The first five questions to ask architects for residential extensions

It may be surprising that the very first thing we talk to new clients about is more abstract than absolute.

It’s crucial to stand back from your current house, its existing design, layout and current limitations, to visualise what the dream result could be.

A digestible way to do this is to break down the changes you would like the residential extension to accommodate in your home into three different sections, or lists.

The first list will comprise of your non-negotiable factors.

These are the key features that form the reasoning behind the extension, such as creating a bigger bedroom or a large open-plan living space downstairs.

Most people choose to have an extension in order to create more space, to accommodate their changing needs or to add value to their property.

In the current financial climate, people are finding that building an extension can also be more cost-effective than moving.

Whatever the non-negotiables are for your family, they will have one thing in common. Without these factors happening there would be no sense in executing the project.

Then the second list comes into play.

These are the features we would like to see created if possible, such as an en-suite bathroom or perhaps more cupboard storage. But it’s not a disaster if they aren’t all ticked off the list.

Finally, we will look at the third section.

These are the final flourishes we would love in a dream world, such as a balcony or having the space to install double sinks in the bathroom.

If they can be part of our design – fantastic news. If not, it’s not a dealbreaker.

The world of planning regulations is a complex one.

And yes, any extension architect will tell you these regulations are changing frequently.

Extensions to homes which are built within permitted development rights do not need planning permission.

However in many cases, a larger scale residential extension will need planning permission from the local authority to proceed.

Securing planning permission can be a tricky process which can take some time, but we will take you through it every step of the way,

There are other planning regulations for us to consider too.

For example, there are around 10,000 Conservation Areas, which exist to protect the special and historic interest of an area, in the UK.

In these areas, extra planning controls and considerations apply. And that’s before we begin to consider listed buildings

So while we love to discuss the creative side of architecture, it’s also important to ask us about the planning regulations which may apply.

‘Will it be finished for Christmas?’

This is the most common question people ask us as residential architects.

The answer depends, naturally, on the scale of the project and when the actual building work itself can get underway.

But making an initial approach to a residential architect in September for an extension and expecting completion three months later is unrealistic.

In most cases, expect an extension project to take around nine to 12 months as a ballpark figure.

Speaking to us directly will provide a more tailored, accurate, timeframe for your needs.