value of the property.
Basement Extensions , Cellars, and Basements
The main motives behind choosing to dig a trench underground is to conserve garden space, or to ensure that the possibilities for expansion above ground are exhausted. Planning permission is required and the local authority has a particular policy regarding underground development and it’s important to establish the precedent of neighbours who have constructed basements successfully.
The water table in the area is an important factor. high water tables can raise costs. To determine this, check the Environmental Agency’s flood map. The accessibility of the site for the various phases of construction work is also a factor to be considered. A skilled team will be required, comprising an architect with expertise and structural engineer to prepare reports according to the most stringent standards.
Bathroom Extensions and Kitchens
The maximum potential of a house is often realized through the addition of a stunning kitchen. It is advised to determine the position of the units as well as the cooker and white goods at an early stage in any plan to permit planning for electrical wiring as well as ventilation and plumbing. Bathroom plumbing plans should also be figured out in the early stages.
Reconverted Churches and Barns
Although churches are likely to be classified and will require approval for planning, they could create exciting living spaces in, if they are converted with care. The wide spaces available in barns and churches are able to be converted to an open arrangement, but since a custom plan is typically required and projects can be expensive and the highest standards have to be maintained. A skilled team, as well as a Master Builder might be required. A solicitor could need to provide advice on access rights and restrictive covenants. Deeds are to be carefully scrutinized.
It is important to note that changes to the exterior of the building are usually not permitted and family members are required to have access to the graves that of the decedent. The architect must work on the current structure to develop an acceptable plan, while preserving the structure’s original characteristics when it is possible. While there are bound to be compromises and inevitable, energy efficiency is essential in ensuring compliance with Building Regulations.
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