In Bristol house extensions are becoming as fashionable as in London. Whereas in London people opt to extend upwards or underground, in the city of Bristol many people are extending their homes outwards. With difficulties in the house market still having a profound effect on people’s decisions to buy and sell, extending your existing home is becoming a viable alternative. In order to extend your home you must have permitted development rights. Once you have this clarified, the question is just how far can you legally extend your property.
Bristol House Extensions : Knowing the Legalities
If you are planning a house extension it is always advisable to call in the experts. BBN can source the best house builders in the city for you, who know the legalities surrounding extending your home. If you live in a detached home, you can extend from the original rear wall up to 8m in depth. This is for a single storey extension. You must also check to see if your neighbours need to be consulted. Extensions that block natural light to your adjoining homes can be objected to, and rightly so.
If your home is semi-detached or terraced your extension must not be more than 6m in depth. If your extension will come within 2m of a boundary, then the height of the eaves must be less than 3m. Otherwise, the maximum permitted height for the eaves is 4 metres.
Bristol House Extensions : Two Storey Extensions
If you wish to build a two storey extension, it can be no higher than your original built. It can only be a maximum of 3m from your original rear wall, and it must be at least 7m from your rear boundary. Extensions cannot be added to the front of your home. Side extensions cannot make up more than half the width of your home.
Asides the building of conservatories, extensions must be built using similar materials to that of your home. The roof must be of the same pitch, and the general appearance must be in keeping with your original build.
Good news is that permitted development rights are now separate from other rights such as loft conversions. What this means is that you can convert your loft and add an extension to your home with no problems. You can add a loft extension of up to 50 square metres in a detached home or 40 metres in a terraced or semi-detached property. Roof lights are now also permitted, as long as they are flush and do not project more than 150mm. If you wish to add a dormer, then you will need to apply for extra planning permission.
When considering all the Bristol house extensions possibilities for your home you must remember that you can cover no more than 50% of your land with extensions. This includes previous extensions such as outbuildings that may have been present when you bought your home. When calculating the space you can use for extensions it is always best to bring in the specialists. Bristol Builders Network are here to help.