Thankfully, with a touch of planning and foresight, the difficulties around this subject can be mitigated. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with valuable insights into the world of house extensions. We’re going to explore everything from the reason why you might choose a house extension to planning permission considerations and cost breakdowns.
One of the main reasons homeowners choose house extensions is to address their growing space needs. Perhaps you want to accommodate a larger family, set up a home office or create a dedicated playroom for the kids. By making the most of your available space, a well-planned extension can transform your home for the better.
We all know how stressful moving can be, not to mention expensive! House extensions offer a suitable alternative, allowing you to stay in the home you love whilst increasing your living space. This will not only save you the costs that come with moving but will also allow you to stay in a familiar setting.
Do you daydream about having a roomier kitchen, a luxurious master suite or a sunlit drawing room? House extensions are the perfect chance for you to bring these visions to life! By planning a customised extension project, you can design specific rooms that fit your lifestyle and preferences.
Investing in a well-designed and professionally executed house extension can massively increase the value of your property. The benefit here is twofold. Not only will this allow you to make use of the space while you live there, but it will also allow you to entice potential buyers when you do decide to move.
Before getting started with a house extension project, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the costs involved. The complete expenses of a project can vary depending on a few factors. Consider the size of your planned extension, the complexity of the room you want to create, the chosen materials and the location of your property. In the following sections, we’re going to look at some of the main costs to consider.
To get started, you’re going to need to hire an architect or a professional designer who can draw up plans for your house extension. The cost of this is usually somewhere around 5% to 15% of your total budget.
The construction costs of your extension will be a large percentage of your budget. This is because you must cover materials, labour and any specialised equipment that you’ll need for the build. You should know that on average, construction costs for a given room can range anywhere from £1,800 to £2,600 per square meter, depending on the complexity of the project.
We’re going to go into more detail about Planning Permission in a later section of this post, but you should know that fees associated with this process will come into play. Getting planning permission and complying with UK building regulations is a vital step in any project and it usually costs £206 for a house extension application.
You should consider setting aside 10% of your budget as a contingency fund. This will give you a safety harness in case anything goes wrong. In any extension project, there can be unforeseen issues or challenges during the construction process.
When it comes to house extensions, the choice of fixtures and fittings can significantly impact the overall cost. Luxurious touches, such as bespoke flooring, fitted joinery, or intricate tiling, undoubtedly add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to your extension, but they also come with a higher price tag. If you are working with a limited budget, opting for more basic designs like simply painted walls, standard lighting, and engineered wood floors can help keep costs in check without compromising on functionality and aesthetics.
Moreover, when planning to install additional features like a new bathroom or extended kitchen, it's essential to be prepared for the potential hike in costs. The required fittings and modifications for these extra amenities can add to the overall expenses of your extension project. Striking a balance between your desired fixtures and fittings and your budget will ultimately determine the success and satisfaction of your house extension endeavour.
Before you go ahead with your house extension, you must check whether you need planning permission or if you can proceed under permitted development rights. Permitted development allows you to undertake certain types of small-scale extensions without the need for formal planning permission. You should note, however, that there are requirements for size, location and appearance, including:
For larger-scale extensions, there’s a good chance you will need planning permission. To do this, you’ll have to submit the details of your project (including detailed plans and documents) to your local planning authority. This can be a lengthy process, so it’s important to begin it as early as you can.
This process can get especially complex if you are looking to extend a listed or high-grade building. Getting your planned extension approved can be made easier by having detailed, extensive plans that cover everything your building authority needs to know. This is where you’ll need professional help from an architect or designer – more on this below.
Finding the right help for your house extension project is vital for its success. You need reliable experts who will help turn your dream into a reality. As well as hands-on contractors, an architect can add so much value to your project, including:
Adding an extension to your house can feel like a big challenge, but with help from experts and a realistic quote, you’ll be much closer. CODA Bespoke is an award-winning architecture practice in Sheffield with a mission to make your dream house become a reality. With a focus on quality, innovation and forging a positive customer experience, we can help you with each stage of your extension project.
Contact CODA Bespoke to speak with our friendly, experienced team, or check out our extensive online portfolio to see the previous extensions we have turned into a reality.
