If you require additional living space and have available room at the front of your home, consider adding a front house extension to create a more functional living space.
Benefit from expert advice and a no obligation architects desktop review of your property
Front house extensions, often designed as porches, enhance the appearance of your home by adding depth and character while also providing protection from the elements.
Considering a front extension but unsure where to begin? You’re in the right place. At Brophy Riaz, we are experts in house extensions. We cover everything from planning permission and design options to building regulations and costs – covering Birmingham and the West Midlands.
If you’re ready to move forward with your front extension, call us and get a free quote from Brophy Riaz and Partners today. Front extension plan services range between £995.00 + VAT to £2000.00 + VAT (assumed single storey).
For more information about house extension planning and design, visit our blog page, or pick up the phone – we’re always ready to help.
Like any construction project, your front extension must meet certain requirements to be considered compliant. These regulations are designed to ensure the structure is safe for occupancy and does not negatively impact the environment. Key regulations include:
Planning permission is only necessary for front extensions if your project exceeds permitted development rights. In such cases, you must submit your planning application for approval by the local planning authority. This process usually takes around 12 weeks, including the time needed to prepare your application.
Regulations for house extensions and planning permissions tend to be more stringent in conservation areas. If you plan to add a front extension in a conservation area, you may need to submit a full planning application for approval.
Learn more about BRP’s planning permission services.
Compliance with building regulations is essential for all construction projects, including front extensions. These rules govern aspects such as ventilation, fire safety, structural integrity, and heating. The primary purpose of these regulations is to guarantee that the building remains safe for both its occupants and the surrounding environment.
Learn more about BRP’s building regulation services.
Under permitted development rights, you can extend the front of your home without needing full planning permission, as long as you adhere to specific guidelines. A front extension qualifies under permitted development if:
Learn more about BRP’s permitted development services.
At Brophy Riaz & Partners, we will advise you of your duties under the CDM Regulations 2015 & Building Safety Act, to ensure you are aware of your duties and how best to manage your risk, should you be minded to appoint us to undertake this element of work. Please get in touch with us to discuss your enquiry.
A Chartered Architect focuses on creating designs that are both functional and visually appealing, carefully considering your needs and delivering a solution that meets your expectations. They ensure that your plans comply with building regulations and statutory requirements, offering guidance on potential challenges, such as shared public sewers, to help avoid costly delays. With an architect, you gain expert support in navigating the approval process, managing contractors if necessary, and designing a space that is perfectly suited to your requirements, ultimately saving both time and money in the long term.
Our award-winning architects will discuss your aims, objectives, goals, budget, and preferences. We will carry out a no obligation architects review of your property, where will examine your property from the building envelope, provide some design advice, discuss the feasibility of your / our proposal, determine the best course of action and which applications may be necessary together with a fee quotation for our services. The telephone consultation will take between 20 to 30 minutes.
If you decide to proceed with our quotation provided, we will issue you with a fee acceptance form for your review and completion. On receipt of your fee acceptance form, we will commence work.
Once appointed, we will visit your property to assess the space, existing structures and carry out a detailed measured survey.
We create the initial drawings, explore design options and then refine the plan after collaboration with you, ensuring that you are happy with everything. This is carried out at a meeting with one of our team at a constraints and opportunities meeting, which supports the client in making key decisions about their home and proposed extensions and alterations.
We will assist with determining whether your project falls under permitted development or requires planning permission. We will then prepare and submit the details of your application to the local planning authority for approval. Typically the approval of this process takes 8 weeks in addition to the 4 weeks of design time required by our team. If it is unclear whether your property benefits from permitted development rights, we will advise the submission of a Certificate of Lawful Development application, we would be able to provide you with a steer at the initial consultation if this is required.
During the technical design phase, we develop more detailed drawings with details of structural and specifications. We may coordinate with specialists, such as structural engineers or carry out simple structural calculations in-house, simplifying the process and possibly saving time and costs to the client, to ensure all aspects are accounted for. These technical plans are then submitted for Building Control or an approved inspector for plan checking and approval to confirm compliance with legal standards prior to commencing work on site.
At this point, if needed and Brophy Riaz & Partners are appointed to do so, tender documents to facilitate competitive bidding and help you select a contractor based on their expertise, reputation, and tender returns.
We certify contractor interim payments, this is often following a monthly valuation, of works completed on site, or could be stage payments agreed between client and contractor, to certify that the milestone has been reached and the agreed stage payment due.
Upon completion, a final inspection is conducted to ensure all work meets the required standards and tender information. Once approved, completion certificates are obtained from building control, and you can enjoy moving into your newly extended home.
A front extension can enhance your home’s value, but it’s essential to check the ceiling price of properties in your area to ensure you’re making a worthwhile investment.
Unsure about your budget? Call our experts.
Front extensions are generally easier to install compared to other types of home extensions. Since the work typically doesn’t interfere with essential areas like the kitchen or bathroom, you won’t need to relocate or deal with major disruptions. Plus, staying in your home allows you to oversee every stage of the project.
If you need extra room, a front extension is a cost-effective alternative to moving, giving you the space you need without the hassle of relocating.
A front extension not only provides additional room but also offers the flexibility to personalise and design the space to suit your needs.
Need some inspiration for your house extension idea? Check out our previous house extension projects that we’ve previously worked on.
Single story kitchen, dining and living room extension to create the heart of the house, with alterations to the garden.
A Grade II Listed Building which involved a contemporary extension, top lit with a vaulted ceiling.
The project involved the extension which increased the building from a 3 bedroom dwelling to a 5 bedroom dwelling.
brp Architects RIBA registered architectural practice has been established for over 28 years. Through our designs, we strive to find the perfect balance between comfort, practicality, and high quality architectural design.
