Domestic Extensions

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Domestic Extensions and Conservatories

If you are considering adding an extension to your home, the sum of the area of windows, glazed doors and rooflights (called roof windows in the building regulations) in the extension, should be no more than 25% of the floor area of the extension plus the area of windows and doors that will be covered by the extension. You need to ensure your elements of structure (walls, floor, roof and glazing) are insulated to meet the minimum standards in building regulations.

If your area is over the allowance (25% + existing) then you need to consult a thermal consultant to produce a thermal design for you, but always bear in mind that your Government is tasked to reduce CO₂emissions and current regulations are designed to help achieve that.

Normally conservatories up to 30 square metres in floor area are exempt building control unless frost03 you decide now or in the future to remove any current external element between your home and the conservatory and then it becomes controllable and is classed as a habitable extension. If this is the case, you need Building Regulation approval. You may or may not need planning consent also and your local planning authority will be able to advise.

In addition there is a category of highly glazed extension (sun rooms, orangries etc) that fall between the habitable extension and conservatory that are controlled under building regulations that need thermal calculations.

We are able to provide the thermal calculations in support of your Building Regulations application. We can show compliance even if it means improving thermal efficiency elsewhere in the house and we would advise as best on the design to be able to achieve your requirements!

A free guide is available either by email or post by calling 01234 855544.

Our parent company, OnSite Building Control Ltd are Approved Inspectors and provide a viable alternative to using the local authority for your Building Regulations application and approval.