The Attefallshuset has become a classic feature of Swedish plots of land - which is not so difficult to understand given the favorable building regulations and the many areas of use. But how big does a attefallshus really get? be without a building permit being required? And is it allowed to build a two-storey sheltered house? We will answer these questions and more in this article.
How big can a shelter be?
There are several rules that need to be followed when building an attic house. To begin with, how big can you actually build an attic house? The maximum size for a detached house is 30 m² on a plot. The house can be placed in the immediate vicinity of the main building. If you plan to place a detached house closer to the plot line than 4.5 meters, consent from neighbors is required. The size limitation is determined according to the Swedish Planning and Building Act.
How high can an attic house be?
An attic house cannot be higher than 4 meters, measured from ground level/average ground level to the ridge of the roof.
Can you build detached houses on 2 floors?
If a plot is sloping/sutter meadow, it is possible to build a two-storey shelter house. In this case, the height of the building is measured from the roof ridge down to the average ground level. The mean ground level is defined as an imaginary line representing the mean level of twelve points evenly distributed along the building's footprint on the ground.
It is important to remember that there are different methods for calculating the average ground level. Always check the Housing Authority's website to determine which method is best suited for your plot and building.
Attefall house 40 sq m - what rules apply?
It has been said that new rules state that you can build detached houses of 40 square meters - but so far the construction cannot exceed 30 square meters. On the other hand, it is entirely possible to build both an attack house and a shed on the same property.
In order to comply with the rules, the total surface area of attefallshus and friggebodars should not exceed 45 m². You can specifically build sheds with a total area of up to 15 m² and one or more shelters with a total area of up to 30 m². These rules ensure that the buildings stay within the established limits for smaller accessory buildings on the same site.
How big a detached house can you build without planning permission?
A building permit is required for a detached house if it does not meet the requirements to be considered a "complementary dwelling". In order for an attefall house to be considered an additional dwelling and not require planning permission, the building must, among other things, have a maximum area on the plot that corresponds to 30 m² and a ceiling height that does not exceed 4 meters from ground level/average ground level.
If planning permission is needed, drawings and sketches of the attic house together with an application must be submitted to the local planning authority. This application is processed in accordance with the applicable legislation and regulations, including any local regulations and conditions for the area where you are to build a detached house.
Read also: When is a building permit needed?
To avoid a building permit when you build a detached house, you need to meet the following criteria:
● There must already be an existing residential building on the property
● The building area must not exceed 30 square meters (external dimensions)
● The building height from the ground to the ridge of the roof may not be more than 4 meters
● The attefall house in question must be located close to the property's main building
● Attefallshuset must be located at least 4.5 meters from the plot boundary. If this is not the case, written approval from neighbors is required
● Must be placed at least 30 meters from any railway
Here you can read more about yourself the building permit process and how it works.
Attefallshus must comply with the Housing Authority's building regulations
A detached house must comply with several building regulations. Among other things, Boverket's building regulations (BBR) and Boverket's construction rules (EKS). The rules for shelters vary depending on what the shelter is to be used for. For example, if it is to be used as a permanent residence, there must be necessary residential functions, including kitchen and bathroom facilities, washing machine/laundry room access and storage facilities. Accessibility also needs to be adapted for people with reduced mobility or orientation. For detached houses that are to be used as holiday homes, certain exceptions may apply from these requirements.
Common questions and answers
How many detached houses can you build?
You can build several detached houses, but all that you have built on the plot must be no more than 30 m² together.
How is the surface area of a detached house calculated?
Building area is the area that a building occupies on the ground. The area is counted as the outside facade of the building. The roof pitch must not be greater than 0.5 metres. Ridge height is always calculated from the average ground level around the building.
Can you have two sheds on the plot?
You may build several detached houses on the plot, but the total area may not exceed 30 m². According to the rules, you must not build closer than 4.5 meters from the plot line - if you do, you should have written consent from the neighbors concerned.
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