A house extension is a brilliant plan if you need additional room for your family. If you need that spare bedroom, bigger kitchen, or office, there’s a good chance you’ve already sat down and worked out in your head what life would be like with added space. So what do you do to turn it into reality? The process might seem daunting, but with effective planning and guidance, it can be achieved. In this blog, here, we are going to outline how you can go from your extension plan to its approval and building.
Step 1: Think About What You Want
First, you have to decide what you need. You need to ask yourself the reason why you need more space. Are you needing space for a larger family? Do you want to increase the value of your house? These are things you need to think about.
Roughing out some sketches or scribbling down what you need is an excellent idea. It won’t be a work of art, because you are not the next Picasso. The important thing is that you get your ideas and concepts across.
Step 2: Set a Budget
An extension to your house can be costly, and you must sort out your budget. You must be certain that you know how much you can afford. You must consider all the costs, including:
Architect plans
Planning application fees
Building work fees
Building materials
With a budget, you’ll have a clear idea where you’re headed and won’t be surprised down the road. HB Planning Services can assist you in figuring out how much your project should cost and notify you of what you can do to keep it in your budget.
Step 3: Observe the Area Rules
You have to acclimatise yourself to the building regulations in your area before you can start building. There are certain building regulations that you will need to comply with. These include:
How rigid the building is to be
How electrical fitting to be done
How plumbing and heating fittings are to be functional
How insulated is your extension to be
Verify these rules beforehand. It will be worth your while in the long term. You will avoid errors that will haunt you later.
Step 4: Seek Professional Assistance
Now that you have decided what you want to have and how much money you can spend, it is time to call in the experts. Architects and designers are the people who can materialize your idea into proper drawings. These drawings will then need to be approved by the council for your extension.
You don’t have to do this part yourself. HB Planning Services has in-house designers who are keen to work with you to get the best out of your extension. They will discuss with you to enable your concept to be brought to life in your budget and be plan-compliant.
Step 5: Submit a Planning Application
Now that you have your plans ready, you can submit your application for planning. This is a formal application that you submit to your local council so they can approve you to build your extension.
You will be submitting:
The actual extension plans you are applying for permission
Plans on how it will be integrated into the rest of your property
An account of building work you wish to do
It is required that this application be accurate. Incorrect information or the absence of facts will cause a delay in approval. HB Planning Services can help build an accurate application so it has the best possible likelihood of getting approved.
Step 6: Wait for Approval
When you submit your application, the council will consider it. This should usually be a matter of weeks, but it may be longer if there is a lot that the council has to undertake. Now and then, the council might ask for additional information or modifications to your proposals. A few letters to and from the council aren’t uncommon during this period.
Once your application is accepted, you can go ahead with the rest of the steps. If it’s not accepted, don’t fret! You can redo or change as per their needs.
Step 7: Preparing to Build
It is time now to get ready to start construction, now that you own the permission to prepare. That implies that you have to appoint a contractor, buy your materials, and get everything ready. You have to choose a good and reliable contractor.
HB Planning Services can even help find the appropriate builder that will do it right. They can even help in project coordination to make sure everything goes on without a hitch as intended.
Step 8: Break Ground
This is where things start to get REALLY exciting! Now it’s time to start constructing your extension. Now the team will excavate foundations, construct walls, fit windows, and undertake all the work that must be undertaken to finish your extension.
It typically takes a couple of months to construct an extension. The time frame will be determined by how large or complex the work is. Be certain to keep in touch with your builder so that everything still keeps going in the correct direction.
Step 9: Final Inspections
When you’ve finished your extension, the council will call round to inspect it. They will attempt to make sure it’s all compliant with the building regulations and safe. If all is well, they will present you with a certificate to notify you that the work has been finished.
At last, something remains to be done before you can move into your new extension!
Step 10: Appreciate Your New Room
Once you receive your certificate of approval, you proceed to the new home. A new bedroom, a larger kitchen, or an office, but your extension will heat your home and increase its value.
Common Problems and How to Eliminate Them
When building your extension, there may be one or two problems. It is always best to remain calm and find out how to handle them:
Delays in Approval: Occasionally, approval for the planning application takes some time. Remain calm and ensure that your application is perfect and in order.
Going Over Budget: Expenses may go over the budget. Attempt to save some spare money for any unforeseen expenses.
Delays in Building: Weather or other factors may, occasionally, slow down the process of building. Keep communication with your contractor so that the task is maintained on schedule.
Why HB Planning Services
If you’re planning to build an extension, you should make sure you can trust a company. HB Planning Services will guide you through the process, either designing your extension, getting planning permission, or finding a builder.
They have qualified personnel working to help your project succeed. You may need help with the paperwork or finding capable builders, but HB Planning Services can do that too.
Conclusion
A house extension building does not need to be a nightmare. With HB Planning Services and good planning, your house extension can be ready quickly for you to enjoy.
FAQs on House Extensions
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How long does it typically take to obtain planning permission for a house extension?
Typically, it will be 8 weeks for planning permission. Occasionally, though, it will be longer depending on how complicated your extension is and how busy the council is.
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Do I require planning permission to include a house extension?
Typically, yes, you will require planning permission. There are some small extensions, however, which do not require full planning permission. Ring your local council and check.
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How much will a house extension cost?
A house extension will depend on size, type of extension, and materials. Extensions will generally cost between £1,000 to £3,000 for each square meter. Attempt to ask your builder for a price outright.
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Can I live in my house during an extension being constructed?
Yes, you should be able to remain in your home during the construction of the extension. There could be some noise and disturbance, however.
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What can HB Planning Services help with my house extension?
HB Planning Services offers advice, design consultation, planning application services, and construction advice. They will make sure that your extension complies with all the regulations it is allowed and within budget.
