Extension and renovation finance options – a simple guide to home loans

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There are a zillion articles online about finance options for home renovations and extensions, but most of them are written (or sponsored) by finance providers. This is one is not and is intended as a broad overview of the options available to you. The content in this article is for informational purposes only, you should… Read more »

Can I build an extension without permission?

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Bristol residential Architect

Can I build a home extension without permission? The short answer is no; at the very minimum, you will need to get building control approval so you can’t build your extension entirely without permission. However, it could be very straightforward to obtain and does not need to delay you getting started (see below). The other… Read more »

Building control regulations for an extension

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Hammersmith extension architect

Do you need building control approval for an extension? If you’re planning to extend your home, you will need to comply with the building regulations. This is a legal requirement and, without formal approval and control, your local council could force you open up or re-build sometimes significant aspects of the project. It could even… Read more »

Do I need both planning permission and listed building consent?

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Listed building consent

Listed building consent is a crucial aspect of owning and maintaining a listed property. The need for listed building consent can be triggered for minor or internal alterations—anything that involves the demolition, modification, or expansion of a listed building that could impact its unique architectural or historical significance. See our article here for house renovations… Read more »

How much does a wraparound extension cost?

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Wraparound extension costs

A wraparound extension (a combined side and rear extension) can cost anywhere between £2,000–£3900+ per square metre to build, based on figures reported by residential architects and designers on Design for Me in 2022.    COSTS PER SQUARE METRE We asked our community of residential architects and design professionals for their experience of domestic projects and how they… Read more »

Is a wraparound extension permitted development?

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wraparound extension

A wraparound extension does not usually benefit from permitted development rights. This is because the extension inherently includes a side extension, which is limited measuring only 50% of the width of the house under permitted development rules.   What is a wraparound extension? A wraparound extension combines side extension and a rear extension to make… Read more »

Single storey extension ideas

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Extension design above by Daniel, an architect in Islington, London. Click on the image to see his profile and shortlist him for your project.    House extension ideas – inspiration for your single storey extension Design for Me has a community of hundreds of architects and architectural designers all across the country and we’ve complied the… Read more »

Should I pay for planning pre-application advice?

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Is it worth getting planning pre-application advice? One of the first hurdles in any home renovation project is obtaining planning permission. Most councils offer a pre-application advice service to homeowners. But is it necessary? It depends on your project and comes down to three things: cost, time and, of course, getting approval for a design… Read more »

How big can I build an extension without planning permission?

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side extension side extension

  Above: Extensions by architects on Design for Me. Click on the image to see their full profile and shortlist them for your project.   How big can you build an extension without planning? The permitted development rules have recently been relaxed, allowing you to build an extension without planning permission of up to six metres (or… Read more »

Permitted development rights for a two-storey extension

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Two storey extension

Two storey extension above by Martin, architect on Design for Me. View his full profile and shortlist him for your project here   Do I need planning permission for a two storey extension? Two storey extensions do not require planning permission, if they fall within permitted development guidelines described below.   How big can I build… Read more »