Your Useful Guide to Organize Your Home Extension Project

Are you thinking of making house extensions on your existing property? Before you call the local builders, there are many things you need to do first. 

Save yourself from the fines—among many other headaches! Make sure to follow this useful guide to organize your home extension project before starting. 

The Planning Process

First and foremost, you need to have a clear idea of your existing house. 

When it comes to home improvement, you need to consider these in your planning permission: 

• Harmony of the new space. You need to consider harmonizing your rear extensions with the rest of your home. You don’t want them to stick out in the wrong way.
• Efficiency. It’s not always the bigger, the better. You want a space that’s useful and makes sense. 
• Resiliency. Building work is expensive. You may end up buying defective materials because of the unexpected costs. You shouldn’t. If the materials fail to meet the building regulations, you may end up replacing them sooner rather than later. 

Setting the Criteria for Your Home Extensions

Considering the three terms above, you should plan to cover the following criteria:

• The extension enhances the value of your home.
• The space improves the original house layout.
• The area takes advantage of natural light.
• The new extension provides additional privacy for your growing family.

Set a Budget

Even if you’re bent on having a single-story extension, it will all be for naught if you don’t have the money for it.

You need to have at least $100,000 at hand—at least before the project begins. You also need an additional 15% fund to cover emergency expenses as the project progresses. 

Hire a Professional Building Company and Project Manager

Home extensions are no DIY thing. You need to work with various professionals from the get-go.

To start, you need to obtain permission for the construction. 

Next, you need an architect and building designer to draw detailed plans. They can help you choose the right extension from the options below. 

You also need to hire your main contractor, quantity surveyor, structural engineer, and interior designer, among many other experts. 

For best results, make sure to ask for at least three quotes. That way, you can compare everything against your set budget. 

Choose the Right House Extension Project

Working on the criteria above, you may want to undertake any of the following:

• Side or Back House Extension

As the name suggests, it’s a matter of expanding the side or back portion of your home. 

While a front extension is always possible, your local council may not permit it. That’s why it’s essential to work with a professional project manager, for there may be rulings that may restrict your plans.

• New Floor

Having an additional floor is the dream. However, it’s not always feasible because of the additional costs. This also requires a lot of requirements, such as a study, which can take as long as six months.

• Basement Excavation

This home extension is a favorite among those who want to add to their existing rooms. With a basement excavation, you can have a home office, cinema, and even a basement bedroom.

• Cantilever Additions

The cantilever is a self-supporting structure similar to a balcony. Joists support it, so the system remains inside the original building itself. 

Compared to other house extension projects, it doesn’t provide additional space.

• Attic Space Project

The attic is not always a suitable living space. With the help of a professional designer, you may transform this space into an additional bedroom.

• Veranda or Sunroom

While they don’t always equal more space, they can give your home an additional area for lounging and whatnot.

• Attached/Detached Garage

Whether it’s for an additional car or something else, a garage is an excellent addition to a terraced house. 

Select Materials of Excellent Quality

You want your chosen builder to use quality materials. That’s why it’s essential to set a budget to reconcile your needs with your wants. 

Here are some of the areas that will require such:

• Structure and foundations
• Interior walls
• Floors
• Exterior siding
• Doors and windows
• Plumbing and electricity
• Insulation and soundproofing

Follow the Local Authority Building Control Standards

Before you get started with any of the projects above, you need to check the building notice and rules in the area. That’s why it’s good to hire professionals in project management. They can address all the issues because they’re experts on all the processes involved. For one, they can help you apply for the permits in advance. The lack of certain documents can lead to delay, and they’ll make sure your project won’t be hampered because of that. They can also help you save on fees, for you need to pay every time you file for permits. Getting your house extended is often costly and challenging. But as long as you follow this essential guide, you can cover all the bases for your home extension.

Give us a call today to learn more about real estate needs across the industry.