Could you benefit from extra living space in your home? What would you choose to do with an extra room? A stone extension adds character and increases the value of your property. Stone construction in Buckingham is becoming increasingly popular amongst eco-conscious homeowners. Stone is one of the most environmentally friendly and durable building materials. In this guide to stone extensions, we consider the best ways to go about planning extra living space for your home.
Goals for your stone extension
Before you begin the planning process, take some time to outline your overall goals for your stone extension. Do you need more living space for a growing family or a dedicated space for work?
The benefits of a stone extension can last you and your household for many years. They can also provide a unique architectural feature that sets your home apart from the rest on your street, increasing the value of your property. Whatever your reason for planning a stone extension, defining clear objectives at the beginning will help you to make informed choices and end up with an extension that meets all of your needs.
Design considerations
Many homeowners prefer their stone extension to blend with or complement the existing structure of their home. Start by considering the architectural style of your property and choose a design that works well with it. Sometimes, designing an extension that matches the existing building can be challenging – especially if your home has a unique style or historical features. An experienced architect can help you work around any issues and create a cohesive finished look.
Sustainable stone extensions
Stone is an excellent choice for an eco-friendly build. It’s incredibly durable and can often be sourced locally to reduce the carbon footprint of your project. Reclaimed stone from local demolition sites is another fantastic option. The environmental and fiscal costs of transporting large amounts of stone can be large. Whether you choose to source your stone from a quarry or a demolition site, we always recommend going local.
Sourcing funding for your stone extension
In an ideal world, we would all pay for our stone extension straight out of our savings – but the cost of building one means this is not possible for most people. There are several borrowing options available if needed.
An interest-free credit card can be a good option for smaller projects requiring only a few thousand pounds. Try to find one with a long zero-interest period.
For mid-sized projects, personal loans up to £25,000 are ideal. However, keep careful track of your repayments – particularly if you have borrowed from multiple sources.
For larger projects exceeding £25,000, most homeowners must remortgage or take out a secured loan. Many building societies offer Home Improvement loans worth up to £200,000.
Planning permission and building regulations
In some cases, you may not need full planning permission if your extension qualifies under Permitted Development (PD) rights. However, there are strict criteria to meet:
- For detached properties, single-storey extensions can extend up to 8m to the rear (6m for semi-detached or terraced houses) without planning permission.
- Single-storey extensions cannot exceed 4m in height.
- Two-storey extensions must not be closer than 7m to the rear boundary.
- Side extensions are limited to single-storey, with a maximum height of 4m and a width no greater than half the original building.
If your property is in a Conservation Area or a National Park, PD rights may be more restrictive, requiring formal planning permission. Additionally, from 31st August 2020, the rules for two-storey extensions have been streamlined. Under certain conditions, fast-tracked approval is now available.
It’s advisable to engage with your local planning authority early in the process and consider applying for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) to confirm your project meets all legal requirements. The cost of an LDC application is £103, which is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Hiring the right professionals
Look for contractors with experience in stone construction. They have the expertise required to handle the unique challenges associated with this building material. Check their credentials, reviews, and portfolio of past work to ensure they meet your standards.
Opting for a full design and build company can streamline the process, minimising delays and ensuring a cohesive experience from start to finish. By hiring a single company to take care of everything, you reduce time spent liaising between different contractors.
Stone construction in Buckingham with Astrum
A stone extension can be a valuable addition to your home, but it requires significant planning and investment. Don’t risk throwing all that time and money away – make sure you work with the best. With over 20 years of experience in stone construction in Buckingham and beyond, we’re confident we can bring your vision to life. Get in contact for a casual chat about your stone extension. Let us help you create a stunning and practical addition to your home, so you can enjoy the benefits without the hassle.