house extension

How Long Should an Extension Take to Build?

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    Extending one's house is a fantastic option to either make living space more accommodating for a rapidly expanding family or to enhance value in preparation for selling the property. No matter the cause, you want your project to go off without a hitch and without you having to worry about anything.

    Aside from the financial implications, one of the first things that comes to many people's minds when they consider adding on to their house is how it would affect their routines.

    The purpose of this concise guide is to assist you in finding an answer to the following question: "How much time does it take to build an addition?" and 'Will you need to vacate the premises while we construct an addition?'

    FAQs About Home Design

    Single-storey extensions can cater to a variety of budget types as the smaller the plan, the less it will cost. This seems like a sufficient cost to extend a room or hallway and give your home the well-needed space you're looking for. It could add between 5%-10% to the value of your home.

    The recent relaxation of permitted developments means that homeowners are now able to add extensions without needing planning permissions. You can add a home extension or conservatory up to six metres, or eight metres if your home is detached, without needing to apply for planning permission.

    For a full planning application you will need professional architecture drawings, so the answer would be Yes. Although Permitted Development applications require a sketch and letter of intent, an architecture drawing is better because from a sketch your builder could go over by 5cm, thus risking an enforcement.

    It will be stressful. It will possibly exceed your projections in terms of time and money. But you will be rewarded with a home sculpted to the requirements of your family where everyone's needs are met. And you will forget the trauma you experienced along the way.

    If you're planning to extend your home, you will need to comply with the building regulations. This is a legal requirement and, without formal approval and control, your local council could force you open up or re-build sometimes significant aspects of the project. It could even lead to prosecution and unlimited fines.

    Types of Extension

    Garage

    A garage is a popular type of single-story expansion that is built to adjoin an existing building. The purpose of a garage is to provide room for parking a vehicle, storing belongings, and other similar functions.

    Porch

    A porch is a single-story addition that is joined to the front of a house. It is possible that they do not need planning clearance because of their very small size (although they may in a conservation area or for a listed building).

    It is possible that approval from the building laws will be required if the porch does not have a door that leads inside the house, if it is heated, or if there are structural, accessibility, or drainage problems.

    Conservatory

    These are straightforward buildings with a single storey and are often constructed from UPVC windows and frames made of the material, though lumber or aluminium may also be used.

    They might have a brick wall at a lower level all the way around their property, which would serve as the foundation for the framework. The kind of conservatory and its dimensions will determine whether or not planning permission and building regulations approval are necessary.

    Orangery

    An orangery is comparable to a conservatory in appearance but distinguishes itself by having a solid roof and walls in addition to windows. This typically results in their being more expensive than a conservatory, but they are also more robust and do a better job of preserving heat. Planning permits and building regulations for conservatories are the same as for other types of additions.

    Single-Storey Extension

    A new addition consisting of a single story is constructed next to the old home. It is necessary to give careful thought to the technique of connection, in particular the apertures between the addition and the existing building, the couplings with the roof structure, the positions of flues and drains, and so on. It's possible that you won't need planning clearance in every situation, but you will need approval from building regulations.

    Two-Storey/Multi-Storey Extension

    When planning a two-story addition, you should keep in mind the same factors as when planning a single-story addition. However, the connections and the structure are likely going to become more difficult, and it is likely going to be necessary to obtain planning clearance.

    Over-Structure Extension

    When an addition is constructed on top of an existing structure, most frequently a garage, this is referred to as a loft conversion. Since most garages are built with single-skin brickwork, it's possible that new foundations and the installation of inner leaf walls will be required to ensure the building's stability.

    In light of the fact that the quality of the foundations cannot be guaranteed, a practical investigation needs to be carried out in order to determine the degree to which extra work needs to be done.

    Basement

    A portion of a building that is situated below ground level, either partially or completely, is referred to as a basement.

    Because of the high demand for housing, the high cost of land, and the high cost of moving, more and more basements are being built or converted into living space.

    This is raising worry in some regions since very big multi-story basements are being constructed there, which can be a source of severe disruption to neighbours over an extended period of time. As a direct consequence of this, certain limitations on the planning process are being implemented. For further information, please see the Basements of the respective buildings.

