Property owners throughout the UK are investing in an annexe building, and it’s easy to see why.
Of course, we may be slightly biased, but granny annexes represent a fantastic addition to properties of all shapes and sizes. They’re an investment that lasts for many years to come and unlock a huge degree of extra space, flexibility and usability.
By working with a trusted, accredited and experienced annexe building specialist, you can ensure that your new annexe is built safely, securely, and in compliance with all the required regulations.
To help you learn more about the process of annexe building, and the steps involved, we’ve shared our complete guide below. Keep reading to find out more about the regulations involved and the elements that you can include in a new annexe.
What regulations do I need to meet for an annexe building?
In the UK, building regulations apply to the majority of new buildings, and it is a legal requirement to be fully compliant with all regulations.
According to the National House Building Council, if you’re planning on building a new annexe, then you will need to meet the following UK building regulations:
- Part A – Structure – ensuring the building has a safe, secure structure.
- Part B – Fire Safety
- Part C – Site Preparation and Resistance to Contaminants and Moisture
- Part D – Toxic Substances – covering any toxic substances that will be used in construction.
- Part E – Resistance to the Passage of Sound – detailing sound insulation requirements.
- Part F – Ventilation – ensuring the building’s ventilation keeps air quality sufficiently high.
- Part G – Sanitation, Hot Water Safety, and Water Efficiency
- Part H – Drainage and Waste Disposal
- Part J – Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems
- Part K – Protection from Falling, Collision, and Impact
- Part L – Conservation of Fuel and Power
- Part M – Access to and Use of Buildings – implementing measures to make the building accessible for anyone with disabilities
- Part O – Overheating
- Part P – Electrical Safety
- Part Q – Security: Dwellings
- Part R – In-Building Physical Infrastructure
- Part S – Infrastructure for Charging Electric Vehicles
You will also need to secure planning permission, which will be granted by your Local Planning Authority (more on this below).
What is required to achieve annexe planning permission?
When building an annexe, one of the key points of regulation that you need to meet is planning permission.
Typically, this can be achieved by completing a Householder’s Planning Application. But, in some instances (if your Local Planning Authority deems your planned annexe to be a new dwelling), you would need to submit a Full Application for annexe planning permission. There’s also the Caravan Act that could be considered.
If you have any further questions about gaining planning permission or the application process, you can either read our complete guide to annexe planning permission, or speak to our team of experts.
We provide our customers with a free on-site consultation service, which includes guiding you through the ins and outs of planning permission.
What can I include in my annexe building?
When designing a new annexe, there are a number of specifications that you will need to pin down.
These will cover what you want your annexe to look like, what you want it to include, and how you intend to use it. These points will also be governed by factors like your budget, available space and timeline, among others.
To provide some ideas and help inspire your design, the specifications that you can include in your granny annexe cover:
- The size and total floor area
- The number of rooms
- The shape of the floor layout
- The finish of your annexe, and its overall design aesthetic
- The building materials that are used
- Any additional design features
- Any final features to be included in the build – such as kitchen countertops, flooring, cupboards and bathroom units
Why choose an iHus annexe?
Annexes are available to suit a wide range of different budgets and requirements.
It is critical that you find an annexe supplier that can fulfil all of your specific requirements, and offers the best-fit investment for you.
At iHus our annexes are renowned in the industry for their innovation, quality and value.
Our annexes are of exceptional quality, and we are immensely proud of our longstanding reputation for elegant, timeless design styles. Plus, we offer a range of flexible, bespoke options, and our full range of annexes comes with a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee.
What’s more, our team represents some of the most skilled and experienced in the entire industry. They work with each of our clients on a close one-to-one basis – from supporting planning permission applications to adding custom finishes – to design and build an annexe that fulfils all of their expectations.
These are the reasons why iHus is one of the leading annexe specialists in the UK.
To explore our range of annexes, you can either look through our online brochure, or visit one of our community Open Hus show homes.
Or, if you’d like to find out more about the process of annexe building, the iHus team is on hand to help.
