Tiny extension - hassle or not?

3 years ago

Hello,

Looking to find out if I build into that little gap at the rear of my house next to the rear utility (to right of steps by the window if you look at photo), would this require any planning permission or drawings of any kind? I wanted to do a beautiful big 3 metre rear extension but I just think this will stretch me too far financially so I'm trying to make the space of the house work for me.

Floor plan below shows the current layout. I'd knock through kitchen diner and move kitchen to the other side but I want to expand the utility area slightly and replace the current one with a more sound structure. Is it worth it to rather save up for a bigger extension or do you think a small bit of work like this wouldn't be too much hassle with planning, drawings, building control etc? Any advice greatfully received

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

Jonathan
3 years ago
Why not put the washing machine in the big bathroom so you have more downstairs space without extending?
Bianca Serrao
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks Jonathan. I didn't consider that. Will think through.
Related Discussions
Need help with kitchen extension layout
Q
Comments (1)
I like it which bit aren't you happy with?
...See More
Rear extension or loft conversion
Q
Comments (8)
Hi A couple of thoughts on your options; Loft conversions can be a great way to increase habitable space but they can sometimes be mistaken as a cheaper option -there is usually a lot of work involved in doing it properly. Also a loft conversion can be quite invasive, it is often easy to overlook the amount of space required at first floor level to accommodate the staircase to the next floor - if space is tight, sometimes this can result in a double room becoming a single or even losing a single room. Adding a third floor to the house will mean that you will have to replace all of the doors to rooms that open onto the hall and landing with fire doors. It is worth remembering that replacing the conservatory with an extension might require planning. The local planning authority might be prepared to discuss the requirement with you, but you design consultant will be able to advise. Have you tried the Find A Pro section of Houzz? its worth a look to see if there are any consultants in your area. If it looks like they do house extension work its worth messaging them - even if they don't have a photo of a project similar to yours, they may well undertake such commission but didn't photograph it. Architects always welcome new enquires, if they cant help they might be able to put you on the right tracks to someone who can.
...See More
What do you feel is the scariest aspect about building an extension?
Q
Comments (2)
Thank you MBH. Yes that is a very important aspect of carrying out an extension - making sure the company you go with ensure that your family continues to feel secure and safe in their own home still and are able to live as much to their usual routine as much as possible. Especially when you have young children it is even more important.
...See More
Patio shading on single storey extension and bifolds
Q
Comments (19)
Ha I could have written this post myself! We also have a single storey extension with integral blinds in our 4m bifold doors...our garden is west facing meaning sun all afternoon/evening. We looked at cantilever parasols last weekend but I am just not sure...it would be upwards of £1k. Our air con is being hooked up next week so at least we will be cool when the bifolds are closed but that doesn’t solve the issue of wanting to enjoy the doors open when we want. I also looked at awnings but we have downlighters in our soffits which we wouldn’t be able to use. Decisions decision....
...See More
Nicola M
3 years ago
Hi Bianca,

3m is fine to do under permitted development providing the house hasn't already been extended but always check with your local authority (most have planning tools and guidelines on their websites). You will also need to look at a party wall agreement (there are lots of free templates on line).

My thoughts:

The difference between doing a 1.5m or 3m is probably not as much as you're thinking. In terms of labour, it probably won't be that much more to dig the extra foundations and lay the extra blocks (maybe 2/3 days extra labour?) I will try to remember to speak to my husband tomorrow as that is his trade to give you a better idea. Either way, you are going to need an architect/ designer, building regs and structural engineers. The size of the project probably won't be much cheaper for a smaller extension as you're going to have to support the current external wall whether you go out 1m or 3m if you want to do a knock through.

Do you have quite a decent size garden? Are you planning to stay in this home for a while? If so, it might be worth saving up to go a little bigger and have a space you really love that should add value too.
Bianca Serrao thanked Nicola M
Bianca Serrao
Original Author
3 years ago
Hi Nicola, thanks so much for this - I guess you confirmed my suspicions :) I heard that a slightly bigger extension may not actually be that much more. I think we will save up for another year so we can get the space we really love and want. Thanks again!

Tiny extension - hassle or not?

Comments (4)

Jonathan

Bianca Serrao
Original Author

Related Discussions

Nicola M

Bianca Serrao
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Tiny extension - hassle or not?

Comments (4)

Jonathan

Bianca SerraoOriginal Author

Related Discussions

Nicola M

Bianca SerraoOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Bianca Serrao
Original Author

Bianca Serrao
Original Author