Are you considering a home extension or changes to your existing building? If so, you need to read this!

If you are considering a home extension, we have some good and some bad news. The bad news is that new - and significant - building regulations came into force in June 2022 that you must comply with.

On the positive side, the good news is that the regulations are designed to reduce carbon emissions - meaning a lower carbon footprint and reduced energy costs for you.

Even better news is that Avanti Builders in Wiltshire have you covered. Anyone interested in home extensions or garage and loft conversions will be fully supported by Avanti in terms of understanding what the new regulations mean to you and making sure your new building work complies with the regulations. This includes support for multi-floor house extensions.

If you are considering changes to your home, whether that’s an extension or making the most out of existing space such as a loft extension, get in touch with Avanti Builders today and we will be happy to support you.

Here’s an overview of what the new regulations mean to you, including some top tips:

Tips for home extensions

Depending on the type of work, the new regulation requires that you cut carbon emissions by 27-30% compared to previous standards, This can be done in a number of ways and new work is subject to an audit to ensure this target has been achieved.

Although the regulations are significant, they are actually just a “stop-gap” until the launch of the Future Homes and Buildings Standards introduction which won’t be until 2025.

As a homeowner, you will need to be aware of the impact on any work that is done to your home, so working closely with your building company is important.

Here are some tips to consider when having a home extension:

  • Insulation: Insulating the walls and roof on a home extension can reduce carbon emissions as well as cut your fuel bills by hundreds of pounds each year.
    Retaining heat is a great way to stop your central heating from working overtime during the winter months and insulation should be part of your new home extension or garage conversion.

  • Renewable energy: Solar panels are a great way to reduce how much you pay your utility supplier, and modern solar power systems are becoming cheaper and more efficient.
    You can also harness more power from the sun by having a battery pack installed so that unused solar power during peak times can be used to light your home and power your TV  during the evenings when the sun has gone down.

  • Room design and windows: The design and layout of your home extension can have an impact on how it retains heat, as well as how easily the room heats up - and letting in natural light is a perfect way to provide warmth, as well as reduce lighting costs during the day. For loft conversions, roof lanterns or skylights are a great way to let in natural light.
    Another important element of design is lighting. Open spaces require less lighting and if you combine this with smart, energy-efficiency lighting then costs and CO2 emissions can be reduced further.

  • Smart controls: There are various smart controls that you can use in home extensions and garage conversions to reduce emissions. This includes controllers that turn off the lighting or heating when you leave.

Need help with your home extension or garage conversion? 

In this article, we have given a few tips and ideas for improving efficiency in your new home extension, garage or loft conversion and these tips also apply to multi-floor house extensions.

If you would like more ideas and support, make sure to contact Avanti. We would be happy to have an initial chat with you to see how we can help. Call or email our professional builders in Wiltshire today.