Two storey extensions can add a lot of extra room as well as value to your property. If your property has full permitted development rights, then you will have no problem adding a two storey extension. BBN can put you in touch with your local planning department, to ensure that you do have full PD and that you don’t need to apply for additional planning permission. Permitted development rights are very powerful, and a very useful tool to have when planning a house extension.
Two Storey Extensions : Size Restrictions
When planning your extension, you may have grand designs in mind. You do need to remember though that there are limitations on the size that your extension can be. Your two storey extension cannot exceed 50% of the total area of land around your original house. This means that any other extensions already present need to be taken into consideration too. Be careful here, as the term “original house” means as it was first built, or how it was on the 1st July 1948.
When your extension is two storey, you must not extend beyond the real wall of your home by more than three metres. Once again, here we are referring to the original wall of your home. Your extension must also be at least seven metres clear of any boundary opposite the rear wall of your house. This would normally mean your back garden wall or hedge.
Roof
The eaves of your rear extension cannot be more than 3 metres, if it is within 2 of the adjoining boundary. What this means is that your extension can’t be any closer to the boundary than this. A pitched roof is generally the best choice for your two storey extension as it will blend in with your home. Flat roofs are generally used only for single storey extensions.
It is important to note that your two storey extension will need to be to the rear or side of your dwelling. This type of extension is not permitted at the front of your house, or any wall that is parallel to the highway. The best way to add an extension is to add to the rear of your home. But you should still be aware of some technical traps.
If you are building a single storey extension then it can jut out four metres behind the rear wall of your home. When you want to add two storeys, this limit goes down to three metres. You cannot however add a ground floor that is four metres in depth, with an additional floor on top with three metres. This would just be too simple!
These are just some of the considerations you will need to make. You will also have to abide by rules on windows. Depending on where you want them, they may need to be opaque. You may be able to add a little more room to your extension by adding a dorma. This is an option well worth looking into, and one that BBN and our team of builders can help you with.