DIY Builds
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How close can my Neighbour build to my fence?

As a rule of thumb, a build that reaches 7.2 feet is considered acceptable and anything over that we do recommend speaking to your neighbour.

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How do I prepare my ground for a shed?

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How long will cinder block last?

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Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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There are many factors to consider prior to building an extension on your property and before you start any building work these must be checked. An extension to your home is normally classed as ‘Permitted Development’ and fall under various categories.

Conditions to Build an Extension Under Permitted Development

You cannot have more than half of your land on the property to have additional buildings. That the new extension goes higher than the highest part of your roof or structure. The maximum height allowed for a single story extension is of no more than four meters. If you are building a structure of more than one story you cannot pass three meters beyond the original rear wall of the property. Single story extensions to the side of your property to be no more than four meters in height and no wider than half the original size of the property. For those building a double extension on their property, you cannot go closer than seven meters to the boundary. Any pitch on the roof that is higher than one story must match the existing pitch on the property.

Under permitted development you cannot add balconies, raised platforms or verandas.

How Close to my Boundary can I Build an Extension?

If you are planning on building an extension of more than one story you cannot go beyond the boundary at the rear by more than 3 meters. This only applies when there is no other property on the land to the rear of your your home. The side boundaries can be built up to but you may need to factor in other considerations. You cannot breach the boundary in plan and in what we call elevation, this factors in the 45-degree rule that most planning officers use. With this, they take the closest window to your build on your neighbour’s property and if it breaches the ‘imaginary line’ then planning permission can be denied. As part of your planning process, your neighbour can submit a householder planning application which voices their concerns. As with any build, it is always worth speaking with your neighbours especially when boundaries are involved. Let them see the plans, talk to them about heights from your build and if anything is of concern it can be rectified prior to any build which will speed up the whole process. As a rule of thumb, a build that reaches 7.2 feet is considered acceptable and anything over that we do recommend speaking to your neighbour.

Get in Touch

Our team at Extension Architecture can help you through this process and answer any questions you may have. You can call us on and offer a range of services and can provide you with a free quote.

What materials can be used to build a shed?
What materials can be used to build a shed?

Sheet goods. The principal sheet goods for use in a shed are plywood and OSB. Other materials such as chipboard, MDF and gypsum may also be used...

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Are steel homes cheaper to build?
Are steel homes cheaper to build?

However, for your metal home, you will usually have straight walls joined by an arched roof, which allows you to make the most of the clear...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?

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How tall is a shed allowed to be?

An outbuilding can not be constructed on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation. Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof.

Permitted Development For Outbuildings

New rules regarding whether or not you can extend or add to your home without having to apply for planning permission for an outbuilding came into force on 1 October 2008. The New limits and conditions for what is allowed without the need for planning permission apply largely to the dimensions of the proposed addition, its position in relation to the house and its proximity to the boundaries of the property. Under the new regulations constructing an outbuilding that is not within designated land is considered permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, providing it meets the following limits and conditions: An outbuilding can not be constructed on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation. Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof. Maximum height of 2.5 metres in the case of a building, enclosure or container within two metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the dwellinghouse.No verandas, balconies or raised platforms. No more than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings. In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the maximum area to be covered by buildings, enclosures, containers and pools more than 20 metres from house to be limited to 10 square metres. On designated land buildings, enclosures, containers and pools at the side of properties will require planning permission.

Within the curtilage of listed buildings any outbuilding will require planning permission.

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Which is cheaper cement or asphalt?

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