Expanding your home can be an exciting task and deciding which type of extension you want can be fun too. There’s an attic conversion, a ground floor room extension, and most commonly, single storey extensions. They’re a fantastic way to add more space to your home and create a brand new layout. However, you don’t want to jump right in without doing your research, so keep reading to find out how a single storey extension is installed.
Planning Permission
The first thing you need to do before installing is to check if you need planning permission. The rules can differ depending on where you live, so it’s crucial that you check with your local authorities before going full steam ahead. If you don’t get the permission when it’s required, you could face high fines and further problems. There are reports that may also need to be completed, such as a flood risk assessment. These reports cost a certain fee, so you’ll need to take their costs you’re your budget consideration.
Neighbour Permission
Similarly, if you’re planning on adding your extension onto a wall that’s connected to your neighbour’s home, then you’ll need them to agree and provide confirmation that it’s okay for you to build it.
Budget
Once you’ve confirmed that you can build your extension, the next thing to consider is your budget. Single storey extensions aren’t going to be cheap, and you also need to think about the interior costs too. Single storey extensions do tend to be a little less money than multi-level ones, but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t create a budget. You’ll need to include any fees you’re paying for planning permission, any reports that you’ve been charged for, the costs of the extension with labour included, and the interior furnishing costs. It’s not exactly useful having an extension that you can’t afford to decorate, so make sure you factor every charge into your budget.
Designing Your Extension
If you have a clear vision in mind for your extension, you may want to create the design with a builder or an architect to bring your ideas to life. While you may think a large window on the front right of the extension will look great, a professional will be able to advise you of its practicality and where it would be best suited. You want your extension to be exactly that, an extended part of your home. Try to keep the style fitting with the rest of your house and the surrounding area. You don’t want it to stick out for all the wrong reasons!
Types Of Roofs
The type of roof you have will directly impact the overall look of your extension. You might want to consider what functions you want the roof to have too. For example, you could have a flat roof which is typically cheaper than a pitched roof. Flat roofs can also have skylights fitted too, so if you’re wanting to bring some sunshine into your extension, flat may be the way to go. Flat roofs can also look a little more modern, so think about the style of your extension and which roof will best match it. You should be aware that having a flat roof will mean you have slightly lower ceilings inside, so if you’re wanting the room to be tall and grand, you may want to go for pitched instead.
A pitched roof takes more work and costs a little more due to its design. They can also fit well with older homes due to their traditional look. They can also allow for more natural light to come into the extension as well and they create higher ceilings. Both types of roofs can work well, but it all depends on the style that you’re going for. Before choosing one over the other, take some time to look at the pros and cons of each so you can make the best decision for your extension.
Building
When it’s time for building to commence, it can take some time as there are a lot of things that need to be completed. An extension requires foundations, walls, floors, roofing, windows and doors, ventilation, electricity, drainage, and easy fire escape routes. All of these things will take their own time to be completed and may cost more or less depending on the time and price of the materials needed. All of these things are necessary when building a single storey extension, so you won’t be able to cut corners to save a few pennies. It’s also best to leave the building of the extension to the professionals unless you already fit them for a living. Single storey extensions are a complicated build and not something that should be attempted without expert knowledge.
If you’re thinking of bringing some more space to your home in the form of a single storey extension, make sure you plan for it properly beforehand. You don’t want to get halfway through the build or design and realise you don’t have the proper permission or budget to complete it. Adding a single storey extension can be a great way to refresh your home and provide you with a whole new area to enjoy with all the family.
