Home extensions are the best way out if the lack of space in your house is a problem for your growing family!
It spruces up your property and makes it more functional and valuable. So, if you have an outdoor space, there’s no better way to utilise it.
But how does one go about it? Well, there are several factors that you must keep in mind, like space, budget, time and how you will design the new space. To make things easier for you, we’ve researched and compiled this guide on things you should consider when doing home extensions.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Things To Consider When Doing Home Extensions
1. Purpose
Why do you want to extend your home? This is an important question; you must be clear about the project’s purpose before beginning with it.
For instance, some people extend their houses to increase their living space to accommodate a growing family. Here, a modest budget and a few alterations can completely transform your property and make it more attractive and comfortable.
Some others intend to sell their property in the future and extend it to increase its value and get a good deal out of it. However, spending only what you can recoup post-sale is always advisable.
2. Budget
Let’s face it: home extensions are a costly affair. What you need to decide is the upper limit of your budget. Remember, structural modifications and demolition are a part of any extension project, and they require material and labour costs, for starters. So, decide on a budget and convey the same to your architect.
This will allow the professional to make relevant suggestions and guide you in the right direction. They’ll also alter your initial design to fit into the budget.
We want to warn you that extensions are liable to GST, and the tax is applied to materials, building control fees and labour costs. So, inquire about the tax rates and plan a budget accordingly.
Long story short, keep your expectations realistic and your budget reasonably flexible. Also, keep a contingency budget aside to meet unexpected repair costs that might crop up.
3. Time
The home extension timeline can vary depending on the type of extension you choose. Usually, it can range from six to fifteen months. However, a basic idea of the project’s time frame can significantly help. So, here’s a quick overview.
Preparation involves listing your requirements, surveying the area and choosing a financing option. This takes anywhere between 2 and 4 weeks. Then, you pick an architect and layout the entire project with sketches. This can take around five weeks.
Once that is done, the builder will submit the design plan to local authorities for approval. This usually takes six weeks, after which you can tender the project and mobilise contractors. This takes around 4 to 8 weeks.
Finally, the construction begins, and the time depends on the type of extension, weather conditions, etc. However, your architect will be able to give you a rough idea of the time frame.
4. Services
Once you have an idea of the time and budget, another critical consideration exists. You must also make provisions for supplying certain utilities to the new space, like electricity, water, ventilation, etc.
For instance, if you use the extension as a kitchen, adequate drainage, plumbing, cooking and electricity lines must be made. Similarly, if the extended area has two floors or multiple rooms, you must add a new electric and plumbing system.
Ask the builder about the additional costs and carefully plan how to position your appliances.
5. Neighbouring Properties
When building the extension close to the neighbouring properties, notify the neighbours in advance, per the Party Wall Act. Your property shouldn’t overlook or overshadow theirs, or else they might raise valid objections.
Thus, ensure that your extension doesn’t compromise your neighbours’ privacy or block the light to their house.
We recommend reaching out to them in advance, conveying the plan correctly and politely asking them to remove any trees or fences that might hinder the building process.
6. Style
Now, we come to the fun part! After dealing with all the technical and legal aspects of the extension, it’s time to design the interior.
Make sure that the new area perfectly complements the existing spaces of your house and doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. Choose the flooring material, types of windows and doors, furniture and other decor items. Create uniformity between your house and the extension.
Style the new space so that the overall appearance of your property looks consistent and aesthetically appealing, and pick a colour scheme that flows with the rest of the house.
Some people choose to design the new structure in complete contrast with the original one. This is a great idea, as long as it blends well.
7. Look At The Entire Project
It’s essential to look at the project in its entirety. If your original house needs repair, set aside a specific budget. As mentioned earlier, the extension should look like a part of the property, so ensure the entire project looks well laid out.
For instance, if you’re building a new kitchen that leads to the patio or garden, you might want to improve the appearance of that area. This makes sure that the overall space looks impressive.
That’s Our Guide On Home Extensions
With that, we come to the end of this guide. We hope you have enough clarity and can proceed with the extension project.
Remember to choose a reputed architect who matches your requirements and offers suggestions that make your new space look splendid. Also, be clear about your expectations and budget to avoid future disputes.
Now, we’ll take our leave, but here’s a tip. Make your new project more sustainable to save money in the long run. Explore options with your builder’s help and opt for greener choices like solar panels, upgraded appliances, etc.
Do contact us if you have any queries in the comments below. Until next time, take care!