Extending your home requires a lot of preparation and work before the actual building work starts. Here are a few things to consider before you start, in order to save a lot of stress, money and time.
Check Your Permitted Development Rights
Not every extension will require planning permission in full, but it’s wise to check first. The town of Cheltenham is made up of many areas, including several Conservation Areas. Article 4 directions have been introduced in some of these areas to remove permitted development rights.
Get a Structural Survey First
Check the grounds prior to creating a design plan for your home extension. A Structural Survey assesses the integrity of the ground and existing structure. Designing a home extension without the knowledge of a Structure Survey can lead to costly changes as work commences.
Understand Party Wall Agreements
If your extension is to be built near a neighbour’s property and involves a shared wall then a Party Wall Agreement will need to be served on the neighbour prior to commencing the works.
Build In a Contingency Budget
Allow 10% to 15% of the total build cost for the Extension for unexpected issues arising in the Groundwork or for variation to specified products.
Separate Planning from Building Regs
Finally, the two approvals you will need are Planning permission and approval under Building Regulations. Note that approval under Building Regulations will cover items like structural work, fire regulation and also the connection to drainage. All contractors should also ensure that they are complying with their health and safety obligations during the construction work.
Involve Your Builder Early
However, if you bring a builder into the design stage early enough, they can tell you whether the designs that look so good on paper actually cost what you have been led to believe.
For Home Extensions Cheltenham, see https://precisionbuildersltd.co.uk/services/home-extensions/cheltenham/.
By planning and preparing in advance, each subsequent stage of the process will be so much smoother.
