Friday, 29th March 2024

useful information

Embarking on an extension can seem a big step, but with proper management it can be relatively painless. Listed below is further information and links which you may find useful.

Construction Cost

Cost obviously varies greatly dependant upon the design and specification but good indicator for an average extension would be £1500 / m².

Party Wall Act

The Party Wall act has been in force since 1996 and provided a framework for preventing or resolving disputes where building work affect a party wall, boundary or adjacent building.

If all affected neighbours have no objection to your extension, then no party wall agreement may be needed. To be safe a standard notice can be given to and signed by the affected neighbours giving you rights to build your extension, hopefully with no further involvement of the Party Wall Act.

If any neighbour objects, then a full party wall agreement may be required. You, as the commissioning owner have to pay for a Party Wall surveyor to represent the affected neighbours and draw up a party wall agreement.

More information can be found at www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/partywall »

Planning Portal

In October 2008, the government completely changed the rules on permitted development rights resulting in a lot more properties not requiring planning permission for their extensions. Even if this is the case you may choose to obtain a certificate of lawfulness which is a legal document stating that your extension does not need planning permission. This is particularly useful if you are planning to sell your property in the future as planning and building regulation consents for extensions are often asked for by the buyers solicitor.

More information can be found at www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/ »

Building Regulations

Communities and Local Government is responsible for policy on the Building Regulations, which exist to ensure the health, safety, welfare and convenience of people in and around buildings, and the energy efficiency of buildings. The regulations apply to most new buildings and many alterations of existing buildings in England and Wales, whether domestic, commercial or industrial.

More information can be found at www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/ »

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