FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When our customers tell us they want to use their living spaces all year, we assure them that this is possible! Each and every living space at ERG has been designed to be used throughout the year. Our solar control glazing is great at maintaining a consistent temperature. If you want to go that extra mile in achieving a year-round extension, we recommend a tiled roof.

Yes, we do. ERG is part of the Conservatory Outlet Group of companies. Our sister company, Conservatory Outlet, is one of the top manufacturers of roof products across the UK. Made in our manufacturing facility in West Yorkshire, all our roofs are UK-made, with a focus on quality craftsmanship.

As it is our sister company, we are able to regularly communicate with our manufacturer to guarantee that top quality roofs are constantly being produced for our customers.

Yes, of course! You can decide between a vast selection of shingle and slate roof tiles to complement your home. If you are looking for roof tiles to match your existing tiles, we can do our best to find an exact match. An ERG advisor will be happy to talk you through your options.

A-rated windows are the very best when it comes to energy efficiency. This guidance has been issued by the UK’s national system for rating the energy efficiency of windows. It is also recognised within the Building Regulations to show compliance for your replacement windows installation.

Some companies can throw around the term ‘energy efficient’ without it meaning anything. The ratings label is a great way for consumers to make sure they are making knowledgeable decisions about the energy efficiency of their windows, without relying on companies simply telling them what to think. The traffic-light A-E ratings guide is similar to what is used on fridges, freezers and washing machines.

Solar glazing works by preventing excessive heat from being transmitted into your room and stopping internal heat from escaping. You can choose from an assortment of tinted options for different levels of light transmission and heat retention. Talk to an ERG advisor for more details.

At ERG we make a special effort to acquire bricks that are a close match to your current property so your extension is a seamless addition to your home. Please note that we cannot guarantee that they will look identical because there could be weathering or manufacturing differences between the two sets of bricks. If you are unhappy with the closest match, for an additional cost we are able to tint your new bricks to look like the current brickwork.

The majority of extensions need approval under Building Regulations. However, there are a few extensions that don’t require this. Do not worry about the uncertainty as ERG will send an experienced surveyor to your home to advise you on the requirements. If approval is needed, ERG will speak with the relevant local authority to arrange this, ensuring there is minimal hassle for you.

An extension or addition to your house is regarded as permitted development, rather than something which requires an application for planning permission. However, certain conditions must be met, typically these are:

• The ground area covered by the extension and any other buildings within the boundary of the property, excluding the original house, is not more than half the total area of the property.
• Any part of the extension is not higher than the highest part of the roof of the existing house.
• The eaves of the extension are not higher than the eaves of the existing house.
• Any part of the extension does not extend beyond any wall facing a road if it forms the principal or side elevation of the original house.
• The eaves are no more than 3 metres in height if any part of the extension is within 2 metres of the property boundary.
• The materials used in exterior work, except in the case of a conservatory, are of similar appearance to the existing house.
• An upper floor window on a side elevation within 15 metres of a boundary with another house is obscure glazed; and is non – opening unless the parts which can be opened are more than 1.7 metres above the floor of the room in which the window is installed.
• A side extension does not exceed 4 metres in height or be wider than half the width of the original house.
• In a single storey extension
  • the extension does not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 4 metres for a detached house or 3 metres for any other type of house;
  • the height of the extension does not exceed 4 metres;
  • no part of the extension is within 3.5 metres of any property boundary with a road opposite the rear wall of the house.
• In an extension with more than one storey
  • the extension does not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 3 metres;
  • no part of the extension is within 7 metres of the property boundary opposite the rear wall of the house;
  • the roof pitch of the enlargement is as far as practicable the same as that of the original house.
• If you live in a house within a conservation area, World Heritage Site, area of outstanding natural beauty or National Park-
  • no part of the exterior of the house is clad with stone, artificial stone, pebbledash, render, timber, plastic or tiles;
  • the extension is not more than 1 storey or 4 metres in height;
  • no part of the extension extends beyond a principal or side elevation of the original house

There are many factors that need to be considered before we can give you an accurate estimate of timings. It often depends on planning requirements and how complicated the project is. You can request a copy of ‘What happens next’ for a loose guide of the timeline.

It is important for us to carry out a test dig to be certain that the local ground conditions can withstand a traditional concrete base and foundation. This must be tested before installing the living space. In the event that the ground is not found to be suitable, we will recommend alternative foundations, such as a specialist pile foundation or concrete raft.

A cavity tray stops moisture from penetrating the outer wall that will eventually start to appear on the walls of your new extension. It is a series of high level damp proof courses that bridge a wall cavity. This directs moisture to the external face of a wall where the extension roof joins the house wall.

Yes. To make life easy for you, ERG Scotland can arrange a variety of affordable and convenient easy payment finance options (subject to application & status). Applying for finance is simple and we promise you a quick decision. Everything can be sorted out with you in the comfort of your home or at your local ERG Scotland Showroom, so you can enjoy whatever you’ve set your heart on right away.

If you’re arranging your own finance, you’ll need to call us as soon as you get the go ahead. If you’re taking up one of our offers, the company will tell us both directly, so there’s no need to call as we will get in touch with you.

Finance companies can turn down people for lots of reasons, for example if you’ve moved several times over the past few years. In these circumstances, we always do our best to help and sometimes it’s worth trying another provider, especially if they know you.

Sometimes our finance company will say ‘yes’ almost immediately and on other occasions it may take them a few days. This short delay can be for any number of reasons and you should not be unduly concerned.