REAR EXTENSION?
Looking to boost living space? Create a better link between house and garden? A rear extension could be the way to go. It’s the option many people choose when they’re looking to create a big. open-plan kitchen-diner with views out to the garden. As well as building out, you might also be knocking through or partitioning inside the house to make the most of the space and create an open style of layout that works for you.
Like side-return extensions (see page 13), rear extensions can often be done under permitted development (PD) as long as they don’t exceed a certain size and your home isn’t subject to extra protections and regulations (see realhomes.com/planning-permission for more details). If it is, you’ll have to get planning permission, so check with your local planning authority.
Along with the build itself, you’ll need to consider a number of other things. if creating an indoor-outdoor link is important to you, do you want bi-fold doors, which open fully to make the garden an extension of the house, or sliding doors, which usually have one unmoving pane of glass but slimmer sightlines when closed? Will you need to budget for a new kitchen? Practicalities like durable flooring and splash-proof zones are also essential considerations. as well as whether you need to extend the heating in your home to the new room.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Most rear extensions take a minimum of three to four months, but applying for planning permission adds time ?and a small cost ? to the process.
WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET?
Rear extensions can be done from around ?30,000 for a basic design, but it varies depending on size, materials and where you live. High-end projects with expensive glazing and finishes can cost upwards of ?100,000 to ?150,000 and more. Shop around and don’t forget to factor in the fees for architects, structural engineers and surveyors if you need them.
HOW WE DID IT
Daniel and Rachel Morris’ flat-roof extension solved the problem of their dark, cramped kitchen
‘Previously there was barely enough room for two of us to be in the kitchen at the same time. Cooking was not an enjoyable experience! We extended under permitted development because we didn’t want to extend any further than three metres to the rear anyway ? it would have meant losing too much garden. Permitted development restrictions meant the ceiling of the extension would have to be around 25cm lower than the ceiling in the rest of the property, so the designers installed a rooflight that runs nearly the full width of the extension and creates a feeling of height. Redesigning the kitchen also gave us more work and storage space and enabled us to use the part of the extension that has more natural light as our living area. Its completely changed the way we use the house. and the new living space is the focal point for most of our activities. Were able to cook and enjoy family time all together in one place.’
Project cost ?59,500
Design and build Plus Rooms? 0800 917 7127
plusrooms.co.uk