As every home is individual there are many different elements to take into account. It can be a complicated process. But never fear – this loft conversion guide will take you through all the important parts of a loft conversion and what you need to consider.
It’s essential that you find out the answer to this question before you go any further. If you are planning a build or conversion and don’t confirm whether you need planning permission – chances are you’ll run into trouble. And you could even be told to get rid of your loft conversion if you go ahead without checking first.
Contact your local council and find out if your plan is a permitted development or not. If your loft conversion is a permitted development, then you can get on with your build as planning permission isn’t needed.
The types of projects where loft conversion planning permission isn’t needed include:
If you find that your planned loft conversion doesn’t meet the criteria above, then it’s likely that you do need planning permission. In order to get it, you can apply to your council for a Lawful Development Certificate.
This is a legal document from the local planning authority that clarifies what permissions are needed when altering or building a property. It is good to have as it can give peace of mind over whether your plans are lawful or not. If you do need planning permission, you will then need to notify your local council exactly what your project entails – type, size and location of your loft conversion.
There are five main types of loft conversion skylight loft conversions, dormer loft conversions, hip to gable loft conversions and mansard loft conversions. The most suitable type of loft conversion for your needs will primarily be influenced by your property's style and your budget. Additionally, it's essential to consider your existing roof structure and be mindful of any planning restrictions that may apply in your local area.
A cost-effective option that introduces skylights to brighten up the loft space with natural sunlight, creating a warm and inviting ambiance without major structural changes. Perfect for smaller spaces or those on a budget, such as creating a cozy home office or an extra bedroom.
Dormer conversions project vertically from the roof slope and use standard windows to increase the useful floor area and headroom. They come in various styles, including single, double, or full-width dormers, suitable for expanding families or incorporating larger rooms.
This type extends the side roof to a gable end, providing more space and allowing for practical room layouts. Ideal for homes with hipped roofs, like many semi-detached houses, and offers flexibility in designing bedrooms or home offices.
A grand transformation that replaces the sloping roof with a nearly vertical wall, creating a generous internal space with increased headroom. Though one of the more complex and expensive options, it adds significant value to your home and is perfect for various property styles.
Tailored for properties with rear extensions, L-shaped conversions involve a dormer with one end extending from the main roof. This type allows for bedrooms with separate bathrooms and offers ample storage space, making it a versatile and practical choice.
A typical loft conversion can cost around £60,000 or more. You might wonder how this breaks down in terms of costs, so have a look at the factors that affect the prices involved:
Obviously, every home is different and so every loft conversion won’t be the same. But average loft conversion costs can be worked out based on the type of house and type of conversion.
Generally, you can expect to pay around £60-£80k for a new loft conversion, with some projects costing upwards of £100k depending on the size of the space being converted and the quality of finish. Below are some ball-park figures for popular loft conversion types based on an average 45m2 space…
Note: The estimates provided above don’t include VAT or the cost of fittings or glazing. You’ll also have to consider legal costs and professional fees, which we’ll outline below…
Loft conversions aren’t an out-of-the-box installation. Instead, the cost comprises lots of different factors and parties, with a typical break down as follows:
Popular flooring choices are vinyl, wood, carpet and tiled. Per m2, you would expect to pay between £10 - £100, depending on your preference.
Insulation is clearly extremely important when it comes to a new loft conversion. You can choose from sheet and blanket insulation – up to £30 per m2. Or loose-fill insulation – up to £15 per m2.
Basic staircases can cost between £1,500 - £2,500. Stairs with a more unique style will cost closer to £5,000 - £10,000.
Labour costs will be one of the biggest expenses you will encounter. As you will need a wide range of different professionals to do the work, the overall price can rise very quickly. Hourly rates for tradespeople are usually around £25 - £35 per hour for plasterers and decorators. You are likely to pay a bit more for electricians and plumbers.
It's essential to factor in the various costs associated with the initial stages of the project. Surveying fees cover the assessment of your loft's structural integrity and provide crucial information for the conversion process. Planning fees encompass any necessary applications to local authorities to obtain planning permission if required. Building regulations fees involve ensuring the loft conversion meets safety and construction standards. Architectural fees account for the professional expertise needed to design the conversion and create detailed plans. These costs vary depending on the complexity of the project and your location but you can expect that 10-15% of your budget will go towards these costs.
