1.) Will an extension add value to my house?

If the necessary planning permission has been obtained and building regulations approved by your local authority, then an extension should increase the value of your home. If the work has been carried out professionally then it could potentially add thousands onto your home's value.

For example, research carried out by the Nationwide Building Society showed that a bedroom extension with en-suite had the ability to add up to 23% value of a property. A kitchen or bathroom extension typically added 6% to the value or more. 

It’s also worth noting that not only does an extension increase the value of your current home, it also makes living there much more comfortable and enjoyable. Sometimes it is also more cost effective to extend than to move homes.
 

2.) Do I need Planning Permission? 

The rules surrounding whether or not your home extension requires planning permission can be quite complex. At Sancoe Developments we are happy to help discuss your project and advise on what is required.

Some projects do not require planning permission if you have certain permitted development rights on your property, your extension not being more than 50% of the size of your house and the roof and eaves being lower in height than those of your existing property. The extension must be built on the rear or side of your property (not the front). Also, the materials used to build your extension should be similar to those of your existing house, however, you should always check with your Local Authority Planning Department just to be certain. 

3.) Do I still require Building Regulations under Permitted Development?

Yes. Permitted Development (PD) only covers the planning permission section of a construction project and not Buiding Control/Building Regulations. In most cases you will require a Building Regulations application, even if you are only doing a garage conversion due to changes in thermal properties. 

At Sancoe Developments we are very experienced in Building Control/Building Regulations, we always liaise with Building Control throughout the project and ensure your project always meets or exceeds the requirements. 

4.) Do I need an architect?

Whilst there is no law requiring you to appoint an Architect, Sancoe Developments would certainly recommend using one as any building work is an important investment and deserves experienced and professional attention. Furthermore, it allows the contractor to have all the details of exactly what you want, avoiding any confusion on site. 

Additionally, an architect can submit your plans for prior approval by the Local Authority Planning Department and Building Control. They can also keep you up-to-date with architectural trends and can provide ideas you’d possibly not considered before.

If this is something you would like to discuss, then Sancoe Developments can assist in getting any architectural plans or structural designs and calculations produced for your project with our partners. 

5.) What are the typical stages of a building project?

1. Pre-Construction / Site set up
   For the initial stage the site compound and location is established, where Sancoe Developments conducts a site survey prior to any works commencing to establish health and safety requirements and any enabling equipment such as scaffolding is installed.
2. Groundworks and drainage 
   Excavation of foundations. Underground drainage works are undertaken. Upon satisfactory sign off from Building Control concrete is poured. (This stage does not typically apply to loft or garage conversions unless the existing foundations or underground drainage require remedial works)
3. Superstructure, roofing and external finishes
   Building of the superstructure, roof structure, roof finishes and all windows & doors are fitted to bring the build to a watertight stage.
4. Internal works and structural alterations
   Once the build is complete and to a watertight finish, internal alterations can be undertaken. Demolition works will take place and any required steel beams or lintels will be installed opening extensions into the existing house.
   This will invoice plastering, 1st fix & 2nd fix Electrics & plumbing. All carpentry work right through to the decorated finish.
5. Snagging
   As your project approaches completion, walk throughs are done with the client and Sancoe Developments to pick up any snagging items that is to be dealt with and snagging programme is then put together for completion
    

6.) Will my build be project managed? 

Yes. Once you have accepted a quote/estimate from Sancoe Developents a Project Manager is allocated to run your project and manage all aspects of the build. 

The first step of the project is to get your quote drawn into a contract. We then build a Programme of Works, conduct pre-construction site meeting and arrange a site set up to comply with health and safety regulations. 

You will have regular meetings with the Project Manager (usually weekly or bi-weekly) which allows us to discuss the progress of the project and next steps. 

Your Project Manager will also ensure that all Building Control inspections are carried out at the correct stages and will inspect all works prior to Building Control inspections to ensure works are up-to-standard. They will also ensure you obtain your completion certificate as well as any other necessary certificates such as electric and gas safety certificates.

7.) How do you operate your payment process?

Before we commence works, there is a deposit to confirm your booking, this also pays for the initial materials for commencement. We then follow a valuation process which ensures that you do not pay for any work until each stage is completed and signed off by the Project Manager and you can see exactly what you are paying for. Final payment will only be charged upon receipt of the completion certificate from Building Control. 

Payments are usually made by BACs. 

8.)Why should we choose you?

We are a small privately run business built on extensive experience in construction. We put our clients at the heart of everything we do to provide a seamless service. 

We also pride ourselves on good quality workmanship, transparency and adding value and look to create long lasting relationships with our clients. 

**Below is a link Local Authority Building Control's guide to home improvements