When you’re running out of space in your home, building an extension is a great way to create additional rooms that can be used however you may need. Whether you turn your home extension into a new kitchen-diner or a spare bedroom, the extra floor space can help to make your home more suitable for your family and your lifestyle.
Planning a home extension can be very exciting and there are so many fun design decisions to make. However, it’s important to remember that the fundamentals of your extension need to be right before you start choosing paint colours and flooring options. There are a few key things that all homeowners should know before they start working on a home improvement project of this kind that can make the process more straightforward. So, our experts at Arkiplan have put together a list of tips for planning an extension.
You might need planning permission
Sometimes, extensions will be classed as ‘permitted development’ and you won’t need permission to build them, but this all depends on whether certain limits and conditions are met. There are different regulations for rear extensions and side extensions, single-storey extensions and double-storey extensions, so you should always check the government guide to see whether planning permission is required for your project to prevent any planning breaches.
If planning permission is needed to extend your home, you will need to get planning permission drawings that are detailed enough to please technically-minded Planning Officers. Our team at Arkiplan can provide you with the drawings you need to send to your local planning authority.
It’s beneficial to get a Lawful Development Certificate
Even if planning permission isn’t required for your extension, there is a chance that problems will arise in the future when you eventually sell your home. It’s beneficial to plan ahead and apply for a Lawful Development Certificate before you start building your house extension. This certificate is essentially written confirmation that your extension isn’t breaking any rules and it can provide you with peace of mind. For this application, you will require extension drawings and again, our team at Arkiplan can assist you with these.
Your extension must comply with building regulations
Another thing to be aware of is that your extension must comply with all relevant building regulations and getting building regulations approval is an important part of the extension planning process. Although you can submit a building notice, we would suggest you make a full plans application instead. This will involve a Building Control Officer checking your extension plans before any work is undertaken, enabling you to start your project with confidence knowing you’re not building anything non-compliant that will require costly corrections.
Professional architectural drawings are invaluable
Ultimately, whenever you’re extending your home, it’s incredibly advantageous to have suitable architectural drawings. Getting some assistance from a professional during the planning stages of your project will not only help to ensure you are ticking all legally required boxes, but that you also have detailed plans for your builder to follow when they start work. Your planning drawings will be a brilliant investment and you will definitely thank yourself in the long run for taking the time to get drawings that can be used throughout your project.
You don’t need to meet an architect to design your extension
Contrary to common belief, you don’t need to use a local architect and meet them in person when you’re planning an extension. Our team at Arkiplan provides an online service to homeowners looking for professional drawing services and with the help of our modern software, we can provide the architectural plans you need quickly.
We will work closely with you to design your extension and bring your ideas to life, and we will ensure you’re 100% happy with the final plans. Our service is much more cost-effective and convenient than working with a local architect, but we don’t compromise on quality and customer satisfaction is very important to us.
Need some professional drawings for your extension?
If you’re planning an extension and you need some assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Arkiplan today. We can provide you with comprehensive assistance with designing, drawing and obtaining all necessary consents, and our experts will make extending your home hassle-free. To find out what it’s like to work with our team when you’re planning an extension, feel free to read through some of our reviews. We are very proud to be highly recommended by many of our previous clients and we can assure you that you won’t be disappointed in the efficient service we provide.