Ins & Outs of Home Extensions
Home extensions are an effective solution for homeowners looking to add extra living space without incurring the costs and disruption associated with moving to a new house. Before embarking on such a project, however, certain factors must be taken into consideration such as types of extensions available to build on your property as well as factors that affect cost such as location and material costs.
Be mindful of the fact that building an extension will require considerable time and may interfere with your daily life during its construction phase if you decide to live in your house while work is underway. Be prepared for dust, noise and tradespeople coming and going and devise an action plan for handling these elements if you elect not to live elsewhere during this process; otherwise, it might not be suitable.
If you’re planning a home extension, an experienced architect is a good idea in making your vision comes to life. Together they’ll collaborate on designing a design that complements your lifestyle and meets all your needs; plus, they can determine if an extension can even fit on the land by locating property lines and creating a plot plan showing where and what will comprise the new building.
Cutting corners during a build can be exciting, but cutting back could end up costing thousands when something goes wrong with your drainage system. Skimping on exploratory work like CCTV surveys could end up costing thousands later on down the line when something does go wrong with it.
As with anything, trying to save costs by choosing cheaper building materials may ultimately prove costly in the long run. Substandard materials could need replacing sooner rather than later; taking the time and care needed for initial research before selecting quality materials will help avoid these costly missteps in future years.
Before embarking on any extension project, it is advisable to seek the advice of an architect or architectural technologist. They can assist in developing a design that blends well with your current house while meeting your space and functionality needs. These professionals will advise how you can best achieve your goals within your budget.
Before embarking on any renovation projects, it is also vital that you consult your neighbours. This is especially integral if the renovation involves shared walls or boundaries; in such instances it would be wise to discuss a Party Wall Agreement (https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/guides/party-walls) so as to maintain good relationships and prevent disputes in the future.
Be sure to set aside somewhere for all of your belongings during the extension process, to prevent them from getting covered in dust and damaged by builders. Expect major disruption if part of your renovation includes demolishing walls to connect your new extension to the existing house.
Finding a Builder
Home is more than four walls and a roof; it’s where families make memories that last a lifetime and find comfort. Yet as family sizes and lifestyles change, homeowners may find their current property no longer suits their needs; many opt to expand it instead to meet changing demands while simultaneously increasing its value.
Finding an experienced home extension builder should be the first step of any project, and when selecting one it’s essential to carefully consider their experience, reputation, licenses and insurance. Getting multiple quotes may help when making your choice.
Consideration should also be given to the cost of your home extension project, which varies based on size and complexity; for instance, an inexpensive kitchen or bathroom addition is likely more economical than two-story extensions with open plans.
Make a budget and stick to it – as unexpected expenses may crop up during construction, it’s smart to know exactly what amount is affordable before beginning a project.
As part of your extension plans, it’s important that you research local regulations and if your proposed plans meet them. Some extensions, like those by Lucidbac, require a planning application with detailed architectural drawings while others might only need a building permit. It would also be prudent to speak to neighbours and ensure they agree to any proposed changes to property lines or boundaries.
Once you’ve hired your builder, make sure you sign a contract outlining all aspects of the job – this should include details of work to be carried out, an estimated completion date and payment terms – typically payments will be made in instalments at various stages during construction so don’t delay in paying on time! When your construction project is complete your contractor should issue a letter of guarantee so you can start to enjoy your new space!
Home extensions can be an ideal way to increase living space, increase property values and make your property more functional. But when planning a house extension there are numerous aspects and considerations you must keep in mind, such as finding a builder and getting financing; planning takes many parts.
Before driving a single nail into an extension project, it’s crucial that you have a detailed plan in mind for what your extension should look like and your budget for materials used. Making an initial list will ensure you stay within your spending limit and avoid unexpected surprises along the way.
Homeowners may be taken aback at how much red tape there is involved with building an extension – from planning permission and building regulations, through structural drawings and party walls, all to getting it underway! Before any project can get underway.
An architect can be invaluable in helping you navigate this process smoothly, from helping secure necessary paperwork, finding reliable builders, monitoring progress on site and meeting standards to coming up with creative extension ideas – for instance the she-shed has recently become popular as an ideal space for women to pursue hobbies or relax in private.
If your home extension project can’t be funded through borrowing, personal savings may be your only alternative. Unfortunately, it could take quite some time before enough funds have accumulated to finance it, with interest rates likely increasing during that period putting it out of reach for you. House extensions offer the ideal solution when extra space is needed for working from home, raising children or entertaining guests.