How Far Can You Extend The House: Custom Home Builders

August 22, 2024

How Far Can You Extend The House: Custom Home Builders

As interest rates rise, many homeowners are rethinking their plans to move and are instead considering ways to enhance their current property. One popular solution is building an extension. Not only does this provide extra space and comfort, but it can also increase the value of your home. However, before you start planning your home extension, it’s essential to understand the key regulations and considerations involved. Custom home builders emphasize that extending a property depends on specific criteria, including planning permission requirements, property type, and other regulations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these considerations and make informed decisions about extending your home.

Do Home Builders Provide Planning Permission for an Extension?

In many cases, extensions or additions to a home fall under what is known as “permitted development.” The home builders do not provide any permit. However, they can help you get connected to the authorities who can provide planning permits. As they are experienced and work alongside local councils, they can help you in this regard. This means that planning permission is not required, provided certain conditions are met. However, there are instances where planning permission is necessary. Here are some situations where you would need to apply for planning permission:

• Size of the Extension: If the extension covers more than half the area of land surrounding the original house, planning permission is required. This includes land immediately surrounding the house, such as gardens and driveways.
• Height Restrictions: If the extension is taller than the highest part of your roof or if it exceeds four meters in height for a single-story rear extension, you will need planning permission. Additionally, any two-story extension that extends more than three meters beyond the rear wall of the house also requires permission.
• Appearance: If the materials used in the extension are different from those of the existing house, resulting in a noticeably different appearance, planning permission is required. This ensures that the extension fits with the aesthetic of the neighborhood.
• Location and Layout: Single-storey rear extensions that extend more than three meters beyond the rear wall for semi-detached houses or four meters for detached homes require planning permission. For multi-story extensions, planning permission is needed if the addition extends beyond the rear wall of the house by more than three meters.

How Far to Extend the House without Planning Permission: Custom Home Builders

Permitted development rights allow homeowners to extend their properties within certain limits without the need for planning permission. These rights have been relaxed under the “larger home extension scheme,” which has now been made permanent. Under this scheme, you can build an extension up to six meters in length for semi-detached houses, or eight meters for detached homes, without needing planning permission.

Property Type and Cost to Build a House

The type of property you own significantly impacts whether you can extend without planning permission. All these factors are considered when it comes to the cost to build a house. Some property types do not have permitted development rights, meaning that planning permission is mandatory. These property types include:

• Flats and Maisonettes: If you live in a flat, maisonette, or any similar building, you do not have permitted development rights. In these cases, you cannot build an extension without full planning permission.
• Converted Properties: If your home has undergone a change of use or was converted into a residential property, your permitted development rights may be restricted or removed entirely. This means you will likely need planning permission to build an extension.

Historical Extensions and Their Effect on Permitted Development

It’s essential to know if your property has been extended after 1948. If previous owners have already extended the property, this could reduce your permitted development allowance. In other words, if the property has been significantly extended in the past, you may have less flexibility to add more space without planning permission. Understanding your property’s history is crucial to avoid complications later.

Listed Properties and New Home Construction in Corydon

For homeowners of listed properties or those located in protected areas, additional restrictions may apply to home extensions. Whether you’re looking for a dream home for listed properties or eyeing for new home construction in Corydon, there are certain restrictions which should be kept in mind. If your property is in a conservation area, a national park, or an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), your permitted development rights could be severely limited or entirely removed.

• Listed Properties: If your home is a listed building, you may not have the right to make any changes or extensions without special permission. Listed properties require specific consent to ensure that the historical or architectural significance is preserved.
• Protected Land: For properties on designated land, such as conservation areas or national parks, you cannot build more than one story, construct a side extension, or clad the exterior without planning permission. Additionally, your extension plans may be subject to strict regulations to maintain the area’s protected status.

Wrapping Up

Building an extension is a fantastic way to add value, space, and comfort to your home. Make sure to consult your ideas with custom home builders. However, it’s essential to understand the regulations governing extensions, particularly regarding planning permission and permitted development rights. Factors such as property type, the history of previous extensions, and the location of your property all play a significant role in determining whether you need planning permission. The experienced and certified home builders will automatically consider these factors and plan accordingly. They can ensure your home extension project proceeds smoothly and complies with the necessary regulations. Whether you’re looking to expand your living space or increase your property’s value, understanding these rules will help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary setbacks.