Home extensions are the best solution if your house lacks space, which 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? Several factors must be considered, 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
Understanding the purpose behind your desire to extend your home is critical before initiating any construction. Whether you aim to create extra space for a growing family or add value to your property before a sale, clear objectives will effectively guide the planning process and design choices.
For families looking to expand their living areas, a new extension can provide the much-needed room, enhancing comfort and functionality without the need to relocate. On the other hand, if increasing property value is the goal, it’s vital to consider the final cost and the potential return on investment. Spending wisely to ensure that the enhancements appeal to future buyers without exceeding budget constraints is crucial.
Consulting with a building designer can help tailor the extension to meet your needs while maintaining aesthetic and structural integrity. This professional can also navigate the complexities of planning approval, ensuring that the new structures comply with local regulations. The choice of building materials also significantly affects the project’s appearance and cost-effectiveness, impacting the extension’s overall success.
2. Budget
Home extensions are a significant financial commitment, and setting a clear upper limit on your budget is essential. Structural changes and demolition are integral parts of any extension project, bringing substantial costs for materials and labour. It is important to communicate your budget to your architect from the outset. This allows the professional to offer pertinent advice and steer the project in the right direction, modifying designs to align with the financial constraints.
Be mindful of the additional costs, such as G.S.T., which applies to materials, building control fees, and labour. Understanding these tax rates is crucial for planning your budget effectively. Managing your expectations and maintaining a flexible budget can help accommodate unforeseen expenses, such as unexpected repair costs, ensuring your project remains on track.
Incorporating project management practices can significantly aid in overseeing the construction process, ensuring all factors are considered, and the project adheres to the planned budget and timeline. Opting for an architect or contractor with a proven track record of high-quality workmanship and positive feedback from past clients can further guarantee that your home renovation meets your expectations in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. A contingency fund is also a wise strategy to cover any unexpected costs during the renovation.
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 2 to 4 weeks. Then, you pick an architect and sketch out the entire project. This can take around five weeks.
Once that is done, the builder submits the design plan to local authorities for approval, which usually takes six weeks. After that, you can tender the project and mobilise contractors, which takes four to eight 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 know the time and budget, another critical consideration is making provisions for supplying certain utilities to the new space, such as 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
When planning a home extension project, it is crucial to view the entire scope of the work. Allocate a dedicated budget for necessary repairs to the existing structure to ensure everything remains cohesive. Whether a ground-floor extension or a more substantial build, the new addition should seamlessly integrate with the original architecture, maintaining the property’s aesthetic and functional continuity.
If the project involves adding a new kitchen that opens up to a patio or garden, consider enhancing these areas, too. Upgrading the connecting outdoor spaces not only improves functionality but also boosts the overall appeal of your home.
Engaging a structural engineer early in the planning process can provide valuable insights into the feasibility and safety of your proposed extensions. Additionally, it’s wise to consult with your local council to understand any regulations or restrictions that might affect your plans. This proactive approach ensures that the entire enhancement, from the house extension to the landscaping, is well-executed and compliant with local standards.
That’s Our Guide On Home Extensions
This guide has ended. We hope you have enough clarity to 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!