    It is recommended that you get in touch with the local planning authority for pre-application guidance because the planning situation will be different depending on the precise nature of the proposed development.

    When it comes to the construction of new basements and cover areas, building rules must be adhered to. These regulations cover a wide range of topics, such as ventilation, drainage, ceiling heights, damp proofing, electrical wiring, water supplies, means of escape, and more.

    Loft Conversion

    A home may see a value gain of up to twenty percent as a result of converting a loft, which may also result in an increase of up to thirty percent in the amount of usable space within the home.

    Loft conversions can frequently be conducted as "Permitted Developments," which do not necessitate obtaining authorisation from the local planning authority.

    If these constraints are exceeded, however, a planning approval application must be submitted in order to move forwards with the project. If the home is located in a conservation area or is a listed building, it is possible that planning clearance may also be required.

    Do We Need to Move Out When Building an Extension?

    In most cases, you will be able to continue living in your home while it is being renovated or extended, particularly if the construction is contained to one specific location.

    Before beginning construction, you and your contractor should sit down and devise a plan for how they will protect the remainder of your home from dust and the elements while they are working within it.

    To ensure that you have access to all of the conveniences you require, it may also require some advance planning on your part. If you are gutting your current kitchen, for instance, you could ask your builder to install a makeshift kitchenette in one of the other rooms in your home while the demolition is going on.

    Let's say your project consists of more than one component, such as an addition on the back of the house and some inside remodelling. If this is the case, then having the work completed in stages so that you may continue to use a portion of your home while the remainder is being built is an approach that makes perfect sense.

    Do We Need to Move Out When Doing a Loft Conversion?

    There is a good chance that you will be able to continue living in your home without too much of an inconvenience. Because the scaffolding is erected from above, and because your ceilings will typically not be damaged in the process, all of the work will be carried out above where you are standing!

    How Can You Stop the Building Phase From Dragging On?

    We've all heard horror stories about construction projects that dragged on for months on end with builders who failed to show up even after they were paid. Because of this, it is of the utmost importance to have a contract with your builder that is solid and enforceable.

    As soon as you have a complete set of plans and paperwork, you will be able to solicit reliable estimates from various construction businesses. Be sure to ask the contractors for an estimate of the cost of the work as well as an estimate of the amount of time it will take to start and finish the project.

    Your all-important construction contract will have a clause that specifies the end date, sometimes known as the "completion date." You should seek the assistance of an architect in determining the layout that would work best for your project.

    Design & Planning

    Initial Meeting: 90 mins approx.

    During this appointment, you will speak with a highly skilled member of our design consulting team. You and the consultant will have a conversation in which you will share your thoughts and objectives, and the consultant will respond to any questions that you may have. After listening to what you have to say, he will offer a few suggestions, and then he will go to begin working on a solution that is tailored to your needs.

    Design Concepts: 1–3 weeks approx.

    The design consultant will get started on your addition right away. They will be in regular communication with you, and they will take all of your suggestions and demands into consideration.

    Revisions & Final Design: 2–4 weeks approx.

    At this time, you and the designer will have worked together to produce a design for the extension's final iteration. You will cooperate with one another to make any necessary alterations at the eleventh hour. After this has been accomplished, you will have a complete design plan for the new house expansion you are having built.

    Contract Signed

    After the design has been perfected, we will move on to the step of negotiating the contract. At this point, the project will be given its official title, and preparations will be made to get the building started. It is imperative that you are content with the completed project in all of its features. Your designer will check with you to ensure that you do not have any other queries or alterations that you would like to make to the design.

    Permits: 2–6 weeks approx.

    At this point, we finish the applications and requirements that will need to be met in order to guarantee that your new house addition fully fulfils all rules. Because of this, there won't be any unwelcome shocks or hold ups that aren't absolutely necessary. The first two stages of this process marked the beginning of the process.

    Town Planning: Up to 3 months approx.

    It is possible that your home may require an application for a town planning permission in order for your expansion to be constructed. We collaborate with the council to make this procedure as smooth as possible. There are circumstances in which town planning can take far longer than three months.

