xtensions or conservatories are one way of increasing the space in your home, adding value and allowing extra light through increased use of windows. It isn’t cheap though, so make sure you’ve run through a checklist of things to consider so you do it right.
Design and plan well
Property specialist www.ourproperty.com suggests that you ensure the intended extension is in keeping with your current property. Make sure it looks right by using similar materials and trying to match prominent features such as the roof, doors and windows.
Get your neighbours involved
It isn’t a good idea to get some way down the planning process only to have objections raised by disgruntled neighbours. Get them involved at the outset. It will save time and friends!
Hire an architect
When you know what you think you want, an architect will be able to tell you if it is possible. They can also offer invaluable advice on planning permission; some even do the painful work for you.
The planning process
Your first point of call should the Government’s Planning Portal (www.planningportal.gov.uk), which runs through the various sizes allowed for extensions and steps you should take. The next should be your local authority’s planning department website, e.g. www.guildford.gov.uk/planning. After you submit your planning application, the plans will be available on the Planning Register and may take up to 8 weeks. Appeals can be made if the council declines your plans. All details can be found online.
Building regulations
This approval is a separate process to the planning application and is required to ensure that all windows and doors etc. comply with fire safety and energy efficiency requirements. If you intend to extend a porch or garage on the ground floor(less than 30m2 of floor space), Building Regulations may not be required.
Choose carefully
Make sure you pick a trader to complete the work that is accredited, e.g. builders can be accredited through the Federation of Master Builders or glaziers in Guildford can be found through the Glass and Glazing Federation (www.ggf.org.uk). Talk to lots of different companies and get quotes to compare the costs. Once decided, make sure you have a solid contract.
Costs
website cites the common “rule of thumb” that it might cost around £1,000 per m2 (£93 per ft2) in order to glaze an area of about 20m2. This would make the extension a total of £20,000. Be wary of rogue traders who according to moneysavingexpert.com are quoting £2,500 to £3,800 per square metre.
Allways Glazing Works Ltd Works offers first class glazing services to commercial & commercial sectors in Guildford, UK.