Don’t forget that there are likely to be a few additional costs such as moving the water tank, painting exterior of house or a bit of cladding and rendering. It’s important to set aside a contingency amount for all the little jobs that can pop up.
If you’re feeling brave and want a project, you could reduce costs by doing a DIY loft conversion or part loft conversion. Hire professionals to create the shell (stairs, flooring and wall) and then do the rest yourself. This could save you approximately £10,000, bringing the average cost down to £30k.
This option could suit some people with building experience and the time to do it themselves. But for those who are new to DIY conversions, using a professional team is a much smarter and smoother way to get the best results.
If you want to transform your loft into the ultimate additional living space or bedroom, contact CODA Bespoke to get expert advice and a realistic quote.
Our RIBA-accredited professional architects will design a luxurious, unique space that suits your home and lifestyle. Our team can also guide you through the entire project, making sure everything runs smoothly.
Contact CODA Bespoke today and our friendly, experienced team can talk through your requirements. Or browse our portfolio to take a look at some of our recent projects.
There’s nothing wrong with having an ambitious goal in mind. But when it comes to the actual planning and construction of your barn conversion, there’s a lot to consider. Read on for a comprehensive barn conversion guide to make things a little easier.
Planning permission is the elephant in the room when you talk about any new development. Fortunately, barn conversions may be classed as a Class Q permitted development as they are using an existing building. However, the barn in question needs to meet the following requirements:
All of this will need to be demonstrated to your local authority to secure Class Q permitted development rights with a lawful development certificate. This includes approval for various factors relating to the barn conversion, such as:
On the other hand, if you fail to meet any of the above criteria, you’ll need to apply for planning permission. As above, you can increase your application’s chances of success by retaining the building’s character and considering the surroundings. The timeframe for both routes is similar, with both planning permission and lawful development certificate decisions typically taking 8-13 weeks.
It can be a long process from concept to completion with a new barn conversion. Here’s a brief guide to some steps along the way:
The finances are probably the most important and stressful part of your barn conversion. It is essential to do your research at the beginning extremely carefully, so you aren’t hit with any extra costs that you didn’t know about. Any Grand Designs fan will know how easy it is for the budget to skyrocket!
Make sure you are as precise as you can be with your barn conversion costs and utilise your architect’s knowledge to keep finances on track.
Checkatrade advises that the average barn conversion costs around £275,000. That’s around £153 per square foot. If you are converting a small barn, you could manage it for £175,000 depending on the quality of fixtures and fittings wanted. But remember that this is after you have bought the existing structure. As for extra costs, if you’re going for energy-efficient heating such as an air source heat pump, you could be looking at an extra bill of around £30,000.
Other costs that could crop up include:
With the requirements listed above, you might be wondering whether it’s worth the effort and costs to convert a barn. The answer is still a resounding yes. Here’s why…
Barn conversions are perfect for allowing you to think outside the box with design. You would be missing a trick if you didn’t consider bi-fold doors that open out into the garden, for example. This gives you the option to combine house and garden, creating a flowing style from inside to outside.
Advances in eco-friendly energy are a huge benefit of barn conversions. Heating options such as air source heat pumps (ASHP) can potentially save up to 65% in energy usage and running costs. You could also take advantage of the Renewable Energy Heat Incentive (RHI), entitling you to financial rewards for creating renewable heat.
As barns tend to be in the countryside, you are likely to have idyllic views on your doorstep. Surrounded by rural beauty, some barn conversions were once the local cow shed and are still seen as vital to the landscape. Your new home will often be in the midst of open countryside but with no need to rough it – giving you the best of both worlds.
Remember to consider what direction the best views are in before deciding where to place your windows or patio doors.
If your barn conversion needs planning permission, you have a very good chance of it being granted. You need to make sure though that your design is an improvement to the original and stays basically the same height and footprint. The Local Planning Authorities (LPA) will also look more favourably on your conversion if it isn’t likely to adversely affect the countryside.
Designing a barn conversion gives you the opportunity to mix old and new. Utilise the existing style of the building to inspire the interior. You will be able to combine traditional features like exposed beams with modern smart audio-visual technology. Living in a barn conversion with a design mix will show off your personal style as well as provide practicality and comfort.