    Nevertheless, we have productive working relationships with municipalities, and we are able to quickly collaborate with them to find solutions to any challenges that may arise. In most cases, we get a head start on this procedure so that we can minimise any potential time losses.

    Building

    Site Preparation: 1 week approx.

    This takes place just before we go on to the construction phase. At this point, an assessment will be performed on your property, and it will be prepped for the upcoming work that will shortly get underway. This involves ensuring that there will be no barriers in the way of the building process and laying out the regions that will be extended.

    First floor, Subfloor: 2–4 weeks approx.

    The subfloor or concrete slab that the extension will be built on will be developed by the builders at this point of the process. The remainder of the extension is built on top of this foundation.

    Frame: 2–4 weeks approx.

    At this point in the process, customers are able to observe the construction of the roof and wall frameworks.

    In this stage of the construction process, known as the skeleton stage, your new expansion starts to take shape, and you can visibly see all of the new spaces that will be available to you.

    Lockup: 1–4 weeks approx.

    Following the assembly of the framework, the walls, the roof, the windows, and the doors are installed.

    When all of this is finished, we refer to it as Lockup.

    At this stage, the extension is nearly complete in terms of its structural components.

    Fixing: Up to 6 weeks.

    At this point, all of the aesthetic finishing touches are added, which transforms the building into a house.

    At this point, you will install the architraves, skirting boards, doorknobs, and other bathroom fittings, among other things.

    To ensure that your newly added extension will look its very best, this step calls for a certain amount of dexterity and precision.

    Completion: 2–3 weeks approx.

    In the final step, this stage, you will finish any jobs that were left undone at the last minute and make sure that everything is finished before moving on to the final inspection. The final certificate for the building permit is received once this inspection has been completed in its entirety.

    Something to Consider

    Before getting started on your construction project, it is in your best interest to do some research on the timelines involved. During the course of the construction, it is possible that you will need to make provisions for alternate living quarters, but this will depend on the magnitude of the project that you have in mind. Your ability to tolerate living next to a construction site will determine the answer to this question.

    Because the level of disturbance will be kept to a minimum if the project in question is small and unobtrusive, this won't be an issue at all. However, if there is a lot of digging out of concrete, such as in a basement conversion, this will generate a lot of dust that may be difficult to live with....this is something that should be considered at an early stage in the project.

    Reasons To Extend Your Home

    Improve Your Home's Market Value

    There are many reasons to extend your home, but one of the most obvious is that doing so will raise the value of your property.

    Modify Your Home to Fit Your Needs and Preferences

    With an extension, you can get the extra space your growing family needs without having to uproot and disrupt your current way of life.

    Extensions are a great option for adding the extra space a growing family needs. Because there will be more space for everyone to congregate and spend time together, you will be able to spend more quality time with your family if you expand your living space.

    Open floor plans for kitchens and living rooms are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners opt to build extensions to their homes in order to modernise and increase the efficiency of their dwellings. As a result, there will be more room for mingling.

    You Can Save Time and Money By Not Moving

    Moving is a stressful experience in and of itself, but when you add in the hassle of enrolling your kids in a new school, keeping up with your work, and everything else that needs doing, it can be overwhelming.

    It can be difficult and time-consuming to adjust to a new environment. If you decide to build an addition, you won't have to deal with this problem, and you can stay in your current neighbourhood.

    Make the Most of Your Current Setup

    Use the space that you already have, such as the loft if you have one, and put it to good use. Adding an additional bedroom and possibly even an en suite bathroom to your home through the use of a loft conversion is a great way to increase the value of your real estate investment. Improving the use you get out of the space you already have in your house is one of the most effective strategies for doing so.

    Modifications Made Just for You

    After living in your home for such a long period of time, there are always going to be some parts that you wish you could add or modify. For example, you might wish there was just a little bit more space in the kitchen, or that your bedroom had a walk-in closet. If you opt to extend your house, you get the benefit of being able to determine how the expanded area is designed as well as what you do with it.

