4 things to consider before adding an extension to the front of your house
Adding a front extension to your home is like expanding your happy space. Beyond the increased usable space, you'll also gain the opportunity to transform your home by extending it to fit your existing space.
However, adding a front extension isn't something you can just do on the spot. There are many factors you need to know before adding a front extension. Today, we'll explore four key considerations to ensure you have a beautiful, legal, functional front yard that doesn't disturb your neighbors.
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What is a front extension?
The first thing you should know before starting a front extension is to understand what constitutes a front extension. This will require you to consider whether your planned front extension is legal and whether you need permission from anyone.
A front extension is an addition, alteration, or construction on the front yard, such as paving the front yard, building a garage, or adding a roof. Each type of front extension may require a permit under the law. Therefore, before adding a front extension, it's important to have a clear plan of what kind of front extension you want. To prepare for a satisfactory and legal front extension,
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How to legally extend your front extension
An important and unforeseen aspect of any front extension is to check the law. If you choose to extend your front extension but it's illegal, you may have to dismantle it, wasting your money and time later.
The Subcommittee of the Engineering Institute of Thailand under Royal Patronage has compiled a list of essential legal information for building extensions and alterations in a book titled "How to Extend Without Problems." The following details require government permission:
Increasing the floor area of any floor by 5 square meters or more.
Replacing or extending the roof to cover more space.
Increasing, reducing, or replacing columns, beams, stairs, and walls.
The building must also have the following setbacks from the property line:
For townhouses and attached buildings, a 2-meter wide back area must be left for a fire escape.
Walls with doors and windows no higher than 9 meters must be at least 2 meters from the property boundary. Walls higher than 9 meters must be at least 3 meters away. Walls without openings must be at least 0.5 meters away from the property boundary, unless consent is obtained from the adjacent landowner.
General additions usually require a building permit. This must be notified to local officials and the plans must be signed by a licensed architect or engineer.
However, the government may allow this if there are no problems with neighboring houses. Even if the neighbors have received permission, if the addition causes problems affecting the neighbors, such as vibrating piles, digging causing the house to settle, or causing noise or dust disturbances, a lawsuit may be filed to stop the addition.
Therefore, it's best to thoroughly investigate and discuss with neighbors before adding a front extension.
Importantly, remember that adding a front extension without permission or adding an extension contrary to the submitted plans can be punished with imprisonment of up to 3 months, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both.
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What Kind of Front Yard Extensions Are Available?
Want to add an extension to your front yard but don't have any ideas? We've got you covered. Let's take a look at some of the options available for your front yard.
Adding a Carport to Your Front Yard
This is a popular front yard extension for many families. The advantage of a carport extension is that it allows you to add a roof to protect your car from heat and rain, while also providing shade for other activities.
When adding a carport to your front yard, it's important to consider whether the ground is suitable. For example, if it's a dirt floor, you may need to pour concrete first to prepare the area and drive steel posts to support the carport roof according to the specified design.
Adding Paving to Your Front Yard
Some homes simply want a clean, tidy front yard. This can be done by considering the available space and choosing the appropriate flooring and materials, such as standard concrete, patterned paving, washed gravel, or tile, depending on the aesthetics and intended use of the space.
Adding a Garden to Your Front Yard
Some homes want a relaxing and stress-relieving space, so they might choose to add a lawn and concrete path, or dig a fountain. Or, a small plant shed is another beautiful option. It also adds a sense of freshness and naturalness to the home.
Adding an Additional Room to the Front of the House
Adding a room to the front of the house may require more planning than other types of additions. This is because it involves adding new walls, adding windows, and considering how it connects to the house, such as creating a separate glass room.
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How to Add a Front of the House to Comply with Construction Principles?
Besides complying with the law and aesthetically pleasing appearances, the addition also requires proper construction principles. We don't want our newly added front to become a frustrating mess. Therefore, before any addition, you should:
Consult an architect or engineer regarding any home addition. Whether demolishing or building, adding or reducing the usable space, consult with experts to avoid mistakes.
Check the existing area before adding a new front of the house. This includes the soil conditions, whether the area is adequate for the addition, and whether piles will cause the house to sink.
Always prioritize safety over aesthetics.
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Article source: DD Property: https://bit.ly/48weFKJ