Barn conversions are a great way to create your dream living space, but they aren’t without their challenges. Having an experienced architect on your side can make the process a lot easier and help turn your vision into a reality.
It’s not just about designs and drawings either. As award-winning architects in Sheffield, CODA Bespoke can help with every step of the barn conversion process, from planning permission and budget management to project managing your build.
If you want to find out more about the practicalities of a barn conversion and how we can help, simply call our experienced team on 0114 279 4931 or email us at hello@codabespoke.co.uk and we will get started on bringing your project to life.
At the start of your build or renovation, a solid design brief is essential. The better your architect understands your vision for the build, the more they can tailor the design to your lifestyle. In this post, we’ll outline how to write a design brief, from what it should include to how detailed you should be.
To increase your chances of hitting upon the right person to bring your vision to life, make sure you create a comprehensive brief that includes everything essential to your build. This brief should include:
A design brief is not meant to be the length of a dissertation. It can be as short as a few lines of text with images or as long as a few pages. But it is important to remember that the more details that are included, the easier it is for your architect to understand your vision.
Asking yourself certain questions will help you write your design brief. For example, do you work from home? Does open plan work for you? How many bedrooms do you need?
The answers to these types of questions will be incredibly helpful to your architect when it comes to designing the best layout for your lifestyle. So, include as many details as possible in your brief.
Other useful information will include:
Once your brief is in place, it’s time to turn your vision into a reality. CODA Bespoke’s RIBA-accredited architects are here to help you with your dream, from concept to completion. We’ll create meticulous designs based on your requirements and preferences – and we can also assist with other parts of the process where required.
Ready to get started? Brief us on your build today.
As technology continues to advance, houses are becoming increasingly futuristic. So, what does the future of houses actually look like?
The developments in house design, type of materials and energy efficiency are what houses of the future will focus on. Homeowners will feel much more connected to their homes by using digital technology and becoming more involved in their design.
In this post, we’ll look at 9 advancements that will shape the future of houses.
You don’t have to look into the future for lighting trends, as smart lighting is already a very popular feature in homes. But the lighting industry is expected to develop even further with long-lasting LEDs and the ability to customise designs and functions.
Typical hot air systems will be replaced with cleaner and more efficient alternatives. For example, radiant floor heating which generates heat from the floor to provide even distribution throughout the house. Solar-powered heating and air-source heat pumps will also become increasingly popular as they use renewable energy to heat your home.
Smart healthcare technology is used regularly in the workplace. But did you know that it is being developed for the home as well? Your smart home could have bed sensors to detect ill health or flooring can detect if someone has had a fall and alert the right people. The possibilities are endless for this type of tech.
Great for the environment and the bank account (long-term), electric cars are growing in popularity. Each house of the future will need an electric charging point – or multiple.
Known as factory-built homes, these types of houses look likely to become a future trend. Built off-site and then transferred to your preferred location, they are convenient and cost-effective. They utilise space creatively and make less of an impact on the environment.
There are many benefits of open-plan living and this trend has only increased in popularity. Having a spacious and bright living area can positively affect your mental health and give opportunities for unique and creative designs.
Hybrid working has become a popular new norm since the covid pandemic. When surveyed, 84% of workers reported plans to split their working hours between home and the office. So, houses in the future are more likely to incorporate a space for home working into their design.
Over the next 10 years, the average home will be fitted out with security cameras, as well as an integrated emergency response system. Many homeowners already have a security camera, lights and alarm on their property. But as security systems develop, advanced features will become more affordable and appealing to the average homeowner.
Homes of the future will generate much less waste as they will be made from recycled or easily renewable materials. Bamboo, in particular, will be used a lot more for its eco-friendly and durable properties.
If you want to build a home for the future, CODA Bespoke can help. Our experienced architects design new build homes drawing on all the latest practices, technology and materials, so you have a home that’s future-proof and highly functional.
Want to find out more? Contact our friendly team today on 01142794931 or email hello@codabespoke.co.uk.
Looking to design and build a house from scratch? You’ll want to get a better idea of what’s involved. Read on as we go through the design, planning and contracting stages that turn your design into a buildable reality.
