In recent weeks, the UK government’s temporary rules regarding single-storey extensions became permanent – allowing homeowners to develop their property without dealing with a tirade of red tape or lengthy planning permission. The revised rules enable “families to grow without being forced to move” and makes the process of achieving your dream home quicker and easier. In terms of heating though, extending your home usually means extending your plumbing in order to install central heating radiators. Unless of course, there’s an equally quick and easy electric heating solution…

Can you extend your house without planning permission?

Since 2013, the government has been trialling revised rules for building single-storey extensions that don’t require planning permission. Feared and respected in equal measure, planning permission is notoriously bureaucratic – often scuppering homeowners’ plans before they even begin. The revised rules, which have since become permanent, allow you to build a single storey extension at the rear of your property up to:

• 6m for terraced or semi-detached homes
• 8m for detached homes

All you need to do is notify your local council before you intend to start work and council officials will inform your neighbours on your behalf. If anyone objects, it’s up to the council to decide if your proposed plans “harm the character or enjoyment of the area.”

According to housing minister Kit Malthouse, the revised rules “help families extend their properties without battling through time-consuming red tape” and the initiative contributes to the government’s “drive to deliver 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s.” Whatever the incentive, achieving your dream open-plan kitchen or opening up your living room has been made much simpler.

Heating an extension

Planning permission aside, extending your property is no mean feat! There’s a myriad of building regulations to adhere to, decisions that need making, and contractors that need consulting. Unlike conservatories, which have their own rules and regulations regarding heating, extensions can be incorporated into an existing heating system, if you so wish. While this may seem like the most obvious answer, choosing to extend a central heating system has several drawbacks:

1. Installing plumbing is invasive and may damage your décor
2. A certified plumber will need to carry out the work, which might inflate your budget
3. Adding new wet radiators into your heating system might impact your water pressure and overwork your boiler, which could result in cold rooms and costly maintenance

To avoid these pitfalls and get your extension built, furnished, and warm in no time, it might be best to opt for an electric radiator: one that simply hangs on the wall and plugs into the nearest socket, without the faff of digging up floorboards or paying for a plumber…

The benefits of electric heating

Electric radiators offer an independent heating solution that can be fitted in a matter of minutes, without any professional assistance, on-going maintenance, or disruptive installation. In comparison to conventional central heating, electric radiators offer:

1. Simple DIY installation: simply drill a few holes, mount them on the wall, and plug into the nearest socket
2. A range of styles and designs that match a multitude of interiors
3. The option of WiFi or Bluetooth smart control
4. Precision heating that’s hyper-accurate to avoid inflated electricity bills
5. Energy-efficient warmth that’s kinder to the environment

Choosing an electric radiator makes the whole process quick and easy, without the need to forward plan the position of your heating or work around the limitations of plumbing. Simply add in an electric radiator in much the same way you’d add the finishing touches to any room, and you’re good to go!

We stock electric radiators in all shapes, sizes, styles, and designs – so you can match your heating to your décor with ease. Whether you’re in need of a designer electric radiator or something with a traditional flavour, our range has it all. Contractors, tradesmen, or property developers can even sign up for a trade account with us to enjoy a wealth of benefits and discounts that makes it even easier to get the job done.

Electric Radiators Direct are at the forefront of electric heating within the UK, providing the very latest in cutting-edge technology and innovative design. A leading light in the industry, they source only the most trusted brands, offering a select range for both domestic and retail markets. With an emphasis on efficiency and quality, Electric Radiators Direct brings ground-breaking new heating systems to a wider consumer base. To learn more, please visit: www.electricradiatorsdirect.co.uk.