    Step Guide to Planning an Extension

    Verify if You Need a Permit From the Local Authorities

    In order to qualify for an extension on your home, you do not necessarily need to obtain planning permission, but you do need to check all of the boxes.

    There are requirements that must be met, such as a maximum eaves height of three metres in Northern Ireland and a minimum floor space of forty square metres in the Republic of Ireland.

    If you are unsure whether or not your plans require planning permission, you can request a Section 5 Declaration from your local authority in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) or a Certificate of Lawful Development in Northern Ireland (NI). After that, you need to make sure that you comply with all of the applicable building regulations.

    Check the Purse

    When beginning a project to extend your home, it is imperative that you keep a close eye on your finances and determine how much money you will need for the build, as well as for the expenses associated with the design and planning of the extension, insurance, and any warranties that may be required.

    Think Design

    It doesn't matter how little the space is; you still need to give the design the attention to detail that it requires. For instance, if you're planning on adding a kitchen, think about whether or not you want it to get sunlight in the morning.

    Therefore, it must be oriented so that it faces the eastern elevation.

    In addition to that, make sure that you take into account the context of the site as well as the link to the current house. You will need the assistance of an architectural designer to help you design and document the extension, but you should also consider the possibility that you will require the services of a structural engineer for tasks such as specifying steel or a building energy assessor if you are considering an energy upgrade.

    Check the Regs

    Check the applicable technical guidance documents and technical booklets, and consult a licensed building professional if you have any questions about the building regulations that apply to your renovation project.

    Choose as Many of the Finishes as You Can in Advance

    Examine whether windows, doors, kitchen appliances, tiles, and other related things you will need to procure on your own in order to cut down on expenses.

    Knowing this information in advance will help the design process enormously and will assist in the costs. It can take a long time to get what you want at the price that is suitable for you.

    You will be able to determine accurate pricing for your project if you have thorough construction drawings done; in order to achieve this, you will need an exact specification; otherwise, the prices are likely to increase.

    Comply With Building Control Requirements

    In cases where planning permission is not required, such as when converting a roof or installing a bathroom under the stairs, you are still required to notify Building Control. In order to begin construction after receiving planning approval, you must submit a "commencement notice" (ROI) through the Building Control Management System.

    If you do not have planning permission, you will not need to go through the building control process. Building Control must be notified of any structural work, as well as any work involving insulation.

    Ground-level porches of 5 square metres or less that protect external access are exempt (however, Part V of the Regulations applies to glass installation); conservatories of 30 square metres or less that have at least 75% of the roof and 50% of the external wall made of translucent material are exempt; detached garages of 30 square metres or less that are either built substantially of non-combustible material or are not less than one metre from a dwelling are exempt.

    Comply With Health and Safety Requirements

    Let's say the project will take more than thirty days or there will be a considerable risk involved. If this is the case, you are required to notify the health and safety authority and select health and safety supervisors for both the design and construction stages of the project. As part of this employment, you will be required to keep a health and safety ledger on site.

    Check the Insurance

    Check to see if your homeowner's insurance policy will continue to be effective throughout the construction process and if it will be possible to extend coverage to include site insurance.

    If you are going to have a contractor handle the administration of the project, you need to be sure that their insurance policy covers all that is required for your location. This includes not just public liability but also employer's liability.

    Involve the Neighbourhood Before Starting Any Major Projects

    It's possible that you won't need to acquire planning approval for what you want to do, but in any event, you should let your neighbours know what you're up to as soon as possible - ideally even while you're only thinking about it. It is considered polite to do so, and the other person could have interesting facts about your home or site to share with you.

    Conclusion

    Extending one's house is a great option to make living space more accommodating for a rapidly expanding family or to enhance value in preparation for selling the property. The purpose of this guide is to provide an answer to the questions "How much time does it take to build an addition?" and "Will you need to vacate the premises while we construct an addition?" The types of extension include a garage, porch, conservatory, orangery. A single-storey extension is constructed next to the old home. Planning permits and building regulations for these types of additions are the same as for other types of additions. Planning for an addition or over-structure extension involves considering the technique of connection, the couplings with the roof structure, the positions of flues and drains, and more.