Your head might be full of creative designs for your new house and that is all part of the excitement when it comes to self-builds. Maybe you have always longed for an open-plan ground floor. Or perhaps you’re hoping to incorporate as many eco-friendly materials as possible.
The best chance you have of your ideas becoming a reality is to consult an architect who knows how to work with their clients to accomplish their vision. Working with an experienced architect will ensure that your house will suit your style and give you the best design for your lifestyle.
When building a house or any other structure, planning permission will be needed if your plan is for a new build or large extension. Provided by local authorities, it allows changes to a building or gives permission for a brand-new structure.
It is essential that you find out if planning permission is needed for your project before you begin. No one wants to have to demolish a house just after it is built due to non-compliance. So, make sure you are following building regulations carefully to avoid this type of disaster.
Using an architect will be valuable when it comes to planning permissions. They will be very au fait with the details of building regulations and will design your house with compliance firmly in mind. With their expertise on your side, you’re much more likely to get approval at the first time of asking.
Choosing the best contractors for your build can’t be overstated. It can mean the difference between the success and failure with the timings and quality of your build.
Ensuring that you have a good rapport and open communication with contractors is essential – especially if you are managing your build personally and will be in touch regularly. There are a million elements to think about when designing and building a house. Coordinating with others involved is vital to ensure that everyone is on the same page and things progress smoothly.
An experienced architect is a great asset when it comes to tendering and finding a contractor. Using contacts from past jobs and connections in the industry, an architect can advise you on reputable contractors and review proposals on your behalf.
The house of your dreams is possible to achieve when you have the right guidance and practical advice. If you are beginning on the road to designing and building your own home, CODA Bespoke are here to help.
As RIBA-accredited professionals, our team can show you how to take your vision through every step of the design and self-building process. Having one of our creative and talented architects involved in your project will make the entire process easier and add value to the end results.
Contact CODA Bespoke today and talk through your requirements with our friendly, knowledgeable team.
Self-building can be a complicated business. The dream of your ideal home designed to your specifications can be derailed very quickly. Progress can be slow, whereas money moves too quickly. How do you guarantee that you won’t run into any issues?
The answer is, you can’t. But by preparing as much as you can before you break the ground on your vision, you are increasing your chances of success. Take a look at these four things you need to figure out before you begin your self-build journey.
Before you even begin your project, plan your budget carefully. Don’t rely on guesses or rough estimates and get quotes for as much of the work as possible. That way you can keep a closer eye on finances as the build progresses.
Remember, the budget can easily get out of control when building your own home. Hidden costs can suddenly appear, from surveyor fees to extra labour costs if there are any delivery delays. Holding tightly to the purse strings isn’t as foolproof as you may think. Having a healthy contingency of 10-20% will ensure that you don’t get stung by unexpected costs.
If you really want to ensure you are being cost-effective, consider getting expert advice from an architect. Consulting an experienced professional on budget can help you stay realistic and keep your project affordable.
How long does it take to build a new home? This is one of the most important questions when someone wants to build a house. But it is also the most difficult to answer as it depends on a multitude of factors.
That said, an average can be estimated, depending on the size of the house. A realistic time frame is around 24 months, from conception to completion. Keep in mind this is just a ballpark estimate and there are factors that you need to take into account:
Having an architect to help you with your self-build can be invaluable. They can keep you on the right track with your budget and support you in sticking to deadlines.
Before you begin your build, it’s important to recognise how many different parties are involved. You will need an electrician, a plumber, kitchen and bathroom fitters, brick layers and a plasterer – to name a few.
A big factor in the success of your project is how you find, select and manage these contractors. If your budget allows and you would prefer to be less hands on, you can employ a project manager to oversee the site schedule.
Around 40% of self-builders manage their house build, the rest preferring instead to employ an experienced builder or company to take care of it for them. There is a lot of coordination involved when employing different tradespeople with various companies. Your project manager will happily take this task on to save you the hassle.
Architects offer invaluable expertise and support when you are self-building. You may want an architect to be involved throughout or hire one only for the design stage. Either way, they have excellent industry knowledge and can advise you on a myriad of areas, including:
The team at CODA Bespoke has over 40 years of experience in designing unique self-build homes. Our RIBA-accredited architects will work to understand your vision and bring your dream home to life. Contact our friendly team today to begin your self-build journey.
