Where do I start with my new house extension?

Your home is likely to be one of your biggest assets. It’s a major long-term investment and you’ll want it to adapt to the changing needs of you and your family. A new extension is going to be a beautiful and practical addition to your home.

There are some issues you’ll need to think about before you start:

• Will adding an extension add value? Speak to your local estate agent to find out.
  
  
• How to go about choosing your designer and what details should the plans for my new extension include?
• How should I choose a builder?
  
  
• Will it need planning permission or is it a permitted development? This will depend on the height, size, your location and other factors. Read about planning permission for house extensions
  
  
• Will it need building regulations approval? (Hint: it probably will.) And if so, what building control site inspections should I expect?
  
  
• What are the insurance implications?
  
  
• If you're a leaseholder you may need permission from the freeholder. The HomeOwners Alliance has some information and can help you find a lease extension solicitor.
  
  
• Will my neighbour object? Alterations and extensions to your property can have a physical impact on your adjoining/attached neighbour's property. You have to speak to them well in advance of any work starting at or on the boundary of your two properties, on a party wall or party structure, or if it’s near the foundation of their property. Although they can’t stop you making lawful changes to your property they can affect how and when you can carry out the work. Find out when and how to tell them and view our building near neighbours article. N.B. the Party Wall etc. Act is civil legislation and your LABC surveyors have no legal powers to intervene in any dispute between neighbouring owners. 
  
  
• What building issues or decisions am I likely to come across?