We have clients at the moment who are looking to add a third storey to their city-centre terraced home. They have completely outgrown it and now with three children they are desperate to find more space. But because of the size of their small city garden, extending out is not an option. The only way to gain the additional room they need is to expand upwards.
They ran the idea past the planners and were turned down because the planners did not wish “to set a precedent in the area”. But the area in question is a built-up urban neighbourhood with a mix of terraced houses and flats. It is a very desirable place to live but because the properties have limited external space young families with children are crying out for more room. So shouldn’t this kind of development be something planners support?
The main concern for planners is that the buildings in the area will get too high and in certain locations this is a very valid concern. However, in an urban environment such as the one our clients live, where their house is surrounded by a mix of two- and three-storey houses as well as a four-storey block of flats, the precedent already exists.
The cost of moving to something larger in the same area for this family would be enormous, so it makes much more financial sense for them to stay where they are. Many families need more space but find the cost of relocating is too high.
A substantial family home in a good central location comes with a hefty price tag, on top of which you must pay estate agency fees for the sale of your property; solicitors’ fees and search fees; stamp duty on the property you are buying; removals costs; survey fees; plus perhaps the cost of refurbishing and decorating.
One of the advantages of extending upwards is that it won’t impact on your garden, which means it is ideal for those with small outdoor areas. Do bear in mind, though, that some of the ground-floor area will have to be sacrificed to create access to your new storey. Typically you will lose about the footprint of a small bedroom to make room for your new staircase and the circulation space around it.
When deciding whether to add another level, the first consideration is whether the existing structure is strong enough to hold another storey. A structural engineer will be able to advise and additional structure may be required before you start.
Expensive
Bear in mind too that this isn’t the most cost effective way of creating more space in your home. Adding another storey is more expensive than extending by the same area on the ground floor because of the structural implications of building on top of your existing walls as well and the need for extra scaffolding.
With housing for young families in good locations in short supply, planners should work with homeowners to develop the homes they have so they can stay where they are. If done correctly this would not only improve the housing stock in these areas but would mean the neighbourhoods will remain diversely populated, encouraging businesses and facilities to open and thrive also.
