If you’re looking for a larger home, it could be more cost effective for you to add space to an existing property rather than move house or even self build. Before we investigate some recent projects, how much they cost and what they involved, here are some key ways to get the most out of your home improvement venture:
Identify your needs: Think carefully about your reasons for extending – are you looking to add more general living space or do you want a room with a specific purpose, such as an extra bedroom? Thoroughly considering what you want from the finished addition will help to form the foundations for coming up with a suitable brief and design.
Set a brief: Once you’ve determined your motivations and how you intend to use the new space, consider how your property will best respond to the addition. Key areas to focus on are establishing the potential ways that you could maximise space and natural light.
Work with skilled designers: While you may choose to come up with plans yourself and work with a structural engineer and a good builder to fine tune the details, an architect or experienced designer’s flair will help you get the most out of your home improvement project.
Assess the opportunities: When you talk it through with your designer, you’ll probably have a vision for how you think your home can be tailored. Keep an open mind and be flexible – it may even work in your favour.
Cost versus value: It can be easy to get carried away with all the exciting extension possibilities, but take a moment to step back and have a look at how much value it will add to your house. You might have different priorities if this is your forever home, but as a rule, try not to spend more on a property update than its finished value.
Understand the planning rules: You may not actually need to submit a formal planning application thanks to permitted development (PD) rights. But if your house is in a designated zone (such as a conservation area or an area of outstanding natural beauty) or if the property you’re proposing to extend is listed, your PD rights are restricted.
Read more: Guide to Permitted Development
Create a project schedule: While it’s inevitable for there to be a few bumps in the road, by and large, a well-organised scheme should come together smoothly with minimal changes needed as you go along.
Protect your project: Ensuring you have the right insurance in place for your extension scheme will protect the new works and the original building from anything that could go wrong during the build.
Engage skilled builders: When you put the scheme out to tender, be sure to provide enough detail to compare quotes like-for-like. Given a basic outline, one contractor may over-specify to cover all margins, while another might quote cheaply knowing they’ll charge extras – so provide a clear and comprehensive brief. Busy builders may quote higher, but remember they’re busy for a reason.
Efficient management: Whether doing it yourself or bringing in a professional, it’s important for the project manager to keep a tight rein. It’s their job to make sure things are done to a high standard at the pace you need.
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