Adding an extension to your home not only gives you some extra space but it also increases the value of your home. There are several extensions you could add, such as an extension to the side or rear, a garage conversion and one of the most popular choices—a rear extension.
When the available space in your current home is no longer sufficient, there are several options that you can think about to ease the situation. You can decide to move to a bigger home, but this option is very costly and can disrupt your family’s life especially if the kids go to school nearby and the potential new home is further away.
Instead, you can decide to stay and make some additions to your home such as adding a rear extension. The cost of adding an extension to your home will be lower compared to moving and the completed project can even make your home more liveable. Here is what you need to know about adding a rear extension to your home.
Considerations before the project commences
Planning permission and permitted development rights
It is not a good idea to start a project which requires planning permission without gaining approval first. Starting without permission can lead to heavy fines and the new structure may be required to be removed which would be a nightmare scenario for many reasons. However, some rear extension projects can be done without planning permission if the project falls under permitted development rights.
Under permitted development rights, you can build a rear extension if the wall is 8 metres or shorter for a single storey building—or 3 meters or less for a double-storey. The ridge heights of the new extension should also not be higher than the current property. Any project that does not meet these criteria will require planning permission approval. Speak with a qualified architect to assist you with planning permission and permitted development rights.
Building regulations
Many people often confuse building regulations and planning permission but they are two different things. Your rear extension project might not require planning permission to begin but it must still comply with building regulations. You can get in touch with local building control officers to certify every aspect of your project.
Building regulations mainly focus on fire safety, ventilation, emergency exits, windows and staircases for storeyed buildings. If your rear extension does not meet building regulation requirements, you might also be forced to demolish the extension. Home renovations Melbourne
Home insurance
Will your current home insurance be affected if you add a rear extension to your property? The likely answer is yes. It is recommended that you contact your building insurance provider (and probably contents cover too) and inform them about your extension plans. The new extension will increase the property rebuild costs which will necessitate a reassessment of your premiums.
In addition, when the construction project is ongoing, it can subject the current insured property to damage. This might void the policy especially if you commence the project without letting the insurer know beforehand. You should also hire a builder who has professional indemnity insurance cover to cushion you from any uncertainties.
The takeaway
There are several considerations you must look into when adding a rear extension and the above points can play a key role in guiding you. it is recommended that you work with an experienced architect who understands all the regulations and the necessary approvals for your project. In addition, a professional will create elegant designs that perfectly complement your home.
