A veranda for extra space and light
The ideal solution to extend a lounge, create a bright room for work, leisure or a kitchen, a veranda is an easy way of adding to one’s living space, between indoors and out. An overview of the issues to be addressed…
Before going ahead with your plan, it is obligatory to present a file to the town-hall of your commune. If the veranda you want is under 20 m2, if you want to install it on an existing terrace or if it involves transforming an open area, a declaration of work will be sufficient. The town-hall has a month in which to check if the project complies with the commune’s urban planning regulations. For a veranda of 20 to 40 m2, if the zone is not subject to urban planning regulations governing construction, you will also need a building permit, though a declaration of work may also suffice. For a veranda of over 40 m2, a request for a building permit must be completed at the town-hall or your local DDE. Finally, if the project exceeds 170 m2, the services of an architect are obligatory. You will also need the advice of the Architect of Les Bâtiments de France if the site is in a protected heritage zone. Don’t forget that, since it increases the living space, the installation of a veranda will have an effect on the calculation of your “taxe d’habitation” (residence tax) and “taxe foncière” (land tax), and, like all construction, it is subject to urban planning taxation. To find the amount of these three taxes fixed locally, you also need to contact your town-hall.
How much does it cost ? The price depends on the materials chosen, the surface area, the nature of the site, the quality of the glass you want, and various other options (blinds, awnings…). On average, costs range from 800 to 2,500 € per sqm. Whether contemporary, classic or charming, for your veranda to be a success it has to melt into the scenery and blend in with the existing architecture. An architect or specialized firm will provide expert guidance. You can ask to see 3D images before making up your mind.
Whom to call ?
In wood, steel, wrought iron or aluminium, verandas must be installed by a professional. For wood, steel or wrought iron, contact a craftsman in your area or a specialist company such as Vie et Véranda, a French family-run
SME proposing finishes worthy of cabinet-makers. More expensive, they nevertheless provide a wider choice of personalization. For an aluminium veranda, specialized firms such as Verand’Art, the French leader for aluminium verandas installing over 250 customized verandas per year, guarantee personalized follow-up and irreproachable quality, as they have obtained Qualibat certification for the 10-year guarantee, and the RGE label (Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement).
www.vie-veranda.com
www.verandart.fr