    When planning a two-story addition, the connections and the structure are likely going to become more difficult, and it is likely going to be necessary to obtain planning clearance. When constructing a basement, it is recommended to get in touch with the local planning authority for pre-application guidance. Building rules must be adhered to, such as ventilation, drainage, ceiling heights, damp proofing, electrical wiring, water supplies, and means of escape. Loft conversions can be conducted as "Permitted Developments" without authorisation from the local planning authority, but if the constraints are exceeded, a planning approval application must be submitted. If the home is located in a conservation area or is a listed building, planning clearance may also be required.

    Do we need to move out when building an extension? In most cases, you will be able to continue living in your home while it is being renovated or extended. To ensure that you have access to all of the conveniences you require, it may also require some advance planning on your part. If the project consists of more than one component, having the work completed in stages is an approach that makes perfect sense. How can you stop the building phase from dragging on?

    The most important details are that it is important to have a contract with your builder that is solid and enforceable, and that you should seek the assistance of an architect in determining the layout that would work best for your project. Additionally, the design consultant will get started on your addition right away, and the designer will work together to produce a design for the extension's final iteration. After the design has been perfected, the contract will be signed and preparations will be made to get the building started. Finally, the project will be given its official title and permits will be issued. The most important details in this text are the three stages of the construction process: site preparation, town planning, and lockup.

    Site Preparation involves ensuring that there will be no barriers in the way of the building process and laying out the regions that will be extended. Town Planning takes up to 3 months and requires an application for a town planning permission. Lockup involves assembly of the framework, walls, roof, windows, and doors, and is nearly complete in terms of its structural components. Fixing takes up to 6 weeks and transforms the building into a house. Extensions are a great option for adding the extra space a growing family needs without having to uproot and disrupt their current way of life.

    There are many reasons to extend your home, such as improving its market value, modifying it to fit your needs and preferences, and saving time and money by not moving. The final certificate for the building permit is received once the inspection has been completed. Moving can be a stressful experience, but if you decide to build an addition, you can make the most of your current setup and increase the value of your real estate investment. To qualify for an extension, you need to check all of the boxes, such as a maximum eaves height of three metres in Northern Ireland and a minimum floor space of forty square metres in the Republic of Ireland. If you are unsure whether or not your plans require planning permission, you can request a Section 5 Declaration from your local authority or a Certificate of Lawful Development in Northern Ireland.

    When beginning a project to extend your home, it is important to think design, check the regulations, choose as many of the finishes as possible in advance, comply with Building Control requirements, and submit a "commencement notice" (ROI) through the Building Control Management System. Knowing this information in advance will help the design process and reduce costs. Building Control must be notified of any structural work, insulation, ground-level porches, conservatories, detached garages, and detached garages of 30 square metres or less that are either built substantially of non-combustible material or are not less than one metre from a dwelling are exempt. To comply with health and safety requirements, contractors must notify the health and safety authority and select health and safety supervisors for both the design and construction stages of the project, keep a health and safety ledger on site, check the insurance policy, and involve the neighbourhood before starting any major projects.

