The
opportunity of homeownership is,
unfortunately, dwindling
for much of the population here in the UK. Middle-income young adults
are now less than half as likely to own a property than they were just two
decades ago. However, the property market can be an intimidating place for
people of all demographics. UK homeowners are now increasingly more likely to
invest in home renovations than brave selling up and buying a bigger home. Many
people see the process of getting planning permission for an extension as a far
less troublesome task than engaging with the property market again.
In fact,
research conducted by Hiscox
shows that there has been an
astonishing 400% increase in the number of homeowners who would prefer to
renovate than to move over the last five years. Interviewing more than 1200
people, this research indicates that a quarter of people asked wished to
renovate instead of move home because of high property prices. 15% said that
they would rather renovate because of a sluggish property market.
This
research also indicated that there has been a 114% increase in planning
permission over the last nine years. If this sounds familiar to you, we have
curated some tips for your next property extension or conversion. From planning
permission advice to budgeting, we’ve covered all bases.
Planning Permission
Building an
extension or converting a loft can be great ways to improve your home.
Depending on the type of project you are looking to complete, you may or not
need to secure planning permission. If you’re planning an extension, in many
cases, you will require some sort of planning permission.
The size of
the extension is critical to whether you would require planning permission for
your extension. The extension must be no more than half the area of the
original house, which does not include any extensions which have already been
completed. Similarly, if the extension results in your property being closer to
the public highway, you would then need to secure planning permission.
An extension
cannot be taller than the tallest part of the roof, or you will need to secure
planning permission for the works. If an extension is more than one storey
high, it must not extend beyond three meters of the original house otherwise
you will require planning permission. Two-storey extensions and side extensions
often have more restrictions in place. As well as this, if the materials you
are using are very different from the ones used for the existing property, you
may require planning permission.
If you are
considering an extension, it’s worth talking to a chartered surveyor who can
help demystify the process.
Situations You Do Not Require Planning
Permission
‘General
Permitted Development’ is an umbrella term which covers a wide range of
developments which are permitted without the need for planning permission. If
you live in a conservation area, a national part, a World Heritage Site of in
the Norfolk or Suffolk Broads, this is more restricted. However, in most parts
of the UK, these permitted developments remain the same.
It’s important
to always check with the local council or a chartered surveyor first, however,
many small projects are allowed with no need for planning permission. Loft,
basement and garage conversions usually fall under a general permitted
development. Similarly, most small and single-storey extensions do not require
explicit planning permission as they also fall under this directive. If you’re
building a garden porch, installing solar panels or installing new doors and
windows, you shouldn’t need planning permission.
The rules
and regulations surrounding this tend to change on a semi-regular basis, so
it’s vital to check and ensure you do not require planning permission for your
project.
Secure All Necessary Planning Permission
Approvals Before You Start
As well as having
an understanding of what you will require planning permission for and what you
do not, you need to also understand the importance of securing approval before
you start. Even if your extension does not require planning permission, it will
still need Buildings Regulations Approval. This is to ensure that building
standards are consistent across the nation.
Before any
work can start, it’s vital that you have the ‘OK’ of the relevant building
standards bodies otherwise you could find yourself in hot water.
Another
great tip to ensure the process is as smooth as possible is to include your
neighbours in these discussions. Getting your community on-side will help
ensure there are fewer objections and that you will get your planning
permission approval secured quicker.
Budgeting
When working
on an extension, it’s very easy to go over-budget. If you have absolutely no
financial restrictions; great. However, very few people have that luxury.
Setting a budget should be one of your first steps and it’s critical that you
stick to it where possible.
Some experts
suggest that around £1,500 per square meter should be sufficient. However, it’s
important to also allow for contingencies. An additional 10 or 20% on your
original budget should give you enough wriggle room should you need to
overspend.
When considering
your budget, it’s advisable to work with a structural engineer and chartered
surveyor to give you a more realistic costing of the work to be completed. You
also need to ensure you include any fees for consultants, authorities fees and
any other administrative fees into your budget. This budget should not just be
for materials and labour!
Consider Whether Your Plans Will Increase The
Value of Your Home. If Not Is Securing Planning Permission Worth It?
The lucky
few amongst us may not see money as an object to overcome. However, for most
people, it’s vital that your extension will increase the value of your property
enough to make it worth the investment. If your extension is not going to have
any practical or financial value, it’s worth really considering whether it’s
worth the time. Securing planning permission can sometimes be a pain, and
you’ll want to know that the time has been well spent.
Consult with
a local estate agent who can advise on whether your extension will increase the
value of your property and by how much. By comparing this with your budget, you
will be able to ascertain whether the investment will bear fruit in the future.
With this information, you’ll be able to budget and plan far more accurately.
If you’re
not thinking about selling any time soon, it’s still worth considering how much
more practical value the extension will ad. Ask yourself what the purpose of
the extension is and why you are investing in it - will building this extension
improve your life at home and is it worth the time and money? If you are a
growing family and you do not want to disturb your children’s lives by moving
home, an extension may greatly improve your life.
Contact
Simon Levy
For Planning Permission Advice and
Structural Engineer Services In Greater London and The Surrounding Areas
Here at
Simon Levy, we are a team of professional chartered building surveyors and
structural engineers who can assist you with your planning application. Our
expertise in the industry means that we can help you secure the necessary
planning permission for your home extension.
Securing
planning permission can often be an arduous process for homeowners which will
become expensive if not done properly. To help you avoid any unnecessary
financial burden during your planning application process, we provide expert
planning permission advice. We can help you with your proposal and submit a
planning application for you.
Building an
extension is an excellent way to increase the value of your property and make
it a far more practical and enjoyable place to live. To ensure that the process
is as frictionless and stress-free as possible, get in touch with us at Simon
Levy and we’d be glad to provide you with help for your planning permission to
ensure your planning application is accepted.
To find out more about our services, please feel
free to
contact us
today. You can find us at Link House, 49
Theobald Street, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 4RT. Alternatively, call us on
0208 207 6100 or email us at
info@simonlevy.net.
