Extensions

If you are looking to add value to your home of if you’ve outgrown the space you in live a home extension is the perfect solution to your needs. You will undoubtedly have seen the countless number of rear extensions popping on houses all over your local neighbourhood. Extensions have become so popular that they have even started their own terminology in the industry – Extension Architecture. As a residential architectural designer we are perfectly placed to help you get on your way.

The information below will help to answer an few simple questions such as: What is extension architecture? Can I have an extension at my home? Who can help me with my extension?

What is Extension Architecture?

The term extension architecture is relatively young in its use within the architectural industry, but it is certainly gaining more traction every year. In its rawest breakdown it is simply the process of designing and constructing extensions. Due to the constraints of property boundaries, the ever-growing need for more space and the spiralling cost of buying, moving, building a new home we are seeing more extensions being built than ever before.

With that comes the need for more professionals that handle this type of work and as such you will now see extension specialists that specialise in extension architecture. It may seem like a simple idea, after all what can be so hard about designing an extension? Well as with all aspects of architecture understanding the project brief is vitally important in achieving an effective design and therefore a satisfied client.

Extension architecture is no different, first we must understand our clients desires from the project and couple this with an understanding of what is possible with regards to the host property and the local planning authority. Once we have done this we can let our creative ideas flow and look to produce a design that suits our clients’ needs exactly.

Of course, the introduction and its recent update to permitted development rights mean that it is also potentially easier than ever to have an extension approved and then built.

Can I have an extension built at my home?

Without knowing the exact conditions of your home in terms of its local planning constraints we can’t answer this question with full confidence, we can hover a broad overview of what you may be able to achieve.

As mentioned earlier, having access to permitted development rights can make building an extension easier than ever. Provided that you fulfil the criteria set out within the guidance you go ahead and start the architectural process with full confidence that you will have no issues from the local planning authority.

If you do not have access to the rights or you simply are looking for something that is outside of this guidance, then you will only need to follow the route of obtaining planning permission. There is no need why that should be detrimental to your proposal; it will simply require careful design and hopefully by architectural practices specialising in extension architecture to achieve exactly what you are after.

Extension Architecture and Permitted Development

Below is a brief overview of the permitted development rights for extensions that may be of use if there if a route you are considering an extension or some kind, for more specific advice we would recommend that you give us a call to discuss your project.

For All Extensions

Only half of the area of land around the "original house" can be covered by extensions or other buildings.

• Extensions cannot be higher than the height part of the existing roof; or higher at the eaves than the existing eaves.

• Where the extension comes within two metres of the boundary the height at the eaves cannot exceed three metres

• Extension cannot be built forward of the ‘principal elevation’ or, where it fronts a highway, the ‘side elevation’.

• The works cannot include:

• Verandas, balconies or raised platforms

• A microwave antenna

• A chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe

• Any alteration to the roof or the existing house

• On Article 2(3) designated land the work cannot include cladding of the exterior

• The materials used in any exterior work must be of a similar appearance to those on the exterior of the existing house

GBS Architectural provides bespoke Architectural Design Services in London. It includes detailed drawings, proper planning, consulting and project management services.