Planning a home extension can sometimes feel like learning a new language. Architects, builders, structural engineers and Building Control all use terms that you may never have come across before – from parapets and monopitch roofs to DPCs and SAP calculations.
So, if you’re thinking about extending or renovating your home, here’s our ‘Home Extension Jargon Buster’, explaining some of the terms you’re likely to hear along the way.
Roofs & Extensions
Hipped roof – A roof that slopes down on all sides.
Gable – The triangular end of a pitched roof.
Dual pitch roof – A roof with two slopes, usually meeting at a ridge.
Monopitch roof – A roof with a single slope.
Dormer – A projection from a roof, usually containing a window.
Flat roof – A nearly level roof. Despite the name, it will still have a slight fall to allow rainwater to drain.
Parapet – A wall that continues above the edge of a roof.
Ridge – The highest line of a pitched roof, where the roof slopes meet.
Eaves – The lower edge of a roof.
Lantern – A raised glazed structure within a roof, designed to bring natural light into the space below.
Roof window / rooflight – A window installed within the plane of a roof.
Green roof – A roof incorporating planting.
Brise soleil – External solar shading designed to help control sunlight entering a building.
Reading Architectural Drawings
You don’t need to be an architect to understand your drawings. Three of the most common terms are:
Plan – A view of the building from above.
Elevation – A view of the outside of the building.
Section – A cut-through drawing showing what is happening inside the building and its construction.
Construction & Services
Soil vent pipe (SVP) – A pipe that vents the foul drainage system.
Soakaway – Underground rainwater drainage.
Radon – A naturally occurring gas that can come from the ground.
DPC (Damp-Proof Course) – A barrier incorporated into the construction to help prevent moisture travelling through the building.
Trickle vents – Small vents incorporated into windows to provide background ventilation.
Escape windows – Windows designed to provide an emergency means of escape.
Stairs
Kitewinder – A tapered stair.
Riser – The vertical height of a stair step.
Going – The depth of the stair tread.
Planning, Permissions & Building Regulations
This is an area where homeowners often encounter unfamiliar terminology.
Planning Permission – Permission from your local council for certain types of development.
Permitted Development (PD) – Certain works can be carried out without making a Planning Permission application, subject to the relevant rules. Our magazine recommends obtaining a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) where work is being carried out under PD.
Conservation Area – An area with special architectural or historic interest. Permitted Development rights can be more restricted in these areas.
Party Wall – A shared wall or boundary where your proposed work may require formal notice to your neighbour.
Building Regulations (Building Regs) – Standards concerned with the safety and construction of buildings.
SAP calculations – An energy assessment used in connection with a building’s energy performance.
Who’s Who on Your Home Extension?
You may also find yourself working with several different professionals as your project progresses:
Architect – A professional registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Planning consultant – A specialist in planning matters.
Quantity surveyor – Helps estimate and manage construction costs.
Structural engineer – Designs structural elements such as beams and other structural components.
Principal Designer – Manages design-stage duties under CDM.
Builder / Principal Contractor – Often the same company on a domestic extension; responsible for constructing the project and managing site safety.
Building Inspector – Checks compliance with Building Regulations.
Interior Designer – Advises on elements such as furniture, finishes, lighting, colours and décor.
Still confused by home extension jargon?
You don’t need to understand every technical term before starting an extension – that’s what your project team is there for.
At Pride Road Architects, we aim to make the process as straightforward as possible, explaining what you need, why you need it and what happens next. From those first ideas through Planning Permission and Building Regulations, we can help you navigate the process and create a home that works for the way you actually live.
Thinking about extending your home? Book a free online consultation with one of our architects and tell us what you’re hoping to achieve.
