In the matter of the change to be made in your home, the selection of professionals is the key. The trend in London is where homeowners are opting to use design build contractors to do their projects be it a loft extension, kitchen upgrade or even a complete refurbishment of the entire house. Design and build services are different to the conventional approach of recruiting architects, builders, and project managers separately and placing all under one roof. This saves time and money besides, making the process a lot easier to homeowners who do not have to worry about handling various professionals.
You will have the ability to have access to professional planning, design creativity, and smooth construction by collaborating with old design build contractors based in London. In case you have a thought of increasing your space, particularly loft conversion, knowing how a design and build company operates will make you certain of initiating your project.
Everything You Need to Know About a Single Storey Extension
It is normally constructed at the back or side of a property although some homeowners also consider front facing extensions where allowed. This is as opposed to the double storey extensions which are more complex and disruptive yet they also cause a significant change in your living environment.
The attraction is that a Single Storey Extension will enable the owners of the house to redefine the design of the house. To take a case in point, the option of opening the back of the house to form a flowing linkage between the kitchen and the garden is a desired option. The extension is also a relatively cheaper alternative to moving the house since the families have an extra room without the hassle associated with changing of residence.
Why Homeowners Choose a Single Storey Extension
The reasons for opting for a single storey extension are as varied as the homes themselves. To a great number of people, it is a question of improving everyday life. A small dining area or cramped kitchen can be redesigned to create a bright and modern meeting place of the family and entertainment. Some interpret it as an opportunity to add more natural light in their house particularly through the introduction of roof lanterns or bi-fold doors that will bombard their house with sunshine.
Financially, an extension of just one storey may also contribute greatly to a property. The consumer culture in the UK is inclined to attract homes with already spacious open-plan designs, and in this respect, this kind of extension is an investment which compensates in the long term. It is also an excellent means to futurise your house so that you can know you will be able to accommodate more people in case of an increase or later decrease in family size or your lifestyle changes.
Popular Design Styles and Layout Options
Design is also an important aspect in your single storey extension because it will make it seem as an extension of the home and not a mere addition. The rear extension is the most popular variant, which is frequently employed in the expansion of the kitchen into the large kitchen-diner with an immediate access to the garden. This architecture forms a friendly and practical environment that unites both the indoor and outdoor life.
Side return extensions are also extremely popular to those who are looking to do something different and this has been very common in terraced houses in London and other cities in the UK. Homeowners can access the unused side alley to carve the valuable floor space without reduced space on the garden by extending into the unused side alley.
With respect to design, modern extensions tend to be minimalist with clean lines, big pane glasses and modern finishing. Nevertheless, a more classic design solution is also efficient. The brickwork should be in keeping with the current house or timber fittings, however, still offer a new space.
The other trend that has been popular is the use of roof structures which can be skylights or lanterns that not only improve the aesthetics but also introduce more natural lighting. Depending on the size of a family, a new utility room or even a home gym, the layout choices are a wide one, and each of them can be customised to fit certain lifestyle requirements.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations Explained
Assessing feelings of having a single storey extension, one of the first things that the homeowners will wonder is whether they need planning permission or not. The good news is that most of the extensions are possible under the Permitted Development Rights and this is to say that not necessarily do you require full planning permission. Height, depth and the general footprint have limits though. As an example, without planning permission, rear extensions are usually allowed up to three metres in the case of a terraced house and four in the case of a detached house.
That being said, you need to be sure you consult with your local planning authority because regulations may differ based on location and type of property. Strict stricter regulations usually apply to listed buildings or residential properties in a conservation area. Although you do not need planning permission, your extension will have to be able to meet the UK building regulations. These include structural integrity, fire safety, insulation, ventilation and energy efficiency.
Hiring a skilled architect and builder would help in making sure that your extension does not fail to meet all the legal standards and still fulfil your vision. The paperwork and the contact with building control officers will also be done by a professional, who will save you time and ensure that you do not make expensive errors.