    Content Summary

    1. Extending one's house is a fantastic option to either make living space more accommodating for a rapidly expanding family or to enhance value in preparation for selling the property.
    2. No matter the cause, you want your project to go off without a hitch and without you having to worry about anything.
    3. Aside from the financial implications, one of the first things that comes to many people's minds when they consider adding on to their house is how it would affect their routines.
    4. The purpose of this concise guide is to assist you in finding an answer to the following question: "How much time does it take to build an addition?" and 'Will you need to vacate the premises while we construct an addition?'
    5. A garage is a popular type of single-story expansion that is built to adjoin an existing building.
    6. The purpose of a garage is to provide room for parking a vehicle, storing belongings, and other similar functions.
    7. A porch is a single-story addition that is joined to the front of a house.
    8. The kind of conservatory and its dimensions will determine whether or not planning permission and building regulations approval are necessary.
    9. Planning permits and building regulations for conservatories are the same as for other types of additions.
    10. A new addition consisting of a single story is constructed next to the old home.
    11. It is necessary to give careful thought to the technique of connection, in particular the apertures between the addition and the existing building, the couplings with the roof structure, the positions of flues and drains, and so on.
    12. It's possible that you won't need planning clearance in every situation, but you will need approval from building regulations.
    13. When planning a two-story addition, you should keep in mind the same factors as when planning a single-story addition.
    14. However, the connections and the structure are likely going to become more difficult, and it is likely going to be necessary to obtain planning clearance.
    15. When an addition is constructed on top of an existing structure, most frequently a garage, this is referred to as a loft conversion.
    16. Since most garages are built with single-skin brickwork, it's possible that new foundations and the installation of inner leaf walls will be required to ensure the building's stability.
    17. A portion of a building that is situated below ground level, either partially or completely, is referred to as a basement.
    18. Because of the high demand for housing, the high cost of land, and the high cost of moving, more and more basements are being built or converted into living space.
    19. As a direct consequence of this, certain limitations on the planning process are being implemented.
    20. For further information, please see the Basements of the respective buildings.
    21. It is recommended that you get in touch with the local planning authority for pre-application guidance because the planning situation will be different depending on the precise nature of the proposed development.
    22. When it comes to the construction of new basements and cover areas, building rules must be adhered to.
    23. A home may see a value gain of up to twenty percent as a result of converting a loft, which may also result in an increase of up to thirty percent in the amount of usable space within the home.
    24. Loft conversions can frequently be conducted as "Permitted Developments," which do not necessitate obtaining authorisation from the local planning authority.
    25. If these constraints are exceeded, however, a planning approval application must be submitted in order to move forward with the project.
    26. If the home is located in a conservation area or is a listed building, it is possible that planning clearance may also be required.
    27. In most cases, you will be able to continue living in your home while it is being renovated or extended, particularly if the construction is contained to one specific location.
    28. Before beginning construction, you and your contractor should sit down and devise a plan for how they will protect the remainder of your home from dust and the elements while they are working within it.
    29. To ensure that you have access to all of the conveniences you require, it may also require some advance planning on your part.
    30. If you are gutting your current kitchen, for instance, you could ask your builder to install a makeshift kitchenette in one of the other rooms in your home while the demolition is going on.
    31. Let's say your project consists of more than one component, such as an addition on the back of the house and some inside remodelling.
    32. If this is the case, then having the work completed in stages so that you may continue to use a portion of your home while the remainder is being built is an approach that makes perfect sense.
    33. There is a good chance that you will be able to continue living in your home without too much of an inconvenience.
    34. Because the scaffolding is erected from above, and because your ceilings will typically not be damaged in the process, all of the work will be carried out above where you are standing!
    35. We've all heard horror stories about construction projects that dragged on for months on end with builders who failed to show up even after they were paid.
    36. Because of this, it is of the utmost importance to have a contract with your builder that is solid and enforceable.
    37. Be sure to ask the contractors for an estimate of the cost of the work as well as an estimate of the amount of time it will take to start and finish the project.
    38. Your all-important construction contract will have a clause that specifies the end date, sometimes known as the "completion date."
    39. You should seek the assistance of an architect in determining the layout that would work best for your project.
    40. During this appointment, you will speak with a highly skilled member of our design consulting team.
    41. The design consultant will get started on your addition right away.
    42. At this time, you and the designer will have worked together to produce a design for the extension's final iteration.
    43. After this has been accomplished, you will have a complete design plan for the new house expansion you are having built.
    44. After the design has been perfected, we will move on to the step of negotiating the contract.
    45. It is imperative that you are content with the completed project in all of its features.
