Amstelveen and the outer districts of Amsterdam have many post-war terraced houses. They are often easy to renovate: a rear extension, a dormer or extra storey and a new layout add a lot of space. We design the extension and take technical matters, rules and neighbours into account from the start.
Extension, dormer or extra storey that fits the row
More space downstairs, an extra bedroom upstairs and a more comfortable home.
01 / Extension
Rear extension
An extension across the width of the home makes the living room or kitchen larger. The connection to the facade and to the neighbours shapes the design.
02 / Dormer
Dormer on the attic
A dormer adds headroom and daylight. More is often possible at the rear than on the street side.
03 / Extra storey
Extra storey or raised roof
An extra storey yields the most space, but requires a permit and a check of the structure and foundation.
04 / Layout
Open-plan kitchen and new layout
Removing an interior wall creates an open-plan kitchen. Whether that wall is load-bearing determines which structure is needed.
05 / Attic
Attic as a bedroom
A fixed staircase, insulation, daylight and ventilation turn the attic into a proper living space.
06 / Comfort
Making the home more sustainable during the renovation
An extension or extra storey is a good moment to also insulate the roof, floor and facade and improve ventilation.
Building in a row
Taking the row and the neighbours into account
A terraced house shares walls, roofline and appearance with its neighbours. A good design takes that into account from the start.
Points to watch
Party walls: connections, sound and fire separation between the homes
Boundary: an extension up to the boundary affects the neighbours; good consultation prevents objections
Streetscape: dormers and extra storeys at the front are often subject to stricter rules
Building together: a joint extension or extra storey with the neighbours can simplify preparation and construction
Rules
Permit-free or a permit?
Many extensions to terraced houses start with the question whether a permit is needed.
Have it checked first
Some extensions in the rear yard and dormers at the rear can be permit-free, within the limits of the Buildings Decree (Bbl) and the zoning plan. An extra storey or a dormer at the front usually does need a permit.
Even without a permit, the structure and fire safety must be right. Permits and advice
The chosen option is developed, with a structural justification where needed. Structural calculations
Permit and construction
Where needed we prepare the application and help you obtain comparable quotations. Finding a contractor
Terraced house FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renovating a terraced house
How deep may an extension to my terraced house be?
That depends on the zoning plan and on the permit-free rules in the Buildings Decree (Bbl). Have the dimensions checked beforehand, especially if you want to build up to the boundary.
Do I need my neighbours' consent?
Not always formally, but an extension or extra storey almost always affects the neighbours. Talking early prevents objections and makes agreements about the building work easier.
Can I remove a wall in my terraced house?
Interior walls in terraced houses are not always load-bearing. If a wall is load-bearing, a structural calculation is needed for the new beam or portal frame.
Is an extra storey on a terraced house possible?
Sometimes. The zoning plan, design review, the capacity of the existing structure and the foundation decide whether it is possible. A sketch helps to discuss it with the municipality beforehand.
Can we renovate together with the neighbours?
Yes. When several homes in the row want the same extension or extra storey, one design with shared drawings can simplify preparation and construction.
