Things change. It’s a fact that our needs and expectations don’t stay the same. There may be a reason or a desire to create more living space. The current economic situation has made moving properties increasingly difficult and expensive. You don’t have to leave the place you call home to gain the additional space you want or need. The unnecessary disruption of relocating, High estate agents fees, legal costs, stamp duty and removal expenses can all be avoided. Your existing home can be transformed with a simple extension, that will add more living space to your home.
If you are in need of extra space, then an extension is one of the best ways to achieve this and in the process extend and expand your home to create a larger living space. Once you have made the decision to have an extensions built, we can help you through every stage of your conversion.
An extension can be the ideal solution if you require more living space. When an extension is done correctly, it can be a very cost-effective and practical way to utilise unused space into. However, before you commence with your extension, you will need to establish what kind of extensions you would like to have constructed.
Single storey extension
Extending your home with a single storey extension as opposed to moving to a new house can prove to be a more economic and satisfactory solution that suits your family’s present and future needs. A new extension is a sensible investment that can add to the value of your home and provide the additional internal space required enabling you to make the most effective use of your accommodation.
Many more people are now considering extending their properties as an alternative to moving home, as the costs of buying and selling property are so prohibitive. However, this significant investment can prove to be very daunting without the professional advice to help you make the right choices.
Create Room can take the initiative and help you to make an informed decision on the most suitable extension that will provide you with space and flexibility within your home. The addition of a single storey extension can add significant value to your home, and help you turn your house into the home you’ve always wanted.
A single storey extension is a very popular means of gaining extra space within your home, often providing a larger kitchen, lounge, dining room or alternatively adding a utility room, family room or new office. Whatever your reasons for extending, you want to be sure that the process is well managed and to the highest standards.
Double storey extension
A two storey extension can make a substantial difference to your home, not only giving you extra space in your lounge, kitchen, dining room or other living areas, but also increasing the available bedroom accommodation or providing an additional bathroom. This type of extension often gives you enough space to avoid having to move home, at a cost which is far more affordable.
Whatever your reasons for extending, you want to be sure that the process is as trouble free as possible, with minimum disruption to your daily routine.On most extensions the initial building works can be carried out from outside your existing property, and only breaking through into the existing living area when necessary. Although a double storey extension can be a major project, Plan-it Construction can make sure it’s well planned so that it causes as little disruption to everyday life as possible.
All our extensions come fully project managed and with a full detailed construction and cost programme, making sure that all our customers know exactly what is taking place from start to completion.
Side return extension
A side return extension is usually used to create extra space in existing rooms or to re-arrange your interior floor plan to create extra space that could include: bedrooms, bathrooms or living space. Side return extensions can also be combined with rear extensions to form a wrap-around extension.
Although wrap-around extensions are often more time-consuming and can cause a high amount of disturbance, they offer great rewards by allowing the maximum amount of flexibility to re-organise the existing layout of your home to meet you exact needs.
Create Room is experienced in producing high quality wrap around and single storey extensions that are tailored to our customers every need. All our projects are fully project managed so that your project runs as smooth as possible, with minimum disruption to your daily schedule.
Conservatory or kitchen extension
Investing in a conservatory extension is always a smart and wise decision that will add value to your property and provide your home with a room that is flexible enough to be used in a variety of ways. By opting for a conservatory, you’re not just buying another room, your investing in the value of your property and investing in a new way of living.
A conservatory is not only practical but also very pleasurable. It will provide a unique and flexible space that can be used in so many ways and also be one of the least expensive and simplest ways of adding additional space to your home. Many families enjoy using the added space as an ideal playroom for the children or entertaining room on summer evenings, which allows you to get the most out of your garden in the spring and summer. Even on a cold day you can still enjoy being closer to nature and extending your summer throughout the year.
A conservatory extension also allows you to make the most of our precious sunshine. For entertaining, a conservatory provides the perfect setting for a dinner party or gives you the much need space for a table and chairs to act as an alternative breakfast room. In addition, it can be utilised as a light airy study for those who work or study from home. All in all, a conservatory provides a stylish and elegant way to add more space and flexibility to your home and life.
Cube extension
This new concept allows a contemporary new inside/outside space to be created as an addition to your home. More sturdy and contemporary than a traditional conservatory this extra space can normally be constructed under new ‘Permitted Development’ rights meaning that no planning permission is required (although a building inspection from the relevant local authority may be necessary).
The Cube extension can also be designed to be any size or shape allowing the ability to be a fantastic extension option to your home. The Cube requires simple strip foundations and can be fully constructed from start to finish within 3 weeks (dependant on size). It has been designed to exceed current building regulation requirements and we are currently developing the sustainable cube which includes ‘sheep wool’ insulation and geothermal under floor heating systems. The major benefit of The Cube extension is that it can be installed for the same cost as a glass roof conservatory, which means you get the benefit of thermal mass construction providing great energy efficiency, large glazing with bi-fold doors and frameless skylights, allowing maximum day light penetration and amazing opportunity for evening star gazing when relaxing or entertaining.
