Double storey extensions have all the benefits of a ground floor extension in Birmingham, but with additional bedrooms and bathrooms, or any desired upstairs space. Rear and side double extensions can be great for achieving more value too, garages with bedrooms over are an uplift to consider. Extending double doesn’t mean double the price either, because the additional floor will not require additional foundations and roof as they’re part of a single storey extension. If you want more space top and bottom this could be the best options for you.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR DOUBLE STOREY EXTENSIONS
Layout and access upstairs are a key issue and you need to know where you can have windows for bedrooms. Landings are not always in the best place to serve additional rooms so careful design on accessing new rooms without ruining others with corridors are required. Before we design a full assessment of the site is required, knowing where the drains/boundaries are, determining how it looks from the street and the risk of blocking your neighbours light becomes an issue. We always consider the regulations as first floors need more thought about means of escape.
DESIGN OPTIONS AND FEATURES
All of the staff at CK Architectural Birmingham are trained and experienced in getting the best out of the available shape and sizes extensions have to offer. The internal layout can be explored using some of the existing structure too, which saves you money. We avoid creating inner rooms, as they are not nice and can cause problems for building control (which we’ll look at below). Double side extensions must be set back from the front wall to look subservient. Clear glazing will generally not be permitted at first floor level within 7 meters of a boundary due to overlooking. Getting a good balance is important, as going too big on the top means you have built it on the bottom too. Double rear extensions must consider the overshadowing and loss of amenity/outlook from the neighbours if near the boundary. These are all things that need to be kept in mind.
PLANNING PERMISSION FOR DOUBLE EXTENSIONS
There is not much allowance for permitted development at first floor level for double extensions in Birmingham, and in most cases, a homeowner planning application will be required. Planners will look at the effect on the neighbours through loss of amenity, over baring and over shadowing and consider on how it impacts the street. Specifically for side extensions, it is the norm to reduce the height and set the extension back from the principle elevation. Have a look through our planning permission guide for further details. CK Architectural Birmingham will take your designs through the process quickly and efficiently giving your best chance of a success.
Before building, you will need detailed plans to submit to your local authority or private building control authority. All extensions need a building certificate from a building control, and this is gained by full plans approved and site inspections. Given the additional complexity of meeting the building regulations for a two-storey extension, it is essential that you get the plans approved prior to commencing. Our plans will include all the necessary detail such as structure, passage of sound, disabled access, drainage, resistance to moisture, collision, impact, heat loss, ventilation, light, emergency escape and much more. These drawings are useful in tying up the quotation from your appointed builder and they will be inspected against what has been approved.
BUILDING ADVICE
There are countless builders with varying skills and abilities out there, and prices and services will vary massively. If we are not involved with the build and the quotation is fully detailed, you should use the local authority and have the builder sign our approved plans. Remember though, CK Architectural also offer project management services to see through your project until completion, dealing with all contracts and tendering in the process, removing all of the hassle if you feel it to be of value.