EXTENSIONS

Madara Building Ltd. has successfully carried out fixed numerous extension projects throughout London and the surrounding areas. We would be happy to discuss any plan you might have. A quality extension has really turned out to be one of the most cost effective ways to not only add that much needed extra space, but also improve the investment value of the property.
In any case, as with many major projects, there are a lot of factors that need to be carefully considered before any work on an extension can be undertaken. From initial designs to planning applications, supplies to labour costs, each stage of the process has the potential to cause major disruptions to the project if it is not thought through before hand. Why don’t you let an experienced builder do it for you?
         
Planning permission

For most people extending a property, a successful application for planning permission will be necessary before any work can be undertaken. Planning seeks to control the way that neighbourhoods, towns and cities are developed, focusing on the way that land is used, the appearance of buildings, landscaping considerations, road access and the impact that a development will have on the environment. You will definitely need planning permission if

• The proposed extension is higher than the highest part of your original roof
• Any part of the proposed extension is over four metres high and within two metres of your property boundaries
• The ground area covered by the proposed extension covers more than half of the total property area (excluding ground covered by the original building)
• The total volume of original property is increased by more than 115 cubic metres (volume is calculated using the external dimensions of the structure: length x breadth x height)
• The total volume of original property is increased by more than 10% (or 50 cubic metres, whichever is greatest) for terraced houses, or any property in a conservation area, a national park or the Broads.

Once the council has received your plans, it will place them on the Planning Register for public viewing and notify neighbours. A committee appointed by the local council will then make a decision or appoint a senior planning officer to make one for them. The process can take up to eight weeks, and if permission is granted, planned works must be completed within five years.
More information regarding planning permission can be obtained via local authorities, or by visiting the Government's Planning Portal website.

Building Regulations

In most cases, it will be necessary when extending a building to ensure that everything done complies with the Government's Building Regulations. Unless the planned extension is a porch, conservatory or detached garage built at ground level, taking up less than 30m2 of floor space, it's likely that Building Regulations will be relevant.
Building Regulations approval is a separate process from obtaining planning permission for your extension, and it is extremely important to ensure that your extension is approved in both regards. To achieve compliance with Building Regulations, you or your architect must submit full and detailed plans of the proposed extension, together with the appropriate application form and fee, to your Local Planning Authority. Building control surveyors will then examine the plans to guarantee that they accord with Building Regulations, and will approve the project.

Your builders are required to notify the council when building work commences and at various stages throughout the project, and inspections can be made to ensure that work, such as laying foundations, damp proofing and installing drains is carried out to standard. A final inspection will be made upon completion of the extension, and a certificate of completion will be issued if everything is up to scratch. Information about how Building Regulations might apply to different types of extensions can be found through the Government's Planning Portal, or via your Local Planning Authority.

Please, make sure you have already applied for and obtained building approval and/or planning permission before requesting a quote.