Thinking of Building an Extension? – What You Need to Know!

Whether you want to increase the amount of space in your home or increase its value, an extension is one of your only options. However, most people will know little about how to go about getting an extension as this is something most will only do once in their lives. 

To make life a little easier for you, we have come up with some handy tips that you will need to know when planning to build an extension on your home.

Think About the Design and Type of Extension

Your first step should be to speak to a professional that can guide you through each stage of building an extension. You cannot just phone a builder and ask him to build an extension, there is far more to it. There needs to be a design, you need to know what is possible and what is not, and that is before you consider the legalities. Your best bet is to speak to an architect from firms such as Martyn Pattie Architects. They can explain the whole process and help you create and act on a plan.

Make Sure You Are Allowed to Get an Extension

While you own your property, this does not mean you can simply build an extension whenever you want. You will need to know whether there are any statutory requirements put in place by your local authority. You may find that you need planning permission to erect the extension. Again, your architect or designer will be able to help you with this but you can also contact your local authority directly.

Consider Where to Put the Extension

You may already have a good idea of the part of the house that you wish to extend but you need to think carefully about it. Do you want to take advantage of the sun rising in one direction? Perhaps you want to extend into your back garden? Whatever you are planning, think about how this affects others. Most importantly, check with your neighbours to see if they have any concerns. 

Stick to Your Budget as Much as Possible

Ideally, you want to get your budget down as quickly and as accurate as possible before you start. Try not to miss anything out otherwise you may have to incur additional costs. It is not just the building but also the electrics, water, decorating, and flooring. Once you have your budget written down, do your best to avoid going over it. 

Pick a Reputable and Reliable Builder

You can have the best plans, a budget laid out, and the permission to build an extension but a poor builder can ruin all of that in one fell swoop. Do a lot of research and contact numerous builders to compare what they are offering, prices, and experience. Ask to look at previous extensions they have built and check to see if there are any online reviews.

Summary

An extension is a great way to improve the value of your home or create additional space and it is no wonder so many people get them when they can afford them. That said, the process is not that straightforward as you will have read above. With the tips we offered above, you should at least have a better basic understanding of what you need to do.