Extensions & Conversions: Top Questions Answered

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August 19, 2021

There are plenty of reasons why you might look into getting extension or conversion work carried out on your home, but it can be a pretty big investment – and big commitment.

 

In order to weigh up whether or not an extension or conversion is right for you, there are certain things worth considering before you officially commission any work to be done.

 

Here are just a few of the top questions that people tend to ask before committing to an extension or conversion project, alongside our answers.

 

What Kind Of Conversion Should I Have?

 

The kind of conversion project that you should have carried out within your home depends on the size and layout of the property itself.

 

For those who have a garage on their property and find themselves using it as anything but a garage, a garage conversion could be a great way to utilise the space more effectively and turn into something new entirely.

 

However, if your garage is your only option for off-road parking and you’re considering selling your home at any point within the next few years, you may be best holding off from repurposing the space – a lack of off-road parking, especially where it was once available, could put off some potential buyers.

 

If you have a loft space big enough to be converted into another room – remember, you’ll need to make sure that you have the headroom for electrical wiring and a ceiling to be installed – then a loft conversion is a great way to turn a 2-bed into a 3-bed, etc. or to create a cool ‘den’ space.

 

What Planning Permission Do I Need For An Extension?

 

The type of planning permission that you’ll need for an extension varies depending on the type of structure you’re planning to have built.

 

There are wide variety of different factors that the relevant authorities consider when deciding whether or not you’ll need planning permission for your extension, with some requirements and limits varying depending on where you live, so be sure to double check with your local council before commissioning extension work.

 

Be warned, planning permission is required in a high percentage of extension requests and can take quite a while to go through completely. If you’re looking for an extension project that you can take on without needing planning permission, the majority of conservatories do not require such documents.

 

How Much Does The Average Extension Cost In The UK?

 

The average single-storey extension in the UK will set the homeowner back by around £30,000 – £40,000, with two-storey extensions costing up to £80,000. Of course, these figures vary depending on the size of the extension and the scale of the work being taken on, as well as the rates of your chosen contractors.

 

How Much Does The Average Conversion Cost In The UK?

 

The average loft conversion in the UK is estimated to cost £15,000 – £25,000, though this will vary depending on the size of the space and whether or not there are additional features being installed outside of the basics. For example, conversions featuring windows or perhaps an en-suite will likely cost more.

 

The average garage conversion in the UK is estimated to cost around £5,000 – £10,000, again varying depending on the scale of the work and the rates of the individual contractors.

 

How Can I Use An Extension Or Conversion?

 

There are a wide variety of ways that an extension or conversion can be used. Popular ways to utilise an extension or conversion include:

  • Home gym
  • Home office
  • Studio space
  • Spare bedroom
  • Utility space
  • Playroom
  • Hangout room
  • Home bar
  • Home cinema
  • ..among many other options.

 

The only real limit when deciding how to use this new space is your own creativity.

 

How Much Value Will An Extension Add To My Home?

 

According to research conducted by the building society Nationwide, a well-built extension may add up to 23% to the value of your home, with this figure varying depending on the quality of the work, size of the extension and neighbourhood that your property is located in.

 

How Much Value Will A Conversion Add To My Home?

 

According to research conducted by the building society Nationwide, a loft conversion incorporating a double bedroom and bathroom can add around 20% to the value of your home.

 

Virgin Money have previously advised that, if your property has additional off-road parking, a high-quality garage conversion may increase your home’s value by between 10% and 15%. Again, these figures vary depending on the quality of the work, size of the extension and neighbourhood that your property is located in.

 

Any More Questions? Get In Touch

 

Here at CJS Roofing, we offer a wide range of building and roofing services, which we consistently work to complete to a high standard, carefully, professionally and with all projects tailored to the individual client.

 

If you live within the Stockport or South Manchester area and are looking to create some extra space within your home, why not get in touch with us today and find out how we could help you to further unlock your the potential within your property with a top-quality conversion or extension?

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