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Outbuildings

Outbuildings

Build your own space

If you have room on your property, then a standalone structure could be the most practical approach to adding space to your property. 

With the renewed popularity of working from home, you might be looking for an office space away from the rest of the house. Perhaps you’re after a private gym or covered exercise area, an annex for entertaining guests, or it could be that you’re simply after additional storage space. 

If you have the room, then a standalone structure on your property can open the door to these and many other ventures.

Things to Consider

Separate but together

As with additions to the exterior of your house, your outbuilding should be designed so as to complement the overall look and feel of your home. If your new structure doesn’t fit with the overall development, it could detract from the appeal and resale value of your home.

Occasional or regular use?

Know what purpose you want the outbuilding to serve as this defines the cost and time taken for construction. Does it need an independent plumbing system for example? Does it need its own heating and ventilation? There are many considerations when it comes to ensuring the building is comfortable all-year-round.

Will you need planning permission?

Building a free-standing structure on your property may be possible without planning permission and regulatory approval, subject to certain conditions.

For example, less than half the area of land around the original house is allowed to be covered by additions. These must be single storey with eaves no higher than 2.5 metres and an overall roof height of three metres, or four metres with a dual-pitched roof.

Designs must fall within two metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the home, and outbuildings may not be built on land beyond a wall forming the principal elevation.

Consider the materials carefully

Think about the materials you’d like to use for your outbuilding. A traditional wooden structure will require greater care and maintenance than others built using steel or plastics, and less likely to retain its original appearance for as long.

Top Tips

Separate but together

As with additions to the exterior of your house, your outbuilding should be designed so as to complement the overall look and feel of your home. If your new structure doesn’t fit with the overall development, it could detract from the appeal and resale value of your home.

Occasional or regular use?

Know what purpose you want the outbuilding to serve as this defines the cost and time taken for construction. Does it need an independent plumbing system for example? Does it need its own heating and ventilation? There are many considerations when it comes to ensuring the building is comfortable all-year-round.

Will you need planning permission?

Building a free-standing structure on your property may be possible without planning permission and regulatory approval, subject to certain conditions.

For example, less than half the area of land around the original house is allowed to be covered by additions. These must be single storey with eaves no higher than 2.5 metres and an overall roof height of three metres, or four metres with a dual-pitched roof.

Designs must fall within two metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the home, and outbuildings may not be built on land beyond a wall forming the principal elevation.

Consider the materials carefully

Think about the materials you’d like to use for your outbuilding. A traditional wooden structure will require greater care and maintenance than others built using steel or plastics, and less likely to retain its original appearance for as long.

Industry pro tips

Consider the land around your outbuilding

Factor in a budget for landscaping when planning your outbuilding. Your plans may not fit with your current outdoor property configuration, but it can be a great time to consider a little landscaping or garden redesign.

A natural solution for the WFH movement

Outbuildings have become very popular since working from home became the norm for a large proportion of the UK’s workforce. Away from the hubbub of your main living area, they offer a sanctuary of quiet solitude to help your focus.  

Find a use that best complements your lifestyle

There are many designs and some planning restrictions associated with outbuildings. Consider the one that best matches your lifestyle, be it gym, office, golf simulator, or more simply, storage.

Real spaces we've designed
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Contact us to tell us more about your dream home and how we can make it a reality.

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Divine Designs Logo in white
DIVINE DESIGN CONSULTANTS LTD
49 Queens Crescent, Marshalswick,
St Albans, Hertfordshire
AL4 9QQ
Company number 10533945
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