A Beginner’s Guide To Single-Storey Extensions
Adding a single-storey extension to your home is a great way to add more space and change up the layout. Here’s how to go about it.
In spite of their advantages, single-storey extensions are often overlooked in favour of multi-floor additions or full house moves, despite the fact that they’re significantly easier to manage.
However, single-story extension planning can be quite time-consuming, and we’ll give you some tips on where to begin.
Planning Permission Requirements
A single-storey extension may require a planning permit depending on where you live and the local authority, but usually, you will need it when:
- The acreage around the property is more than half as large as it is.
- It extends out toward a road.
- It increases the overall height of the building or is over 4m tall.
- It extends more than 6m from the rear of an attached house or 8m from a detached house.
- It is more than half the width of the property.
- It includes a balcony.
You can reach out to your ShapeHouse specialist with any questions about local laws. An application for permitted development (PD) may be granted in some circumstances, which allows projects to proceed without having to submit a full planning application.
Building regulations apply to any single-story addition. The project must be submitted to the local government before it can begin.
Party Wall Agreement
If a wall on your extension is directly adjacent to a boundary with another property, you will have to enter into a party wall agreement. Your neighbours may hire their own surveyor (at their expense) to determine how the single-storey extension may affect their property value if they would like further information about the impact of the extension on their property.
To find out more, visit https://www.gov.uk/party-walls-building-works
Single-Storey Extension Budgeting
A single-floor extension is normally much more affordable than a multi-level extension or a full-house move, but the investment still forms a significant one since they alter the design of your property, so a budget should be set before construction begins.
Adding a single-storey extension costs less than £2,000 per m2 for a basic quality build. Therefore, a 4m x 5m space costs around £30,000. The price of a quality standard build ranges between £2,000/m2 and £2,500/m2 depending on access and lcation.
In addition to these basic build costs, there are additional fees. Our Architectural costs are about 5% of the total cost of the project, and structural design/drawings cost about £1,200 on average (for roof joists and foundations, if they are to be included).
For about 7% of the total project cost, a professional project manager can oversee the works and conduct surveys, which range from £1,500 to £2,500 (depending on the provider and size of the survey). Labour, materials, and services are subject to VAT, which is charged 20% of the cost. Planning fees in the UK are around £250. It is dependent on the size of the project how much building control charges will be, ranging from £900 to £1500 depending on how many hemes are involved.
Some cases require additional fees, such as those for tree reports, flood risk assessments, archaeological reports, and reports on historical buildings.
Interior Fit-Out Costs
Interior design costs must be considered once a construction budget has been determined. As a ballpark figure, here are the costs for different types of rooms:
- According to the scope and size of the kitchen, prices range from £5,000 – £30,000
- Based on size and specification, bathrooms can cost between £4,500 and £11,000
- There is a wide range of flooring costs from 25 to 100 per square metre
- The average cost of plaster and drylining is around £85 per square meter
- Door cost per linear metre is approximately £1,200 – £1,800 for Aluminum sliding and bi-folding doors
Underfloor heating options are more expensive to install than central heating systems, which will cost both labour and materials. A new boiler can cost around £2500 (dependent on size and location) to supply and fit if you need one.
Single-Storey Extension Design
Homeowners in collaboration with builders, or architects can design a single-storey extension, which is to some extent dictated by planning permissions and local building codes. It is important that the design integrates the new space well with the existing property.
In addition, the position, size, and shape of doors and windows can change the amount of light entering a living space as well as change views from the property, which can significantly alter the value and features of a home. In order to create a natural flow through the house, the new space should complement the existing style and framing of the existing home rather than disrupt it.
Building industry professionals have plenty of tips and tricks for seamlessly installing a single-storey addition to a house. It might be helpful to install a wider doorway into the extension, hide joists in the ceiling void to ensure a continuous ceiling level, and continuously use decorative elements throughout the extension. It is important to keep accessibility in mind.
A contrast in style can lend a unique and impressive modern aesthetic to the space, even if you wish to conceal the extension so it appears to be part of the structure. If low-pitched roofs are the only option for a single-storey extension, then creative roofing designs can be incorporated. The larger the ceiling and the greater the light, the bigger the new extension will feel.
Adding a single-storey extension opens up a world of possibilities. If done correctly, brilliant, creative design can completely transform your home. It’s not a bad idea to spend a little extra to work with an expert who can ensure that the extension is done right the first time – after all, if you’re in it for the long haul, this can enhance your quality of life within the property.
ShapeHouse offers turn-key solutions for building a renovation tailored to your lifestyle requirements and taste. With local renovation specialists, everything will be handled for you, including all the financial aspects. They will work with you to stay within budget.
Talk to ShapeHouse
Were you thinking about extending your single-storey home? Please contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our renovation specialists.
We hope this guide has helped you start the process for your home renovation. We understand that embarking on a project can be a daunting task. Here at ShapeHouse, we have a streamlined system that will help you to enjoy the process.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The ShapeHouse Team