The National Home Improvement Show, in association with Real Homes magazine, takes place this weekend at Earls Court. It is one of the UK’s largest events for people looking to add space and value to their home, it will provide visitors with resources to access advice and support through its exhibitors, live expert forums and practical how-to sessions.

As well as presenting in-depth advice on all aspects of home improvement during the live seminar programme, the exhibition’s TV home improvement experts including George Clarke, Michael Holmes, Julia Kendell and Matt James will be on-hand throughout the show to answer questions.

An extension is a great way to add space and value to your home;, George Clarke, presenter of Build a New Life and Channel 4’s The Home Show provides his advice on creating a wow factor extension in the following article.

UNDERSTAND THE PLANNING LAWS
I can’t stress how important it is to research planning regulations. The moment you do not comply to laws is the moment you’re in danger of having to take down your extension.

Although not all extensions will require planning consent, there are no hard and fast rules and so, to avoid preventable problems, I do advise you to double check before going ahead with building work. Do bear in mind, even in instances where planning permission is not required, all structural work will still need building regulation approval.

As a general rule, you need permission if:

  • Your proposed extension means new building will cover more than half the land around the house as it was when first built.
  • Your extension will be higher than the highest part of the roof on the original house.
  • Your extension will be more than four metres in height and come within two metres of the property boundary.
  • The conversion work will increase the volume of your house by more than 10 per cent or 50 cubic metres (terraced house), or more than 15 per cent or 70 cubic metres (any other kind of house).
  • Your house is a listed building or stands in a conservation area.

HIRE AN ARCHITECT
The benefit of using an architect is you will have real expertise behind your project. An architect will bring foresight and experience to guide you through the entire design and construction process, using creativity to present clever space solutions which you may not have considered.

MAKE IT FIT WITH THE HOUSE
An integral part of creating a wow factor extension is to ensure the new building keeps in line with the existing home. For example, using the same, similar or complementary materials will ensure the extension works with the existing property, rather than sticking out like a white elephant.

THINK ABOUT ALIGNMENT AND SCALE
It is essential to think carefully about alignment and scale. For instance, make sure windows and doors on the old property line up with those on the extension and equally, be sure the extension is in proportion to the rest of the house and plot.

BE CREATIVE WITH LIGHT
Effective lighting can transform a space, creating a clean and spacious impression. Natural light is the best source for brightening up a room and so, while you have the chance, make sure your plan includes as much natural light as possible.

If you are going for a modern look, one option will be to use large windows spanning the width of the wall. Another minimalist option is to build a glass roof over part, or all of the extension, combined with glazed doors overlooking the garden.

Even when extending a period property, you can still incorporate natural light into your design, what is important is you consider your extension materials and design so they blend or contrast the original property with effect.

THE EFFECT OF A ROOF
You can make the most of your extension by going for a pitched roof. Although flat roofs are often chosen because they are cheaper, a pitched roof will make the room within feel more spacious and airy. Additionally, pitched roofs to extensions at the front of a house create a finished and polished looking property.

THE LAYOUT AT DESIGN STAGE
The number of people who undertake an extension but do not consider electrics, size and furniture layout is astonishing.

You need to plan well ahead with your electrics because plug sockets and wiring need to be installed before building gets underway. It is for this reason you should have a thorough plan of exactly where each appliance will go prior to work commencing. It is also vital to consider exactly what the room will be used for and which furniture will go where before you undertake the extension.

For more information visit www.improveyourhomeshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 581 0802.