Getting a two-storey extension is a huge home improvement, allowing you to gain substantial amounts of extra space on both the upstairs and the downstairs of your home. If you are wanting some extra space but are not keen on moving house, then this is a great solution and also it can substantially increase the value of your property.
Extending your home up as well as out, helps to get what you want, whether it is an extra bathroom, more bedrooms, a larger kitchen or some space to work from home.
Before you embark on a project this large, you firstly need to speak with an architect and work out your budget to ensure that you can do it. An architect will be able to work with you to design the space that suits your needs and your budget. You also need to contact your local authority and let them know what you are planning so that you can obtain planning permission for it.
Once you have the go ahead, you need to find a building company who are experienced in home extensions to carry out the work for you. Be aware that having builders in to do a big job like this can be disruptive – you may want to move out temporarily if you do work from home or have young children or pets.
Despite this period of upheaval an extension is often a better option than moving to a larger house – you don’t have the headache of moving, or the additional fees that come with it, and it adds value to your current home.
Deciding what the extra space is for
Before drawings are made, be clear about what the new space needs to do. A larger kitchen or living area calls for a different layout and size of extension than extra bedrooms do, and answering that question first helps decide the style that suits your home best.
Planning permission is the next thing to look into, before you get carried away with ideas. Requirements vary between areas, so check what applies locally. It is also worth looking at neighbouring homes that have already been extended, because a design similar to what has been approved nearby is more likely to get approval too.
Then work out what you can afford. Research the likely costs of each stage before work begins, so you are not left with half an extension when the money runs out. A reputable builder will be able to offer help and advice as you go, which makes the process far less daunting if you have never done it before.
Working with the local planning authority
A two-storey extension needs a clear plan before any work starts. Decide what you want the new space to include, what will work best with the existing house, and whether your budget covers the whole project. The finished extension also needs to look good, both on its own and alongside the original building.
Most major developments, and some smaller alterations to existing buildings, need planning permission from your local planning authority. Expect them to ask about the size of the extension, the construction materials, how many rooms it will include and whether any environmentally sensitive features could affect the design. Having those answers ready makes the application smoother.
Check too whether your home or area is covered by any local heritage protections, as these can limit what is allowed and which materials you can use. In the end, every decision comes back to the same two questions: what will work best for your home, and how much you can afford to spend.