How Do I Get an Extension on My House?
If you’re asking “how do I get an extension on my house?”, you’re already asking the right question. Most problems with extensions don’t come from bad intentions they come from starting in the wrong place.
Homeowners often speak to a builder too early, underestimate costs, or misunderstand planning and building regulations. A successful extension starts with clarity, not construction.
Understand Your House Before Designing Anything
Before thinking about layouts or costs, you need to understand what your existing house can physically support. This usually starts with a measured survey and an initial feasibility review.
This stage helps identify:
Structural limitations
Planning constraints
Realistic extension sizes
Budget alignment
Skipping this step is one of the most common reasons projects stall later.
Not every extension requires planning permission, but many do — especially in London, where local planning policies vary widely between boroughs.
Key planning considerations include:
Permitted development limits
Neighbour impact and overlooking
Conservation areas and design policies
Previous planning history
Understanding planning early avoids redesigns, refusals and wasted fees.
Building Regulations: The Part People Underestimate
Even if planning permission isn’t required, building regulations are almost always required. These protect you legally and financially and ensure the extension is safe and insurable.
Building regulations cover:
Structural safety and foundations
Fire escape and separation
Insulation and energy performance
Ventilation, drainage and access
Technical drawings are produced specifically to safeguard this stage.
Why Starting With Design Protects Your Budget
One of the biggest misconceptions is that design is an “extra cost”. In reality, good design protects your money.
Proper design:
Prevents over-engineering
Reduces builder guesswork
Avoids mid-build changes
Creates accurate construction pricing
This is especially important when coordinating extensions with existing buildings.
More Questions?
Do you want to Learn more?
https://www.nova-habitat.co.uk/do-i-need-building-regulations-approval-extension-loft-conversion
https://www.nova-habitat.co.uk/do-i-need-an-architect-before-i-speak-to-a-builder
https://www.nova-habitat.co.uk/what-is-a-party-wall-agreement-and-do-i-need-one
FAQs
Do I need planning permission for an extension or loft conversion?
It depends on your property and the type of work. We assess this early and handle the planning process if required.
Do you cover London and areas outside London?
Yes. We’re London-based but work across the UK on extensions, loft conversions and new build projects.
Can you deal with building regulations and approvals?
Yes. We prepare building regulation drawings and coordinate the approval process as part of our service.
Could a Loft Conversion Be a Better Option?
Sometimes the best extension is not an extension at all. A loft conversion can deliver additional bedrooms without extending outward.
Key checks include:
Head height and roof structure
Staircase positioning
Fire safety compliance
Structural strengthening
A feasibility review quickly confirms whether this is viable.
What If I’m Considering a New Build or Major Works?
If your project involves extensive demolition or replacement, it may become a new build or major redevelopment.
These projects require:
Early feasibility and cost testing
Full planning strategy
Detailed technical coordination
Clear construction sequencing
Mistakes at this stage are expensive professional guidance is essential.
How the Process Typically Works (End-to-End)
Nova Habitat helps homeowners by:
A well run extension project usually follows this order:
Survey & feasibility
Design & layout development
Planning application (if required)
Building regulations approval
Construction coordination
Following the correct order reduces stress, delays and cost overruns.
Do I Need an Architect or Architectural Designer?
You don’t legally need an architect, but you do need someone who understands planning, building regulations and construction together not in isolation.
An architectural designer coordinates:
Layout and spatial design
Planning submissions
Building regulation drawings
Consultant input (engineers, surveyors)
This end-to-end oversight reduces risk significantly.