ESSENTIAL EXTENSION CHECKLIST
Adding space to your home? Read our expert guide to help take you smoothly through the process
In many ways the most important elements of an extension project happen before a brick is laid. Ignoring these key tasks will risk the viability of the whole build – or even risk it being torn down once you’ve finished. First, clarify your situation regarding planning permission. Many extension projects don’t need formal planning approval as they can be categorised as permitted development. But if you ever come to sell the house, a buyer’s conveyancer will want to be sure of this. so ask your local planning authority (lpa) for a certificate of lawful Development or, more easily, apply for prior approval for the project. contact them to clarify – don’t bury your head in the sand.
If the extension is significant enough to need planning permission, and this is granted, it will likely come complete with several conditions attached. It is critical that you address these conditions and get them formally discharged – in writing – by the lpa before commencement. these conditions might include approval over certain materials, or a landscaping scheme, for instance. Ignoring them means you are invalidating your planning approval – so deal with them before starting.
likewise, you will also need to arrange building control inspections of the project. this can be done through your local authority or a private approved Inspector. they’ll want to see construction drawings and to visit the site at critical moments before issuing a final completion certificate once work is finished. this is an important document that will be asked for if you sell. Your builder will usually arrange building control compliance, but make sure they do. It can be applied for retrospectively but it is an expensive and laborious task.
Be clear with your home insurance provider about the upcoming work. call them to discuss the changes you’re making and whether you will need to arrange specialist extension insurance, which can be purchased online – try Homebuilding & renovating’s extension Insurance.