The Flexibility of House Extensions vs Moving Out

Adding a single or double storey rear or side extension to your current property can be an ideal solution especially if you were thinking of moving to another property as you may have outgrown your current property or just need more living space.  The need for more living place can be as a result of the change in personal circumstances e.g. the family is growing and getting bigger, the accessibility needs for elderly occupants of a property or change in working arrangements which means working from home more. The covid-19 pandemic has changed the normal ways of working and every business/employer is offering more flexibility to their staff.

Single Storey Extensions
A single storey side or rear extension is an extension on one floor i.e. the ground floor. A rear extension is built on part of the existing garden while a side extension will be built on available land by the side of the property. Rear extensions can be added to any property type – terraced, semi-detached or detached while a side extension can only be added to end of terrace, semi-detached or detached properties. Usually, if operating within building regulations, you may not need planning permission if you do not extend beyond 3 metres from the house. This would fall under permitted development.
 
Other options include the Side Return Extension which can be described as an infill of the passage to the rear and side of the property. Planning permission is not required as side return extensions are considered permitted development. 

Double Storey Extensions
A double storey side or rear extension is an extension on 2 floors at the side or rear of the property. Double storey rear extensions can be added to terraced, semi-detached and detached properties. Similar to the single storey side extension, double storey side extensions can be added to end of terrace, semi-detached or detached properties. Majority of double storey extensions are subject to planning permission from the local authority. You will need to check if you meet all the criteria to proceed without planning permission. If unsure speak to our team first.
 
Double Storey Extensions must be no closer than 7 metres to the rear boundary otherwise planning permission is needed. Adding a double storey extension automatically moves your property into the next price bracket. This is compared with a single storey extension which may add 5 – 10% value to the property. For instance, adding a double storey extension to a 2 bedroom house moves the house into a 3 or 4 bedroom price range. 

Loft conversions; transforming the loft into a bedroom possibly with a shower room, Garage conversion; converting the garage into living space – office, another bedroom, Home cinema or kid play area or basement conversion are all ideas for extending living space in the property and creating a brilliant alternative to moving.
 
Whatever option you embark on, it is important to talk to the experts – trained, skilled and experienced builders with a strong portfolio or you can simply talk to the friendly team at CBO Contractors. Even if you know nothing about extensions, our team would guide you from the initial consultation phase were we discuss your vision and ideas, to design, planning and building phase. Our consultation is free and we offer reasonable quotes. Whatever property you have, with good planning and discussion with the experts, there is every possibility that we may have a solution to meet your immediate need.
 
While building an extension requires a financial commitment, our services are reasonably priced. Also note, if you are moving or buying a new property, you need a deposit, stamp duty, legal fees, surveyor fees, mortgage brokerage fees etc. It is usually a massive financial and personal commitment as it takes roughly 6 to 12 months to find the property of your dream and another 60 to 120 days to complete the purchase. If you also factor in the moving costs and the non-financial impact like moving away from friends and family then it is a big sacrifice.
 
Talk to our team let’s discuss options.