    46. The first two stages of this process marked the beginning of the process.
    47. It is possible that your home may require an application for a town planning permission in order for your expansion to be constructed.
    48. We collaborate with the council to make this procedure as smooth as possible.
    49. There are circumstances in which town planning can take far longer than three months.
    50. This takes place just before we go on to the construction phase.
    51. The subfloor or concrete slab that the extension will be built on will be developed by the builders at this point of the process.
    52. The remainder of the extension is built on top of this foundation.
    53. In this stage of the construction process, known as the skeleton stage, your new expansion starts to take shape, and you can visibly see all of the new spaces that will be available to you.
    54. To ensure that your newly added extension will look its very best, this step calls for a certain amount of dexterity and precision.
    55. In the final step, this stage, you will finish any jobs that were left undone at the last minute and make sure that everything is finished before moving on to the final inspection.
    56. The final certificate for the building permit is received once this inspection has been completed in its entirety.
    57. Before getting started on your construction project, it is in your best interest to do some research on the timelines involved.
    58. During the course of the construction, it is possible that you will need to make provisions for alternate living quarters, but this will depend on the magnitude of the project that you have in mind.
    59. Your ability to tolerate living next to a construction site will determine the answer to this question.
    60. Because the level of disturbance will be kept to a minimum if the project in question is small and unobtrusive, this won't be an issue at all.
    61. There are many reasons to extend your home, but one of the most obvious is that doing so will raise the value of your property.
    62. With an extension, you can get the extra space your growing family needs without having to uproot and disrupt your current way of life.
    63. Extensions are a great option for adding the extra space a growing family needs.
    64. Because there will be more space for everyone to congregate and spend time together, you will be able to spend more quality time with your family if you expand your living space.
    65. Open floor plans for kitchens and living rooms are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners opt to build extensions to their homes in order to modernise and increase the efficiency of their dwellings.
    66. As a result, there will be more room for mingling.
    67. It can be difficult and time-consuming to adjust to a new environment.
    68. If you decide to build an addition, you won't have to deal with this problem, and you can stay in your current neighbourhood.
    69. Use the space that you already have, such as the loft if you have one, and put it to good use.
    70. Adding an additional bedroom and possibly even an en suite bathroom to your home through the use of a loft conversion is a great way to increase the value of your real estate investment.
    71. Improving the use you get out of the space you already have in your house is one of the most effective strategies for doing so.
    72. After living in your home for such a long period of time, there are always going to be some parts that you wish you could add or modify.
    73. For example, you might wish there was just a little bit more space in the kitchen, or that your bedroom had a walk-in closet.
    74. If you opt to extend your house, you get the benefit of being able to determine how the expanded area is designed as well as what you do with it.
    75. In order to qualify for an extension on your home, you do not necessarily need to obtain planning permission, but you do need to check all of the boxes.
    76. If you are unsure whether or not your plans require planning permission, you can request a Section 5 Declaration from your local authority in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) or a Certificate of Lawful Development in Northern Ireland (NI).
    77. After that, you need to make sure that you comply with all of the applicable building regulations.
    78. When beginning a project to extend your home, it is imperative that you keep a close eye on your finances and determine how much money you will need for the build, as well as for the expenses associated with the design and planning of the extension, insurance, and any warranties that may be required.
    79. Knowing this information in advance will help the design process enormously and will assist in the costs.
    80. It can take a long time to get what you want at the price that is suitable for you.
    81. In cases where planning permission is not required, such as when converting a roof or installing a bathroom under the stairs, you are still required to notify Building Control.
    82. In order to begin construction after receiving planning approval, you must submit a "commencement notice" (ROI) through the Building Control Management System.
    83. If you do not have planning permission, you will not need to go through the building control process.
    84. Building Control must be notified of any structural work, as well as any work involving insulation.
    85. Let's say the project will take more than thirty days or there will be a considerable risk involved.
    86. If this is the case, you are required to notify the health and safety authority and select health and safety supervisors for both the design and construction stages of the project.
    87. As part of this employment, you will be required to keep a health and safety ledger on site.
    88. Check to see if your homeowner's insurance policy will continue to be effective throughout the construction process and if it will be possible to extend coverage to include site insurance.
    89. If you are going to have a contractor handle the administration of the project, you need to be sure that their insurance policy covers all that is required for your location.
    90. It's possible that you won't need to acquire planning approval for what you want to do, but in any event, you should let your neighbours know what you're up to as soon as possible - ideally even while you're only thinking about it.
    91. It is considered polite to do so, and the other person could have interesting facts about your home or site to share with you.
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