building & home Extensions

Extensions can add valuable habitable room to existing building, this can also add value to property providing all necessary building regulations are conformed to during build.

An architect may be required to submit drawings for local authority approval to see what could be achieved, the drawings may also contain structural works which may be required to form new openings or to join to existing house or removing walls to have a open plan layout.

External part of extension needs to blend locally with external materials used , if external part of existing house is rendered then the new build needs to match with that, sometimes roof tiles are used and this also needs to match existing roof coverings as well as facias, soffits, gutters and downpipes.

All works are carried out as per approved drawings and at certain stage of build, works are inspected and certified by building control prior to moving to next stage as some structural works are critical to the whole build its in our interest that works are inspected at each stage.

Some works which will require inspection by building control during build works includes following works:- foundations, drainage, walls, roof, flooring, ventilation, energy efficiency and structural works where new and existing building are joined ranging from structural openings.

Other internal works which may required approval are doors & windows, internal walls construction, electrics generally within kitchen and bathroom which needs to be certified.

An extension can eliminate all the expense of moving house by adding extra habitable space with layout to suit. Whether it's a study, office or even an en-suite depending on size and layout, these can add considerable value to your property. There are different types of extension ranging from single to double storeys which can also be built with a single side extension to continue to return to rear face of house ( L shaped). The construction of the build will match the finish of house externally eg brickwork, render plastering or even pebble dashing.

• Single storey extension might be used as bedroom for elderly family members who might have difficulty climbing a staircase.
• Double storey extension can create extra bedroom on first floor further adding extra value to property. Your existing stair-case is used with a new opening onto new floor space.
• Rear extension can be used for variety of uses from extra living floor space, dining room or new kitchen space.
• Existing kitchen if re-located to extension can be turned into shower area with shower tray and enclosure or into wet room if difficult to step onto shower tray.

Extensions are built from approved drawings with on-going works certified with Building Controls and liaison with structural engineers, party wall surveyors and architects.

All electrical & mechanical services needs to be extended from existing services, mechanical services can be extended from existing central heating system to heat up new floor and electrics needs to be extended from fuse-box and labelled accordingly, other services which may be required are t.v. points and telephone points depending on usage useful for offices or bedroom.

Internal finishes that needs to be considered are wall and floor coverings which can range from wallpapers to paint and wooden flooring to carpet coverings, electrical sockets and other services can also vary from white finishes to different metal finishes.