Fairy-tale extending

Looking to add extra space to your property rather than moving? SAM WYLIE-HARRIS gets the ultimate guide to building an extension

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WHEN it comes to before and afters, planning your dream extension and maximising living space is right up there in the home renovation winners.

And with the cost of moving and the housing market being relatively stagnant, many homeowners are choosing to invest in improving what they already have.

Here, Costel Radescu, founder of CR Group, specialising in property renovations, extensions and new builds, explains everything you need to know to get going...

What you'll need permission-wise

The first step is getting planning permission, and each extension requires different permissions...

Loft conversion: “Many loft conversions can be completed under permitted development [which allows homeowners to improve or extend without applying for full planning permission], providing the extension remains within set size limits,” explains Costel.

“Up to 40 cubic metres for terraced properties and 50 for semidetached or detached homes, and doesn’t extend past the existing roof-line or project beyond the walls.

“If it meets this criteria, it can usually be done without planning permission, which helps reduce both time and costs.”

However, Costel says properties in conservation areas, as well as flats and listed buildings, typically still require full planning approval.

Small side return extension: “A small side return extension, or even a porch - providing it meets the above extension limits, is single story, doesn’t exceed four metres in height, takes up less than 50% of the land around the original house and does not front onto a highway - can also be completed under permitted development,” says Costel.