Rules And Regulations Regarding Home Extensions

This beautiful English summer has caused a wave of excitement amongst local householders and seen a huge rise in the number of enquiries received for our extravagant home extensions. Conservatories and orangeries make for superb summer settings and are outstanding places to take in the weather.

When receiving these enquiries we set-up an appointment with the customer to take them through the various steps needed to bring their chosen structure to life. This will include some discussion about Building Regulations as every conservatory and orangery constructed in this country must comply with current UK Building Regulations.

We would never proceed to build an extension without knowing that Building Regulations are satisfied first as failure to do so could have negative consequences further down the line. Any infringement of Building Regulations could potentially result in the relevant local authority forcing a householder to modify their new extension or even knock it down.

No-one wants that to happen, least of all us, and it won’t if the extension you propose building complies with these rules and regulations:

• At ground level and not exceed 30m2 floor area.
• Glazed to satisfy the requirements of Approved Document K of Schedule 1.
• Physically separated internally from the building it is attached to, for example, by a door.
• Without sanitary appliances.
• Not intended for year round habitable use.
• Used to some extent for the propagation of plants.

For definite clarity on whether your home extension meets Building Regulations you can ask your local authority for an Exempt Buildings Form. All details of your plans should be outlined on this document before you send it back to them.

They will scrutinise the plans and decide if they’re happy or not with what is proposed. Confirmation of this will be sent to you by letter. This letter should be held onto if they give you the go-ahead as you can then present it to anyone that buys your home as proof that the extension has their full consent.

Building Regulations and Planning Permission are not the same

A common mistake made is people confusing Building Regulations with Planning Permission. They’re two completely different things, as this previous blog post explains.

Rely on Orion Windows to check your new extension is good to go

We leave no stone unturned when a customer appoints us for a new conservatory or orangery installation, meaning we will ensure Building Regulations aren’t broken. Ask for a FREE quote and let’s get started.