The Cube’ design has been developed with the following key functions in mind; sustainable development, pre-fabricated construction methods, visual impact and cost efficiency.
The team at Create-Room can originate full working drawings and structural calculations for your proposed extension.
We will demonstrate our experience when preparing your plans. They will be originated to provide you the maximum space achievable while being considerate to the existing property. We will consider all relevant approvals required so that they are considered in the design of your future extension.
Building extensions is a specialised area, and we take into consideration all factors.
We have numerous extensions that we have previously built and constructed for you to look at. This may give you an idea of what you are looking for in an extension.
Survey
An appointment will be made and one of our experienced Surveyors will visit your property. Accurate measurements & dimensions of the existing dwelling are recorded and photographic evidence of your existing property will be taken.
This will enable us to be sympathetic with the existing property when designing your proposed extension. Preliminary drawings will then be originated in accordance with your specific requirements.
Customer approval
The preliminary drawings will be presented to you for your approval. Any amendments in the design or layout can be made at this point.
Once you are happy with the plans, Full working plans will be originated incorporating a structural layout. Full, working structural calculations will be originated.
What is planning permission & is it required?
In most cases you will need a successful application for planning permission before any work is allowed to commence.
Planning permission is very important, because it allows your local council to plan for the future and understand how the land is being used. This will have an impact on the appearance of buildings, the general landscape and even things such as road access and environmental implications.
Do I Need Planning Permission?
You will need planning permission if any of the following applies to your extension:
- The extension is higher than the highest part of your original roof.
- Any part of the extension is more than four meters high and within two metres of your boundaries.
- The extension will take up more than half of the total ground area of your land (this excludes ground covered by the original property).
- The total volume of the original building will increase by more than 115 cubic metres.
- The total volume of the original building is increased by more than 10% for terraced houses or any property in a conservation area of national park.
What is the planning process?
Once your your plans have been submitted to your local council, it will place the plans on the Planning Register for public viewing and they will also notify your neighbours. Your local council will also appoint a committee who will make a decision with regards to the planning application. This decision can take up to eight weeks to be made and if you are granted permission you must have the proposed work completed within five years. If you are denied planning permission you can make amendments and then resubmit within 12 months, without incurring a further charge. An appeal can be lodged within three months of a council’s decision.
When extending your house you will need to make sure that you comply with government building regulations. This will apply to you unless your extension falls into one of the following categories:
- Porch
- Conservatory
- Detached garage(built at ground level and taking up less than 30m2 of floor space) see garage conversions section
These building extension regulations apply to any building in England or Wales. They aim to set a minimum standard for the design and construction of the building in order to comply with health and safety regulations. There are also extension regulations regarding fuel and power conservation.
We will make sure that your extension meets all the building regulations that could apply to your property.
How do i comply with building extension regulations?
Building regulation approval is an entirely different entity to planning permission. However it is of upmost importance to ensure that you get both. To achieve compliance with building regulations you (or your architect if you have one) will need to submit very detailed plans on the extension, along with the application and fee to your local planning authority.
We pride ourselves on being able to deliver each and every project on time and budget
A dedicated extensions team will be assigned to your project. A Principal Contractor will be responsible for the whole build of your extension, from the start of the extension build right through to the finish. This will be the person you can liaise with on a daily basis and will coordinate the various trades and suppliers needed to build your extension
During your extension build, our Project Manager will visit you. They will ensure that work is progressing in accordance with the work schedule and address any concerns or questions you may have.
Our team will certify each of your weekly stage payment, ensuring that you are paying for the work completed on site.
The Building Control Inspector will also be attending the site periodically throughout the build. They will ensure that all aspects of the work are being carried out in accordance with current Building Control Regulations.
No two extensions will never be the same. Certain factors will determine the precise way your extension is built.
The preliminary stage
- The very first step, after contacting us is to provide you with a free no obligation quote.
- We can arrange for an architect to visit your property.
- Drawings & structural calculations drawn up for client approval.
- Submission of drawings & structural calculations to Planning and Building Control.
- Approval from Planning and Building Control obtained
Construction stage
- Create and lay the foundations, including drainage
- Build both skins of wall whilst insulating
- Construct the roof
- Install windows and external doors
- Create internal partitions
- First fix electrics, plumbing and telephone lines
- Finish the walls and plaster
- Install the heating
- Second fix electrics, plumbing and telephone lines
- Fit internal doors, skirting and other carpentry
- Full decoration including floor coverings
- Clear site
Completion
After the construction, of your extension we will carry out a customer satisfaction review and obtain the appropriate certificates for your extension build.
