If your home starting to feel a little bit crowded? Perhaps you have recently had children, and the house is getting smaller. Maybe you are now working from home and feel like you need more space. Either way, you might wish to add more living space to your house in order to feel comfortable. This can save you from having to move if you are settled and love where you live.
The first thing that might have popped into your head is getting an extension. This is one of the most obvious ways to add more living space to your home. But, the big problem is planning permission. It can take months to get approved, and some elements of your plan may be rejected. The good news is that there are things you can do to expand your home without planning permission. Let’s take a look at the options.
Add an Outbuilding
Consider adding an outbuilding if you have a large garden or outdoor space you do not use. We are referring to something like a log cabin or summer house. You can check out 1st Choice Leisure Buildings to see some of the popular designs you can have installed in your garden. There are plenty of sizes, designs and types of outdoor buildings that can be useful for increasing your living space and in an economical way.
Typically, you will find that outbuildings do not need any planning permission, and they can add some additional living space to your home as long as they are separate and not joined. For example, some people like having a garden room as an office when working from home. Alternatively, a summer house can be a relaxing place to retreat during the day and away from the loudness of your main home.
Converting the Garage
If you have a garage attached to your house, this is the perfect place to renovate. Most garages are no longer big enough for a modern vehicle. So, you can turn it into a room in your home instead. It will already have a joining door and you can easily build a false wall in front of the garage door. It can be anything from a playroom to an office space. You can decide what you will make this space into and who will use it.
Note that if you have a detached garage, this might require planning permission. Thus, it will be necessary to contact your local council and check before any building work begins. It may be the case where you need to state how you are changing the use of the space. In addition, if the garage was built after the house was originally built, this could need permission too.
Creating a Decking Area
If you have a large garden, you might just have a lawn taking up most of the space. But, this is land that you can use for relaxation and dining. You can do this in an affordable way by creating a decking area. Many people take on this DIY project and do great jobs in their gardens. What’s more, the wood is affordable to buy online, or you can use pallets to get you started.
Most decking areas do not require planning permission. But, you do have to watch the height of the decking. Local councils sometimes state that it cannot be over a certain height. So, this is definitely something you want to find out about before you get started. This will avoid conflict with neighbours.
Adding an Awning
Do you like to spend time outside? During warmer weather, it can be pleasant to grab a chair and sit on the patio. But, when the sunshine is out all day, it can get too warm. This makes you retreat inside. If only there were a way to create shade to sit outside longer. Well, you can add an awning over your patio. This will create the shade you need, allowing you to stay cool and still enjoy the outdoors.
There are many awnings that you can buy. For example, a retractable one is a good design for the UK. It means that you can bring the canopy out during the summer when you want to spend time outside. Then, during the winter, you can retract the awning and protect it from bad weather. This will increase the life of the awning and keep it in good condition.
Going for a Loft Conversion
Another option you have is to convert your loft space. Often, this is used as storage, but it is underutilised in homes. Therefore, this is a great way to add another bedroom or office space to your house. It will also have the effect of increasing the value of your property.
Generally, you will find that a loft conversion does not need planning permission. But, some councils do have restrictions on the size and where windows should go. Therefore, getting some advice on this one is advised just so you can start converting the loft with peace of mind.
Creating a Porch
If you like to spend a lot of time outdoors, you can consider creating a porch. This way, you can set up comfortable chairs or have a dining table to enjoy meals alfresco. Generally, you will find that you can create a porch for your home without seeking planning permission. But, there are likely to be restrictions to ensure that this is the case. for example, there might be a limitation on the height and the ground area size. What’s more, restrictions can be on how close it is to a boundary or public road.
Creating a porch can be quite economical. This is particularly true if you are good at DIY. You can purchase quality materials relatively cheaply online. But, the key is to follow the local council rules and ensure you are installing a porch safely. There will be companies that can do this for you too.
