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7 things to consider before you extend

This popular article has been requested again – so we have added it to this weeks updates – 7 things to consider before you extend

So you have looked at what the housing market will give you if you move to the ideal home and realised that its surely more cost effective to take your current home and extend to get the living space needed. In most cases this is certainly worthy of consideration.

But its worth being aware of potential dangers that may lurk under the soil of your plot. Today we investigate 10 areas that you would do well to consider before the diggers come in. We hope this saves you from discovering concealed horrors before its too late.

 

1. Know you permitted development rights

If you are at this stage, you have already a clear idea of how far you want to extend. It’s worth knowing your permitted development rights and other limitations before you get carried away on designs. Contact your local council for the exact guidance, but most properties can gain between 3 or 4 meters on the back of the house. There are lots of other variants to take into account depending on land area, conservation areas etc, so do ask .

 

2. Original foundations

You may be surprised to find your existing foundations are very shallow and you wonder how your house has stood for so many years. This is usually dependent on the age of your property. So dig a shallow hole next to the outside of your house, just to make sure this isn’t going to prove a major issue.

7 things to consider before you extend

7 things to consider on an extension

 

3. Trees and shrubs

Assuming you don’t live in a conservation area then lopping and chopping nearby trees is normally a trouble free issue. It’s worth noting how close the large st trees are to the area you intend to extend to. Normally the height of a tree gives you an idea of the length of the roots.

 

4. Flooding and streams.

Is ther the potential for flooding in your area. Could their be a stream hiding under the top surface of the area you are digging? Note any areas that seem to have a high water table, as this could prove to be a major pain. Contact the Environement Agency if you have any questions on flooding in the area and they should be able to allay your fears.

 

5. Gases

All sites should be checked for potential gas threats such as Radon and Methane. Methane gas can sometimes appear from old cesspits. Unless your area was a recent landfill, then it’s unliekly to be an issue. If you have a Local Authority search, this will bring up any potential threats.

 

6. Services

If you are planning an extension, then you may need to consider moving your electricity, gas or water meters. Especially if you are extending your kitchen, the services are all an essential part of your planning. So quick location of where the services enter your property will save a lot of hassle of digging through pipes and leaks later in the process.

 

7. Subsoil

Its important that you know what is below the surface. Do you have chalk, clay, sand, gravel or peat? A geological map of your area may not provide the accuracy and detail of your property, so the only way to really discover the truth is to dig a trial pit.

 

 

posted by Zane in Guide,Property and have No Comments

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