Building an Extension Checklist: SAM's Extension Planner

Planning and executing an extension can be rewarding but complex. You will benefit from more space and, hopefully, an increase in your property's value, but have to contend with the time it takes to complete the work, potential issues with local planning officers, and underbudgeting.

Before getting ahead of yourself, you set clear goals for the project, understand planning restrictions, and create a realistic budget with a buffer just in case. By doing this, you can lay a solid foundation for your extension both literally and figuratively.

Planning your extension

Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve with your extension is crucial. Do you want to gain more space, increase the value of your property, or make better use of the current floor space? For example, if you want to create a home office, you might prioritise soundproofing and privacy.

It's important to contact your local planning authority to understand the specific rules and restrictions that might apply to your property. Common restrictions include height limits, roof pitch matching (for two-storey extensions), and boundary proximity.

Site assessment for a ground floor extension

Your property and the land it sits on have characteristics which must be taken into account:

• Different soil types can affect the foundation stability and construction process. For example, clay soil might require additional structural support due to its tendency to expand and contract with changes in moisture content.
• If there are any trees on your property, it's best to check with your local authority if there are any preservation orders or certain rules on cutting them down.
• Check flood maps for a history of flooding on your property or order a Flood Risk Report and consider taking out extra insurance if you are in a higher-risk area.

You might want to get a site appraisal from a planning consultant before instructing an architect or structural engineer to draw up designs and plans. Similarly, ordering a RICS survey before renovation or extension work could give you peace of mind.

Utilities and services

Gas, electricity, and sewage lines could disrupt your extension construction. For example, underground pipes or cables might need to be relocated, or telephone lines might need to be raised. You should contact the relevant utility companies to obtain necessary permits and coordinate with your work.

If your land runs over public sewers, you must contact the local water authority before work begins. If there is a shared sewer within 3 metres of the extension, a 'Build Over Agreement' is required.

Neighbour relations

Open communication is essential with your neighbours throughout the extension building process to help avoid potential conflicts. How will the work affect their property? There might be temporary arrangements like moving fence panels or even using their land for short-term storage, so it's best to cooperate with them. Make sure your extension doesn't make your property a 'flying freehold' either.

Design and pre-construction

Once you have a handle on your goals, budget, and site conditions it's time to focus on the design and execution of your extension.

Do you need planning permission?

You make a planning application online through the Planning Portal. Every local authority in England and Wales accepts online planning applications through this portal.

You can either draw the plans yourself or you can get the help of an architect, RICS surveyor, or a structural engineer. For smaller builds, you may even get the builder to help you with your application.

The majority of planning applications cost a fee. There are some exclusions such as for listed buildings and for demolition in a conservation area, where a fee is not required.

You can see the costs here - Guide to the Fees for Planning Applications in England. Payment is required upfront before a decision is provided. If the local authority refuses the planning application then there is no refund.

Building regulations are designed to ensure new building works meet health, safety, welfare, convenience, and sustainability standards. They relate to the specifics of how a building should be constructed, unlike planning permission which is about whether development should go ahead.

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Architectural design

Hiring a professional architect can provide valuable expertise and guidance throughout the design process. An architect can help you create a space that meets your needs and complements the existing style of your home.

Consider the aesthetic and practical impacts the extension will have on the existing property. For example, if the home is already not well-insulated or thermally efficient, this will need to be upgraded when the extension is added.

If you intend to keep costs down, choose a simple square or rectangular shape for the extension. Designs with more complicated roof structures or lots of glass will be more expensive.

Glazing to square footage ratios - if you're extending an exterior wall, the same number of windows will not produce the same amount of light as before because the square footage has increased. Aim for approximately 25% window to square footage.

Permitted development

Planning permission isn't always required so it is important to check to see if the work you are planning falls under what is called "Permitted Development Rights".

Permitted development rights allow certain types of extensions and alterations to be carried out without full planning permission. These rights are outlined in the The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.

If you're unsure whether your proposed extension qualifies for permitted development, it's advisable to consult with your local planning authority or a planning professional.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

CIL is a charge levied by local councils on new developments (extensions over 100 square metres) to fund infrastructure improvements such as roads, schools, and parks. In some cases, you may be eligible for exemptions or reductions in CIL payments, such as for affordable housing, self-build projects, or extensions to existing dwellings.

Construction and completion - final stages of extension build

Speak with at least four to six contractors informally to brief them on the project and get a rough idea of costs. Reduce that list to three and send them a pack of documents which includes the legal framework, designs, drawings, specifications, and the job timescale.

Quotes, proposals, and contracts

Review their quotes and proposals thoroughly to compare prices, services, reputation, and experience. Be sure to ask questions about anything you aren't sure about. Each builder should be provided with a schedule of works and a specification document, otherwise, each contractor will assume their own specification and this could cause costs to rise.

Check if the contractors are part of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB); members must be vetted and pass an independent inspection process to join.

Once you've picked your builder, it's time to sign the contract. Top tip: sign a contract that includes staged payments instead of one lump sum at the beginning.

Project Management

Decide whether you want to manage the project yourself, hire a professional project manager, or delegate management to the main contractor. The right approach will depend on the project's size, scope, and style. Take into account weather conditions, material availability, and potential delays.

Can I build my own extension?

Doing a large portion of the build yourself could reduce project costs by as much as 25%. In a self-build extension, you'd still have to use trades for key structural work, but general labouring, landscaping, decorating, and tiling can be done if you're skilled enough.

You'll need to either live on-site or off-site during the construction. If you're on-site, you can oversee and monitor the work without finding temporary accommodation, but there's a noise disruption and mess everywhere.

If you leave the property vacant during construction, you will need unoccupied buildings insurance. Contact your existing insurer to see what coverage they can provide for this.

VAT Relief

Certain types of extension work on listed buildings or conversions of existing dwellings to change the number of units can be eligible for VAT relief. Even buildings that have been empty for at least two years could be eligible, so it's best to do your research to see if you can claim back expenses.

Important: You will always need listed building consent for extensions. It's a criminal offence to alter a listed building without approval. The extension must respect the character, appearance, and history of the building. Therefore, work might take longer and cost more with specialist materials or building techniques.

Snagging

Before installing furniture and other fixtures or fittings, note every defect you find such as cracks, gaps in sealant, electrical faults, or tiling mistakes. Check that the water and heating work properly too. These should be reported to the contractor to ensure it's promptly addressed.