Homeowners have made house extensions one of their most favorite activities. How do you ensure your house extension is perfect? There are many options, from single-story to multi-story extensions and basement excavations.
These are some tips to help you in the early stages of designing your dream extension that won’t leave a hole in your pocket.
Take Care of the Paperwork First
Here’s where the experts step in. Depending on your extension’s size, shape, and scale, you might need to apply for permits and other requirements. But don’t panic! There is no one way to design extensions. Each local council is unique. You can understand this by finding a designer who is open to going the extra mile and pushing the boundaries.
Building regulations protect designs by ensuring that contractors construct buildings correctly. Inspections also occur throughout the process, which helps prevent unskilled procurement.
Have a Clear Purpose for the Extension
This is a question that most people believe they know the answer to. However, there are more answers than budget and space will allow.
Discussing with your architect and planning will help you achieve your dream extension. Whichever stage you are in life, each home member will need a unique and different outcome.
It can provide a peaceful environment for one person to relax after a long day at work. In contrast, another person can find it a place to meet friends and share a laugh. It is essential to consider who, what, and when this space will be used.
Are you looking for an additional bedroom or a larger, more open-plan kitchen/dining area? Having a clear idea of what you will be using the space for is crucial in creating the design and setting the budget and timeline for the construction.
What Is Your Budget?
Although many people are hesitant to mention the budget, the point of setting one is so that you can afford the design and that it is delivered.
The budget does not include setting fees for architects or having your contractors spend more than you can afford. Professional architects will work with you to keep you under budget and give you the best value.
But most people desire more than what they can afford.
If you don’t tell your architect your budget, there’s no way for them to tell you if your expectations are realistic. No matter how exciting your project is, be realistic about the amount of money you have available.
Start Planning for Your Actual Plan
Before you submit your house extension for planning permission, make sure that you are satisfied with it. Modifying your plans after you have planning permission can lead to costly problems, upset neighbors, increased stress levels, and the possibility of requesting retrospective authorization.
Hire Expert Builders
Building an extension is a considerable task that you should not take lightly. By hiring experienced contractors in your type of project, you can ensure the job is done right and on time.
It is also essential to have a clear line of communication with your builders. This will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure the job goes as smoothly as possible.
Building an extension can be a stressful experience. However, with the right team and planning, it can also be a very rewarding one.
A Set Schedule Is Required
Additional building control approval and planning permission requirements can slow down the process. A good architect will anticipate and address any planning or building control issues that might arise.
Plan when you would like the work to begin on-site. Most people want their projects to start in the spring or early summer. This is why you should allow enough time for design, permitting, tendering, and getting the builder booked.
The duration of the construction will vary depending on how large the project is, whether it needs to be phased (e.g., when you live in your home while the work is being done), and the complexity of each stage.
Plan for the Clean-up
Renovations also leave a lot of dirt and junk behind, so make sure you’re prepared to handle that too. There will be debris on your current house, and you have to clean them all up. Otherwise, they can cause problems later on. Get expert roof cleaners who can go up the roof and even vents to remove dirt and other things there.
Do an initial walk-around to note what you want to keep, throw out, or donate. Once everything is done, the contractor will help remove all materials from your property to avoid any more trouble with it.
More people opt to add rooms or living space to their existing homes rather than move. A home extension or renovation can keep you living in the area you love. Practicalities such as keeping the children in the same school or having easy access to the local amenities are also important. You can also design the extension to fit your lifestyle and requirements or add features or fittings to make your life more comfortable.
