If you think that extending your home is as simple as finding extension builders Bristol residents trust, and hiring them, then you are wrong. There are many legalities surrounding extending your home. Some are obvious, others not so clear. Below is a look at some of the things you will need to take into consideration before deciding to make your home bigger to accommodate your growing needs.
Neighbours
In an ideal world, we wouldn’t have people living right next door so we wouldn’t have to ask their permission to make noise or extend our homes. If your extensions plans will block your neighbour’s light, you could be in for trouble. The “right to light” is legally established. It is more commonly a problem however in city dwelling where there is less space between properties.
Minimum Ceiling Heights Extension Builders Bristol Must Abide By
The law ruling minimum ceiling heights has since been abolished. You can now make your rooms whatever height you please. But there are practical minimum heights; 2.1 metres is the lowest you should really consider.
Insurance
Your current home insurance will no longer be valid if you extend your home. This means that not only will you need to renew your policy when your extension is finished. It also means that you will need separate site insurance while the work is being carried out. This type of insurance will cover public liability as well as damages to your own property and that of any adjoining properties. Insurance is vital. You need to budget for it and take out the best policy available.
Building Regulations
Here at Bristol Builders Network we can provide you with all the information you require on the regulations surrounding your extension. We can put you in touch with extension builders Bristol residents are happy with and who have a good reputation, and we will ensure that they too are legally abiding. Building requirements cover areas such as damp proofing, fire safety and structural integrity.
Getting to Work on your Extension
The good news is that once you have received the planning permission and you have the go ahead from everyone concerned, including your neighbours, you are good to go in 48 hours. Always wait for your building notice before you start. This can be the most frustrating part of the project. However, working without a building notice can land you in deep trouble further down the line.
There are different rules for extending your property depending on whether you are adding a loft, a basement, or extending outwards. There is a completely different set of rules and regulation if you live in a period property or if you have trees on your land. You will need to seek permission to chop down trees, and this is one reason you may not have thought about why many dozens of extension plans are turned down in the UK!
Don’t let these regulations put you off planning your extension in Bristol today. We can advise you on what you need to know as well as finding the best builders for the job. We aim to please. That’s our job!