Making more space at home

By Jo Behari

Do you remember when you bought that perfect family home? The one that had plenty of space for a nursery and a swing set in the garden? Now, a few years down the line when you’ve added toddler toys, prams, additional siblings and working from home into the mix, you suddenly you feel like the old lady in A Squash and a Squeeze.

So how can you create more space? There are many options but they can be a minefield. The first thing to consider is how to create more space with what you already have. Can you move some rooms around, convert a basement or loft? Perhaps you have overly large rooms that can be carved up with partition walls to create more functional spaces.

Or maybe you are one of the many people searching on the internet for ‘house extension’? This search term hit an all-time high in 2020, and it’s no surprise if families are getting under each other’s feet.

First, consider your options depending on your type of home.

Loft Conversion. These are the most straightforward extensions and often the least disruptive, as most of the work can be completed in the loft and roof space before breaking through to fit the stairs.

Rear single storey extension. This is a simple extension that would take your ground floor area into the garden. Great option if you want to extend your living and kitchen space and do not need any increase in bedroom space.

Double storey extension. Like a rear single storey but double height. Great way to get an extra bedroom as well as additional living space downstairs.

Side return extension. These are typically done on a terrace-style property where the side infill at the back is extended, which could allow you to create a kitchen/diner. Sometimes these can be extended with a single storey rear to incorporate a living space as well.

Mansard roof. This is a box that is put onto a terrace house roof to create another room at the top of the house.

For many of these extensions you will require planning permission, which means submitting plans for your extension to your local authority for approval, prior to starting building work. As mundane as this may seem, it is a crucial part of the process.

You may have heard of the term ‘Permitted Development.’ This means you can build up to a certain size without applying for planning permission. Each local authority has its own regulations on this, so it is worth doing your research with your local authority.

If you do not qualify for permitted development, you will need to submit plans to your local authority planning department. It is not essential to have these drawn up by an architect, but the more detail you can provide, the higher chance of your case being granted. Many building firms offer a planning submission process and can complete drawings and submission for you, but there will be an additional charge for this service. Also note there is a charge from the local authority too. The entire process takes a minimum of six weeks, often longer. You will need to adhere to building regulations on most extension projects, even those that come under Permitted Development. This is to ensure the work meets the regulations and safety codes. Again, it is worth checking with your local authority and factoring the cost into your job.

Jo Behari (www.jobehari.co.uk) is an entrepreneur, DIY expert and TV presenter.

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