How to Get Started with House Extensions in Essex? A Handy Checklist
Are you looking to start a house extension project in Essex? It can be tricky even to know where to begin.
Fortunately, we have provided a useful checklist to help you out. Remember, you don't have to go through this alone. To make sure your project goes without a hitch, architect services in Chelmsford and Essex can give you all the regulatory support and planning services you need.
Make Certain What You Want from Your House Extension
There are many different types of house extensions suitable for Essex properties. Perhaps you need to extend just the lower storey of your property. Maybe you want to extend two storeys or extend an upper storey over an existing structure. Decide on this before you begin.
Set Your Budget
The southeast is the most expensive part of the UK for house extensions. Average costs range from around £56,000 plus VAT [or internal link to recent blog] for a small extension to £140,000 plus VAT for a large extension. Different material and labour options mean this cost can be quite a lot. Set your budget before you begin your project.
Find Out if You Need Planning Permission
When you're adding a house extension in Essex, you will usually need planning permission. If you're unsure, you could contact the local Chelmsford or Essex planning authority, or you can gain advice from a reliable team of architects.
Take Steps to Achieve Planning Permission
If you do need planning permission, you'll need to take steps to ensure this permission is granted. Your expert architects can help you achieve this in Chelmsford and across Essex.
Gain Insight into Your Property
A site inspection will let you know just how much work there is to do. You'll find out whether or not the soil is toxic and needs remediation, and you'll learn whether there are public drains and other infrastructure beneath the surface. This is crucial if you want to comply with building regulations, and your team of architects can help you accomplish this.
Plan Access to Your Project
How will builders access your property? How will they be able to get to the upper floor or other harder-to-reach places? Will you need to inform your neighbours about potential disruption at certain times? These are all questions to consider as you plan your house extension project in Essex.
Ensure Party Wall Act Compliance
If your extension work will interfere with a wall that is shared between you and a neighbour, you'll need to make sure you're compliant with the Party Wall Act. This is another service that architects can help with in Chelmsford and Essex.
Calculate Insurance
You'll need to protect your extension project with sufficient insurance. There are lots of providers out there, each offering their own type of coverage. Spend some time getting quotes so you can find the best fit for your project.
Draft and Submit Plans
Before your project can begin, you'll need detailed plans and drawings. These will form the basis of the work to be done, and will also be pivotal in achieving the all-clear from the local planning authority.
Working with Architects in Chelmsford and Essex
While this might seem like a lot to consider, your expert architects can help you with many aspects of this checklist in Chelmsford and across Essex. Here at Humphreys & Sons, we provide detailed house extension plans to clients here in Essex. We also offer other services, such as regulatory and party wall consultation, and document submission.
Reach out to the team today and get a quote for your project.
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