Can I extend the front of my house?

Author: Isidro Waters  |  Last update: Monday, January 5, 2026

If you have limited space in your backyard or on each side of your home, though, you may be wondering if you can add on to the front of your home instead. The answer is absolutely, as long as you comply with the zoning laws in your area.

How far can I extend at the front of my house?

The extension must not extend beyond the front wall of the original house by more than 50% of the original house's width or 4 meters, whichever is less. It's important to note that planning regulations may be subject to change, and local authorities may have additional conditions or restrictions.

Can you change the front of your house?

Can I change the front of my house? Yes, you can. You can boost insulation, add a porch, redo your garden, re-roof, add an extension, change the front door openings, as well as sliding sash windows or period-style small casement (for period properties).

Can you extend the front of a semi-detached house?

The key rules relevant to a single storey extension for a semi-detached house include: Only half of the area of the land around the 'original house' can be covered by an extension (including sheds and outbuildings). The extension cannot be built forward of the 'principal elevation' (front building line).

Can you extend the height of your house?

A new 'permitted development' right for the upward extension of houses is being introduced from 31 August 2020 (known as Class AA - enlargement of a dwellinghouse by construction of additional storeys).

Can I Extend the Front of My House? | Front House Extension | Formed Architects and Designers UK

Can you add height to a house?

If your home is built with rafters, it is relatively easy to raise the ceiling. All you need to do is add some structural members, such as pieces of wood, higher up in the roof. These members will need to be very strong, so you will need an engineer to tell you where to place them and how big they need to be.

Can you add on to the front of your house?

If you have limited space in your backyard or on each side of your home, though, you may be wondering if you can add on to the front of your home instead. The answer is absolutely, as long as you comply with the zoning laws in your area.

Do I need planning permission for an extension?

You need to apply for planning permission to extend or add to your house in the following circumstances: Any part of the works are higher than the highest part of the roof of the existing house. The height of the eaves of the extension would be higher than the eaves of the existing house.

Is it cheaper to extend a house up or out?

However, when remodeling an existing house, building out with a one-story addition is more cost-effective than adding a second story to the existing dwelling. Remember that expanding your home's square footage by building up requires less material and labor than building out, making it the least expensive option.

How much does it cost to change the front of a house?

A home exterior remodel costs anywhere from $1,800 on the low end to upwards of $100,000. However, most homeowners will spend an average of $10,500 to remodel their home's exterior. You'll pay more if you need to remove large amounts of existing materials and start from scratch with high-end products.

Do you need planning permission to change the outside of your house?

Rendering the exterior of houses is becoming more and more popular as it can significantly improve the appearance and maintenance of a home. Similar to external wall insulation, in most cases rendering your house wouldn't require planning permission.

Who owns the property in front of your house?

The city owns the street in front of your house. You do not have the right to tell anybody that they cannot park in front of your house. The owner of a land piece by the side of a road has no occupancy or user right outside his land's boundary. Only right he has is the right of way.

What is the 45 degree rule?

One of the most crucial regulations to keep in mind is the 45-degree rule. This planning rule stipulates that any extension to the rear, front, or side of a property must be set within a 45-degree line drawn from the middle of the neighbouring windows.

Can you build an extension yourself?

You can take three main approaches to the project – a self build extension, a builder led project or a hybrid where you do some yourself and leave other areas to tradesmen.

How close to the boundary can I extend my house?

How close to your neighbour's boundary can you build your extension? You can build your extension up to 50mm from your neighbours' boundary as long as you have either Permitted Development Rights or have Planning Permission. This could be a suitable option if you aren't able to secure a Party Wall Agreement.

What is permitted development to the front of a house?

Permitted development allows you to extend the front of your house without applying for full planning permission, provided you stick to the dictated criteria. You can build a front extension under permitted development rights provided your front extension: Does not front onto the road. Is a single storey.

What is the biggest extension without planning permission?

For rear extensions
  • Single storey rear extensions can be extended as far as 4m for detached houses and 3m for other houses. This can increase to 8m and 6m, respectively, with prior approval.
  • Double storey rear extensions can go as far as 3m from the original house as long as it's more than 7m away from the rear wall.

Do I need an architect to draw plans for extension?

This is a very common dilemma for homeowners, particularly those doing modest kitchen extensions or interior alteration work on a budget. The short answer is no, not necessarily. HOWEVER, I definitely wouldn't recommend skipping the design/drawing phase of the project completely.

Do you own the spot in front of your house?

Actually, no. Since Public Roadways are just that, "public," no one has the right to reserve spaces in front of his or her house. However, while it is not illegal to park in front of someone else's house, it is certainly inconsiderate.

Can I add a porch to the front of my house?

Regulations: Because a front porch addition will change the exterior appearance of your home—and likely, your home's footprint on the lot—you might be required to obtain prior approval from your homeowners association and your municipality. Make sure your contractor has pulled the proper permits!

How much does it cost to bump out a front entryway?

The cost to add a bump-out addition averages $27,000 for most projects but ranges from $1,800 to $65,000 depending on a variety of factors. Overall, you can expect to pay between $90 and $300 per square foot for the cost of a bump-out addition.

Can I increase the height of my house?

Any enlargement, improvement, or alteration to a house must not exceed the height of the highest part of the roof of the existing house. If it does, an application for planning permission will be required.

How much does it cost to add height to a house?

Raising a roof costs homeowners an average of $50,000 but typically ranges from $15,000–$125,000.

How much height do you own on your property?

Case law in the past has used the height of 500 ft (150 m) in urban or suburban areas, and 360 ft (110 m) above the surface or tallest structure in rural areas as the demarcation of where impairment of property rights can occur.

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