How do I obtain a house extension?
Do I need planning permission for my house extension?
What is a Certificate of Compliance and do I need one for my house extension?
If I want to improve the thermal performance and insulation value of my house extension, what are the options?
If I want to renovate some of the existing house as well as the new house extension, will Shomera do this?
How much disruption will the work on my house extension cause?
If I am dealing with a reputable company are all house extensions pretty much the same?
What kind of house extension will add the most value to my home?
How long will my house extension project take?
A lot of house extension projects seem to run over budget and schedule. How do I budget to ensure that my extension project doesn't exceed the initial figure?
In deciding to do a house extension, what are there any implications on the sale of my house in the future?
How do I obtain a house extension?
Please spend some time browsing our site to help create the image of your home extension in your mind. Then please contact Shomera on the number above and we will take you through the entire home extension process from initial design and concept to final completion.
Do I need planning permission for my house extension?
It depends on the type, style and size of the proposed house extension. Each homeowner is entitled to exempted development of 40m2 of extended living space connected to the existing house as long as it is to the rear of the building. There are other conditions and more details in our "Knowledge Centre" section.
There is a separate allowance under exempted development for studios of up to 25 m2 (read more in our Knowledge Centre).
What is a Certificate of Compliance and do I need one for my house extension?
Legislation requires that your house extension is built in compliance with the Building Regulation Act. If a dwelling or extension is in compliance, then a Certificate of Compliance may be issued by a qualified professional who has Professional Indemnity Insurance.
This certificate can only be issued by a qualified professional, usually an architect, engineer or chartered surveyor who, in most cases, carry out inspections of the construction drawings and of the building itself the certificate of compliance is issued.
A house extension done through Shomera is constructed to be in compliance of the current Building Regulations and automatically includes the Certificate of Compliance in the project price (read more in our Knowledge Centre).
If I want to improve the thermal performance and insulation value of my house extension, what are the options?
As standard, all Shomera extensions are built with good thermal performance and airtightness ensuring a good insulation value (in excess of Building Regulations). As we construct all buildings in our own factory, we can offer a number of options to improve the insulation value of the floors, walls and roof of your house extension. We also offer options on triple glazing on windows, doors and roof-lights.
If I want to renovate some of the existing house as well as the new house extension, will Shomera do this?
Yes, we will undertake renovation work on the existing house to ensure a seamless integration of the existing living space with the new house extension.
How much disruption will the work on my house extension cause?
This depends on the scope of the house extension project and the renovation work being undertaken on the existing house. Because Shomera-Built involves a significant amount of the work being completed off-site in our factory, the time on-site is significantly reduced compared to more conservative building methods.A straight-forward single room extension will take 2-3 weeks with little noticeable disruption to your home life. Where major structural work is being undertaken and the kitchen is being re-located then the disruption can be significant.
If I am dealing with a reputable company are all house extensions pretty much the same?
No, just like in most products, e.g. cars and sound systems, there can be substantial differences in appearance, quality, materials, etc. At Shomera we use high quality materials, craftsmanship and a commitment to enhancing the visual appearance of our buildings. We are not the cheapest but believe we offer excellent value and efficiency.
What kind of house extension will add the most value to my home?
First, a house extension that is properly built. This will be verified by certification guarantees and warranties. Once the building has a Certificate of Compliance then the square meterage of the house increases and the value will increase. The design and aesthetic of the extension will be important in the valuation and sale of the house.
How long will my house extension project take?
A house extension will take from 2-3 weeks upwards depending on scope and complexity. Lead-in time has seasonal variations but is usually 6-8 weeks.
A lot of house extension projects seem to run over budget and schedule. How do I budget to ensure that my extension project doesn't exceed the initial figure?
Budget and schedule are critical issues. In some quarters there has been a culture of trying to get more money off the client by saying some items are extras. Our pricing policy is to have an all-in price from the start. More than 95% of our projects come within budget. Some run over because of amendments and additions chosen by the client during the project and a very small percentage run into unforeseen items (usually to do with ground conditions or the condition of the existing house).
Comprehensive drawings and quotations reduce the risk of running over-budget. It is also important to exercise restraint on finishes when the budget is tight.
In deciding to do a house extension, what are there any implications on the sale of my house in the future?
Once you have a Certificate of Compliance with Building Regulations and a good design then the extension will be viewed as being an intergral part of the house and will be a benefit in the sale of the house. The additional value the extension brings will be subject to a number of specific issues such as its use, size, and aesthetic to name a few.