In a city such as London, where space is a commodity and house prices are ever mounting, it has never been more attractive to maximize what you are already living in. For most home owners, single storey extension is the ideal option to enlarge the living space, enhance functionality, and increase the value of the property, all the hassles of leaving their current homes aside. The question on whether you need a new kitchen, an open-plan living space, or want the family to have a bit more space, it is important to have a good knowledge of how to go about an extension project.
In this blog we will take you a step by step in all that you need to know about planning a single storey extension in London. Preparations are to be made in the very beginning, this is followed by the permission, design ideas, and the management of costs. With this set in mind, we have experts in extension architecture who can steer you through with what you need to know.
Your Guide to Single Storey Extensions with Extension Architecture
At Extension Architecture, we have designed and constructed hundreds of single-storey extensions throughout London to provide homeowners with seamless, stylish and fully compliant extensions. We have worked on the capital for years, so we know what it takes to create a successful project in the city, whether it be a site with limited access, a heritage requirement, or some well-designed space utilisation.
Our surveyors deal with preliminary sketches to complete planning submissions and building regulations drawings. Every extension we design is specifically to meet your needs, your living situation and your future requirements and all with a practicality and price in mind. Not only do we make working a Victorian Terrace in Kensington ora semi-detached property in Wandsworth a simple one, but a profitable one too.
What to Consider Before Adding a One-Storey Extension
You should determine your objectives and limitations before you commit to a single-storey extension. Begin by a question to yourself what you would like the additional space to accomplish. Is it a larger kitchen? A family room with light? Perhaps there would be a home office or a downstairs bathroom?
Then, have a look at the orientation and layout of your property. Extensions along the south will have more natural light, and the extensions along the north may need more artificial lighting and heating. Consider how your extension will be with your current layout, will it open out onto the garden, wrap around the side return or run the full length of the rear?
You will also have to consider the impact the extension will have on your neighbors. In London, premises tend to be adjacent with each other and this makes party wall agreements and overlooking matters present very usual factors. Seeking the advice of the professionals and the neighbors earlier can avert the risks that come along the way in terms of impounds and conflicts.
Key Costs Involved and Budget Planning Tips
An extension by architects in London can cost as little as a few thousands and as much as tens of thousands of pounds, depending on size, materials and/or finishes and difficulties on-site. Generally, you may pay between £1,800-£3,000 in terms of per square metre cost. An average rear extension of 20-30 sqm can also vary between £36000 to £90000 without VAT and professional charges.
There are also the charges on planning, architectural drawings, structural engineering, and building regulations approval. Do ensure that you have a buffer of at least 10-15% of the overall budget on expendable items such as resolving the problem of drainage or improving the electrics.
At the Extension Architecture, we assist the clients with a proper plan of budget in detail beforehand. We have an effective process of quoting, and there will be no unexpected expenses down the road. Value engineering is also one of the areas we can help you make the right decision to maximize your money.
Extension Architecture’s Approach to London-Based Designs
London houses are noted to have a diversity in architecture, and this is where we excel at. Where housing types are concerned, we are sensitive to the unique characteristics of Georgian town house, 1930s semi and contemporary flat and mews houses. We are context-sensitive, yet short of creativity in our design.
On designing single-storey extensions, we want to ensure that we maximise space, light and flow. We examine the relationship of the new space with the rest of the house as well as the exterior. We usually design floor-to-ceiling glazing, skylights and bi-fold or sliding doors to make living rooms and kitchens light and airy.
We also know that a beautiful extension should not be lazy. That is why carrying out each project we consider storage, acoustics and energy efficiency. Through the combination of architectural magic with the technical exactness, we design the rooms which can be both practical and inspirational.