Not always. Many home extensions can be built under Permitted Development Rights, meaning planning permission may not be required. However, the size, height, location and design of your extension, along with your property's planning history, will determine whether planning permission is needed. We can help you understand the requirements before your project begins.

Permitted Development Rights allow certain home improvements to be completed without applying for full planning permission, provided they meet specific government rules relating to size, height, location and appearance. If your proposed extension falls within these limits, you may be able to proceed without a planning application.

This depends on your property and previous extensions.

For a single-storey rear extension, Permitted Development may allow a detached house to extend up to 4 metres beyond the original rear wall, or up to 8 metres under the larger home extension rules, subject to prior approval and other conditions. For other houses, including semi-detached and terraced properties, the corresponding limits are 3 metres and 6 metres.

As a general guide:

• Detached homes can often extend up to 4 metres from the original rear wall (or up to 8 metres under the larger home extension scheme, subject to prior approval).
• Semi-detached and terraced homes can often extend up to 3 metres (or up to 6 metres under the larger home extension scheme, subject to prior approval).

Other restrictions relating to height, width, eaves and overall site coverage also apply.

Yes. If planning permission is required, we can work alongside architects and planning consultants to guide you through the application process, ensuring your project progresses as smoothly as possible.

Most local authorities aim to determine straightforward householder planning applications within 8 weeks. More complex applications may take longer depending on the project and the local planning authority's workload.

Even if planning permission isn't required, we often recommend obtaining a Lawful Development Certificate. This provides official confirmation that your extension was lawful at the time it was built, which can be valuable when selling your property.

Additional planning controls usually apply in conservation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks and to listed buildings. We can advise on the specific requirements for your property before any work begins.

Yes, in some circumstances. A two-storey rear extension can fall under Permitted Development, provided it meets specific size, height, boundary and design requirements. For example, it generally cannot extend more than 3 metres beyond the rear wall of the original house, and where it is within 2 metres of a boundary, its eaves height cannot exceed 3 metres. It must also be at least 7 metres from the boundary opposite the rear wall.

However, two-storey side extensions are not permitted development, and additional restrictions apply to properties in designated areas such as conservation areas and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Previous extensions, planning conditions and other restrictions can also affect your permitted development rights.

Every property is different, so we recommend checking the proposed extension against the relevant planning requirements before proceeding. Where there is any doubt, a Lawful Development Certificate can provide formal confirmation that proposed works are lawful under Permitted Development.

Building Regulations are legal requirements that set minimum standards for building work in England. They cover important areas such as structural safety, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, drainage, electrical installations and energy efficiency.

Most extensions require Building Regulations approval, although there are limited exemptions.

Yes, in most cases. Whether your extension requires planning permission or falls under Permitted Development, it will generally still need to comply with Building Regulations.

Planning permission controls what you are allowed to build, while Building Regulations ensure how it is built is safe and meets the required standards.

They are two separate processes.

Planning Permission considers the impact of your extension on the property, surrounding area and neighbours.

Building Regulations deal with the technical and construction requirements, including the structural integrity, insulation, fire safety, ventilation, drainage and electrical safety of the building.

You may not need planning permission but could still require Building Regulations approval.

Building Regulations approval can be arranged through a Building Control Body. Depending on your project, this can be either the local authority Building Control department or an approved private Building Control provider.

We can help coordinate this process as part of your extension project.

The information required depends on the size and complexity of the extension. Typically, Building Control will require detailed drawings and technical information covering areas such as:

• Proposed floor plans and elevations
• Construction details
• Foundations
• Structural calculations
• Wall, floor and roof construction
• Insulation and energy efficiency
• Drainage
• Ventilation
• Fire safety
• Electrical installations

Our team can work alongside architects and structural engineers to ensure the necessary information is available before construction begins.

Building work that does not comply can result in enforcement action and may need to be altered or rectified. It can also create difficulties when selling or remortgaging your property.

Using a competent contractor and ensuring the appropriate inspections are carried out helps provide peace of mind that the work is being completed correctly.

Yes. Building Control will normally require inspections at various stages of construction. The exact inspection requirements will depend on the project.

Typical stages can include foundations, drainage, structural work, insulation and completion.

Yes. Once Building Control is satisfied that the work complies with the relevant requirements, a Building Regulations Completion Certificate can be issued.

We recommend keeping this documentation safely with your property records, as it may be required when selling your home in the future.

Yes. We can coordinate the Building Regulations process alongside the wider construction project, working with Building Control, structural engineers and other professionals where required.

Our aim is to make the process as straightforward as possible, from the initial survey through to completion.

Possibly. If your extension involves work to or close to a shared wall or boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply. The requirements depend on the nature and location of the proposed work, so we recommend establishing this before construction begins.

Not necessarily. The need for an architect depends on the size, complexity and requirements of your project. Some smaller extensions can be designed using a suitable architectural technician or building designer, while larger or more complex projects may benefit from an architect.

We can advise you on the level of design support your project is likely to require.

Yes. We work with experienced architectural professionals who can assist with the design and technical drawings required for your extension. Where appropriate, we can help coordinate the design process alongside the construction of your project.

Absolutely. If you already have architectural drawings and planning permission, we can review the information, identify any construction considerations and provide a detailed quotation for the works.

We can then work from the approved drawings throughout the construction process.

Yes. If you are still at the early stages of planning your extension, we can help you understand what is required before construction begins and introduce you to the appropriate design professionals where necessary.

This allows the project to be developed around your requirements, budget and property.

If you appoint an architect to handle the planning application, they will normally prepare and submit the necessary information on your behalf. However, the exact scope of their service will depend on your agreement with them.

We can work alongside your chosen architect throughout the process to help ensure the design is practical and suitable for construction.

An architect focuses primarily on the design, layout, appearance and functionality of your extension.

A structural engineer focuses on the structural integrity of the building, including foundations, steelwork, beams, load-bearing walls and other structural elements.

Many extension projects require input from both.

Not usually. Architectural drawings show the proposed design and construction arrangement, while structural calculations are generally prepared separately by a structural engineer.

Where required, we can coordinate the architectural and structural information to ensure the construction team has the details needed to complete the work correctly.

Yes. We recommend discussing your budget at the beginning of the project. This allows the design and specification to be developed with realistic construction costs in mind.

Our experience in construction means we can identify potential cost considerations early and help avoid designs that are significantly beyond the intended budget.

Yes. Once the design, planning and technical information are in place, we can take over the construction phase and manage the project through to completion.

Depending on the project, this can include structural work, building works, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, kitchens, bathrooms and finishing works.

Of course. We are happy to work with your existing architect, structural engineer or other professional team.

Our aim is to work collaboratively with everyone involved to ensure the approved design is delivered correctly, efficiently and to a high standard.