In this post, we’ll discuss some key factors to consider when it comes to demolition and rebuilding.
The first thing to consider before you demolish and replace is the house in question. Terraced houses and semi-detached are obviously much more complex, as you need the agreement of multiple property owners – unless you own all the attached properties.
Then there’s the matter of heritage buildings. Naturally, any listed buildings or houses in conservation areas will be practically impossible to demolish and replace. However, even for those without protection, it may not be advisable.
Well-kept period houses are highly sought after, meaning it might be better to renovate and refurbish. There’s also the issue of planning permission, which may be refused if your vision sticks out too much from the surrounding homes.
Another big factor is the current building’s energy efficiency. No matter how much work you do on some houses, they can never be as efficient as a new-build, such as a Passivhaus. This will continue to cost you through the years, especially with energy prices higher than ever!
Energy efficiency could also work in your favour when it comes to planning applications. Councils often have targets to hit when it comes to energy efficient homes. By replacing an old, inefficient home with a new, green one, your application could be exactly what they’re looking for.
Profitability is one of the simplest ways to decide whether demolition and replacement is a good option. Put simply, this means calculating whether all the costs will leave you with a profit if you choose to sell the property when it’s finished.
First, estimate the end value using prices of homes nearby which are similar to your vision. From that, deduct your purchase costs and estimated rebuild costs to give you a ballpark figure for profit. If the profit is negative or very little, it’s probably not worthwhile – even if you’re not necessarily planning to sell.
Finally, weigh up the cost of the rebuild compared to the cost of renovations. Whatever the potential end value, some houses are simply unsuitable for renovation, while others don’t need as much work as you might think. Here are some things to consider:
As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to demolition and replacement versus renovation and refurbishment. If you’re looking for expert advice about the best way to make your dream home a reality, speak to the team at CODA Bespoke.
Operating throughout Sheffield and the surrounding areas, our award-winning architects can advise on the right route for you, whether it’s demolition and a new-build or a house extension and renovation.
In this post, we’ll run through the low-energy standards required for a passivhaus new-build.
First things first, the Passive House Institute has some specific requirements that buildings have to meet to be considered a passivhaus:
This refers to the amount of energy it takes to heat the net living space in your home, also referred to as the treated floor area. It must not take more than 15kWh annually, per square metre, or 10W per square metre at peak demand.
Note: the same requirements apply for cooling energy demand in warmer climates, though this isn’t the case for UK buildings!
This is the total energy that will be used for domestic applications like heating, hot water and electricity. It must not exceed 60kwH annually, per square metre.
The criteria above must be met without compromise on thermal comfort. Specifically, living areas shouldn’t be warmer than 25°C or colder than 17°C for more than 10% of the hours in a year.
To meet the criteria above, there are a few basic principles outlined for passivhaus construction…
Thermal insulation is one of the most important parts of passivhaus construction. The U value should not exceed 0.15, requiring all building components other than windows to be very well insulated.
Because windows are non-opaque, they can’t be insulated as well as the walls, for example. However, the frames must be well insulated, and the glass should low-emissivity (low E) to minimise heat transfer. The U value of your windows should be 0.8 or less, with a maximum 50% G value – which refers to how much heat from the sun can pass through the windows.
Ventilation is vital to maintain indoor air quality. However, it shouldn’t come at a cost to thermal efficiency. For passivhaus construction, a heat exchanger should transfer at least 75% of the heat from stale air to fresh air.
Thermal bridges allow heat to pass through otherwise insulated surfaces. Care should be taken to avoid thermal bridges around penetrations and connections, plus edges and corners, with any unavoidable bridges minimised.
A passivhaus must also be airtight with no more than 0.6 air changes per hour at ACH50 (50 Pascals pressure). That should be verified with a pressure test, both pressurised and depressurised.
If you want to self-build to passivhaus standards, CODA Bespoke’s award-winning architects can help. We have a wealth of experience designing and managing new build projects in South Yorkshire, based on all of the criteria and principles above.
To talk more about your project and how we can help, simply contact our team today.
