How Can I Get Some Ideas For An Ex-Council House Extension?

If you are looking for some ideas to extend an ex-council house, you will find detailed guidance in this blog post, as we will be taking a look at the various steps you should take if you’re considering an extension to your ex-council house. From understanding the regulations to choosing the right materials and design, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to complete a successful extension.

How Can I Get Some Ideas For An Ex-Council House Extension?

There are many ways to extend an ex-council house and a host of ideas shared by other people who have done the same to the property that they live in. For instance, a couple in north London extended their ex-council house to the side which was earlier a garage and some outdoor space. This gave them additional space for a dining and seating area.

You can also consider placing bay windows on the walls of your extension to give it the look of open space or adjoin it to a kitchen to have more seating space for large family dinners. 

Or you can use this extended space by converting it to a study or a home office and connect it to your den or even an existing study if you have one. 

In the case of a side-return Extension (which is quite common in period houses), you can consider extending to cover the redundant side strip that is currently of no use. This is a simple, budget-friendly extension that can add more space to a living room or kitchen by demolishing the exterior walls

You may also consider a rear extension at the back of your ex-council house that adds more space to a bedroom and makes it overlook a back garden. Or a rear extension can add more space to your den and give you the space for a home office or a study. Being at the back of the house, this can be the ideal private space you need to work.

If you don’t have the space to extend your ex-council house horizontally, you can always create more space with a vertical extension and double-height addition. You can build a two-story, rear extension with a maximum depth of 3 meters or one within 7 cm of the back boundary without needing Planning Permission.

However, you must remember that an elaborate extension such as a single or double-storey structure may cost you anywhere in the range of £ 40,000 to £ 50,000. As a consequence, this will have a significant impact on the market value of your property. This may require revaluation and reassignment to your council tax bands; thus increasing the council tax payments when the property is sold.

If you are unsure about you to use the extra space you have for an extension, you can search for a professional who deals with constructing extensions through Find a Builder and get customised plans that suit the structure and layout of your property.

What Is The Planning Process For Extending An Ex-Council House?

Extending an ex-council house in the UK can be a daunting prospect, so it’s important to understand the planning process before you begin. Generally, you will need to apply for Planning Permission if you are making any major changes to your property; such as converting it from a single storey to a double storey or adding large extensions.

However, in some cases, you may be able to take advantage of Permitted Development. This allows you to make certain types of minor changes without needing to apply for Planning Permission. 

Before you start work on your ex-council house, it’s important to find out if your proposed changes require Planning Permission or if they fall within the scope of Permitted Development.

If Planning Permission is required, you will need to submit a planning application to your local authority and wait for them to approve it. You will also need to provide detailed plans of the proposed extension and demonstrate that it meets the relevant regulations.

You can refer to this sample application to have an idea of the details that you will need to provide when you apply for an extension.

Once your planning application is approved, you can begin to make your dream extension a reality.

What Are The Design Considerations For Extending An Ex-Council House?

When it comes to extending an ex-council house in the UK, there are several design considerations to bear in mind. If you’re looking to make changes to the existing property, such as adding a double-storey extension, then you may need to apply for Planning Permission before any building work can take place. However, it is possible to extend your property without the need for planning permission under certain conditions, referred to as Permitted Development. 

It’s important to check if Planning Permission is required before making any changes, and this can be done through your local council or by consulting a professional. When planning the design of your extension, make sure to consider the needs and wants of your family and think about how you’d like the space to look and feel. For example, consider the overall layout of the space and the materials used. 

By being mindful of the design process and taking into account any necessary permissions and regulations, you can begin to shape the look and feel of your ex-council house in the UK.

What Are The Building Regulations For Extending An Ex-Council House?

When it comes to making any changes to an ex-council house, it is essential to be aware of the relevant Building Regulations. Depending on the type of extension you wish to build, you may need planning permission as well as building regulations approval. 

It is important to check your local council’s requirements and regulations before starting any work, as there may be restrictions on the size, height and materials that can be used for your extension. In addition, you will also need to ensure that the proposed works comply with the Building Regulations, which cover safety, energy efficiency and accessibility. This means that the structure and materials used must meet the current building regulations to gain approval. 

Make sure to research and understand your local council’s requirements and regulations, as well as what type of planning permission and building regulations approval is needed for your particular project.

When Do I Need Planning Permission For Extending An Ex-Council House?

In case of any of the following changes to your property due to the extension, Planning Permission will be required to extend an ex-council house:

  • More than 50 per cent of the land around the main house is going to be covered.
  • The extension is going to be located at the front of the house or on a side with an adjacent highway.
  • The materials to be used in the extension are not the same as the main house.
  • The height of the extension will be higher than the highest point on the roof of the main house.
  • The height of the eaves and ridges will be higher than those of the main house.
  • There is going to be an addition of raised platforms, balconies or verandahs. 

Conclusion:

The above discussion brings to light many ideas regarding the extension of an ex-council house. You may also get some practical advice customised to the design and structure of your property by discussing your thoughts with an architect or building contractor. 

References:

Improve, don’t move: how a new extension doubled the space at a former council house | Homes | The Guardian

Alterations to ex-council properties – High Peak Borough Council