First-Floor Extension Drawing Ideas by McTernan Design

Side Extension Plans in Solihull & the West Midlands

Planning Drawings for Home Extensions

McTernan Design offers exceptional first-floor and side extension designs, tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences. Our comprehensive services include detailed planning and building regulation drawings that comply with all Local Authority standards, helping you maximise space and add value to your home in Solihull, Birmingham, Warwickshire, Coventry, Walsall, Wolverhampton, and surrounding areas.

Design and planning considerations for Solihull projects involving solar pipes, rooflight windows, Velux installations, and ensuite extensions, with guidance on planning permission and building regulations compliance.

This 3D visualization showcases a first-floor bedroom extension over an existing garage in Solihull by McTernan Design, featuring a unique roof design with a sun pipe and Velux window for natural light.

Benefits of First-Floor and Side Extensions

A first-floor or side extension from McTernan Design can significantly enhance your home’s functionality, visual appeal, and market value. Whether you need extra bedrooms, a modern bathroom, or a home office, our extensions offer the ideal solution for expanding your living space without compromising outdoor areas.

Increased Living Space: A first-floor extension provides additional rooms, ideal for growing families needing extra bedrooms or a new bathroom. A side extension can create an open-plan kitchen, dining area, or additional living room, optimising your home's layout and flow.
Enhanced Market Value: Adding extra space through a side or first-floor extension can significantly increase your property’s market value. Homes with spacious, modern layouts are highly sought after in competitive markets like Solihull and the West Midlands.
Improved Aesthetics and Integration: Our custom design process ensures that your extension seamlessly integrates with your home’s existing architecture, enhancing both its appearance and practicality. We work closely with you to create designs that complement your property’s style while meeting your needs.
Flexible Use of Space: First-floor and side extensions are perfect for creating multifunctional spaces such as home offices, playrooms, or additional guest rooms. This adaptability allows your home to evolve with your lifestyle, accommodating changing needs over time.
Remote Working Solutions: With the rise of remote working, a first-floor extension can provide a dedicated office space away from the main living areas, offering a quiet and productive environment.

Single-storey extension guide

Two-storey extension guide

McTernan Design Homepage

Barn conversion guide

Garage conversion guide

Planning Permission for Side and First-Floor Extensions

Planning permission requirements can vary depending on your property's location, design, and existing constraints. McTernan Design offers personalised guidance on planning permission specific to Solihull, Birmingham, and the wider West Midlands.

Do I Need Planning Permission to Build Above My Garage? Generally, building a first-floor extension above a garage requires planning permission, especially if it impacts the external appearance or footprint of your home. We handle the planning process for you, ensuring that all designs meet Local Authority criteria and maximise the potential of your property.
Permitted Development Rights: Many side extensions can be carried out under Permitted Development Rights, especially if they meet specific size and design criteria. However, obtaining a Lawful Development Certificate is recommended to confirm compliance and avoid potential issues during future property sales.
Designated Areas: If your home is in a Conservation Area, Green Belt, or is a listed property, additional planning considerations will apply. Our team navigates these complexities, creating designs that respect local planning policies while delivering your vision.

Architectural drawings for a two-storey side extension in Solihull, including an extension over the garage to add a bedroom. The plans address planning permission requirements for building over an existing garage.

Browse Our Portfolio of First-Floor and Side Extensions

Explore our portfolio of high-quality first-floor and side extensions, complete with interactive 3D models and detailed case studies. Get inspired by our previous projects that showcase innovative design solutions, exceptional craftsmanship, and seamless integration with existing structures.

Why Choose McTernan Design for Your Home Extension in Solihull and the West Midlands?

As local experts, McTernan Design provides a personalised service with deep insights into the architectural styles and planning requirements of Solihull, Birmingham, and the West Midlands. Our collaborative approach ensures that each project is tailored to your specific needs, with an emphasis on quality, compliance, and client satisfaction.

Ready to add value and space to your home? Schedule your free consultation with McTernan Design today to start planning your first-floor or side extension. Let us guide you through every step of the process, from initial concept to final approval, with professional advice and support tailored to your unique project.

First floor extension Frequently Asked Questions

- When planning a first floor extension, cost is a primary consideration. Many homeowners search for terms like "price for first floor extension". The cost of a first floor extension can vary widely based on factors such as size, materials, location, site access for machinery, ground conditions, the amount of glazing, and design complexity.
  Average Price for First Floor Extension
  The average price for a single storey extension typically ranges from £1,800 to £2,400 per square metre plus VAT. The lower build cost per m² assumes modest finishes, fittings, electrics, and lighting, such as simple painted walls, carpeted floors, or possibly engineered oak. While the price per square metre is a helpful guideline to understand potential costs, it is no longer commonly used by builders. Instead, builders now itemise the various construction components bespoke to your project.
  First Floor Extension Price Per m²
  The first floor extension price per m² helps homeowners budget and allows Principal Designers to manage expectations. Principal contractors can offer an estimate using the building cost per square metre calculation. However, until they have detailed plans, they are unlikely to provide a fixed price quote. In 2024, building contractors rarely provide quotes based solely on the price per square metre.
Hiring a structural engineer is usually necessary to provide calculations for the building regulations application. For larger projects, applying for a Full Plans Application is beneficial as it ensures your design is approved before construction begins. Failing to inform the local authority at each construction stage may result in reopening work for inspection or alterations if it does not meet the regulation
Standard home insurance and your builder's public liability cover might not suffice. Specific extension insurance should cover your existing home, the new work, materials, equipment hire, and liability to others. Update your home and contents insurance after completing the extension.
Planning restrictions dictate the height and window placement to protect privacy. Consider alternative natural light sources like high-level windows or roof light windows. A Party Wall Agreement might be necessary if the extension affects shared structures or requires digging near neighbours' foundations.