Many people find that extending their home just makes practical and economic sense, and there are many reasons why adding a little more space to your property could be worthwhile. For example, you could be growing your family, or you might simply need extra storage and space. Home extensions can also help to add a new lease of life to even the oldest of properties.
But doesn’t extending a home include a lot of planning? The short answer is, yes. Any kind of building work is going to require a lot of careful preparation. You will need to consider timetables, budgets and available labour. You also need to make sure you work with a leading name in extensions design!
In this guide, we will take a look at what you need to know about home extensions. What are some of the things you should keep in mind and plan for early on? We’ll aim to answer all of the most common queries that homeowners ask.
Why a Home Extension?
Of course, the first thing you will always need to consider is ‘why’. Is an extension to your home going to be beneficial long-term? Why might it be a better option than to buy a new property outright?
Here are just a few reasons why you may wish to extend your property:
- To add value to your home
- To increase living space for new family members
- To create new working spaces, e.g. offices and specialist workrooms
- To create leisure spaces such as a conservatory or a rumpus room
- To enhance the energy-efficiency of your home
- To improve the look and feel of your home
Of course, your own circumstances may well vary. Another reason why people choose to extend their homes is to avoid buying new properties. Space and style are two driving factors which push people towards selling and buying.
Factors You Need to Consider
It is tempting to think that designing an extension is a simple process. With help from the right team, there’s no need for it to be a hassle! With the oversight of a professional designer, it is simple to gain insight into the bigger picture.
It is tempting to think that designing an extension is a simple process. With help from the right team, there’s no need for it to be a hassle! With the oversight of a professional designer, it is simple to gain insight into the bigger picture.
Of course, your specific project may vary compared to the average. Therefore, it is always a good idea to ask a professional designer to audit your plans for you. It is often easier to see areas for improvement after the result. However, with a designer on board, you can plan ahead more efficiently.
Is there anything likely to prevent you from bringing your home extensions to life?
A designer may help you simplify your concepts for a more practical fit.
It is crucial to ensure your extensions do not infringe on boundaries. You must also ensure that you have the relevant permission to start such projects.
It may be too steep or inaccessible.
Weather and seasonality may affect your access to builders.
Energy efficiency is a factor designers will help you look at in detail. For example, they may be able to recommend choices where you can save on burning fossil fuel.
How Should You Budget for an Extension?
Budgeting correctly for an extension can take time and effort. It is another apparent reason why hiring an expert is so beneficial.
However, different factors and issues can affect cost. Are you setting up one or two floors? Do you need modern insulation or glazing?
Budgeting is not simple on your own. The best thing to do in this regard is, again, speak to extension designers and builders.
Here are a few factors you should keep in mind when it comes to budgeting effectively and efficiently:
If you have neighbour permission to extend across a boundary, you may still need to pay for a permit.
Costs can spiral out of control should you struggle to adhere to timelines and plans. Time is money, especially when it comes to extension planning.
Look at the essential labour and parts you are likely to need. Make sure to avoid under-budgeting on crucial elements
Blanket costs are unlikely to support you long-term. Look at all individual and smaller parts of project needs likely to drive up costs.
once you have a clear cost sheet in place. That will help you to find the best fit for borrowing.
Considering Your Design
Designing your home extension is the fun part. It’s reasonable to assume you can set up an extension any way you like. However, it will still need to be practical and within regulations.
Therefore, consider some of the following points before approaching a design:
- Will your design mimic other spaces in your home?
- How will you use natural light?
- What type of flooring will you require?
- Will you need insulation or underfloor heating?
- Will you need to reinstall plumbing or electricity?
- Will you need to make your space accessible to all?
Yes, designing a space can be fun. However, at this stage, you may find there to be a lot more to consider than you initially assume. Don’t worry – as you can always ask for help from an expert in the build and design of home extensions.
Ways to Offer Input into Your Project
Naturally, as a homeowner, you will want and need to have some design input. Furthermore, you will want to have input into the final build. Therefore, it is crucial to look into ways you can work with a designer. However, design and build work are always best left to the professionals.
This is because years of expertise, skill-building and insight produce the best results. What’s more, working with design and build teams will ensure for a safer project.
Here are a few ways you can have direct input into your project:
You should sign off on colours, layouts, finishes and additional design touches.
Many people renovate and extend their homes while bringing in automated features and fittings. For example, you may wish to ask your designer to set up automated blinds.
A designer, ultimately, will work to your demands. They will help you find practical and feasible ways to bring your ideal look to life.
While a designer will have professional authority over practical measures, it is your project. Do not be afraid to discuss alternative design options with your design professional.
A designer will need to know how a space can be practical for your needs. You should be as clear and as candid as possible for the best results!
However, as discussed above, be prepared to offer leeway for certain features and unexpected costs.
Final Points to Consider
There is, of course, more to extension building than we have covered here. However, this is just a brief taster of what’s to come! Here are a few final points you may wish to keep in mind.
- Over-budget, rather than under-budget. Again, you must be realistic about the costs of renovating and extending.
- Do plenty of research. Look at similar home designs and research potential costs. That will help to set expectations and to avoid the risk of disappointment.
- Consider hiring a local designer and builder. Will it be advantageous for you to rely on local support? That may help to cut down on project delivery time. It may even save you money in the long-run.
- Consider the long-term value of your home – will you add to it?
Setting up an extension could help to transform the look, value and practicality of your home. It may be a quick and convenient way to help your growing family adapt. However, there are, of course, plenty of factors you need to plan for.
If you would like to know more about home extensions, make sure to call our team at Bayside Extensions directly. Alternatively, please read through our further guides and resources for more project inspiration and guidance.
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