Why not consider an extension while there’s still room to grow! An addition would give your current property new life – and much-needed breathing room for you. This is also an opportunity to boost its value, improve its energy efficiency with additional insulation and double-glazing – or install solar panels too!
If a house extension is something you would like to consider, here are some vital tips for making the most of your property and extending your home in a way that won’t break the bank and is right for your needs!
1) Determine which type of extension best suits your needs
Additional rooms to the front or rear of a property, are classed as ‘house extensions’, ‘garage conversions’ or ‘loft conversions’. Each option has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to think about which type of extension is best for you and your family. For example, the rear extension is very popular as people want to be able to extend their house without disrupting family life too much.
On the other hand, loft and garage conversions are popular because they don’t disrupt the property’s structure at all. A loft or garage conversion also provides the opportunity to create a brand-new space without having to move house – a great solution if you have a large family or want to create a large enough area for relatives or friends to stay in, for example.
2. Have floor plans drawn up by a professional architectural developer
Once you know what type of extension you’re after, consider carefully how it will be used to get the most benefit from it. Many extensions do not require planning permission these days from the Council (if they keep within a certain size), but your architectural expert will be able to advise on this. Drawing up plans takes a few weeks and getting approval from the Council, should Planning Permission be required, may take a few months.
Even though construction may only last a month or two, drawing up a project plan prevents costly mistakes – such as project creep (when changes made during construction can cause additional expenses). It also pays off even more when hiring architectural experts instead of general builders to design the project, since they tend to think of all the finer details needed within the project before the build commences.
3. Make sure you employ a good builder
Finally, make sure you do your homework when finding the right contractor for your project. Good-quality workmanship is especially important when it comes to constructing extensions to your home. Using a reputable contractor will ensure that the job will be done as per the plans, be on time and within budget.
Check-a-Trade has many trusted contractors with great customer reviews which can help you save both time and money in the end by ensuring everything runs smoothly throughout the entire project. But if you still aren’t sure how to go about choosing a qualified contractor, ask friends or family members for referrals or contact us at KTA; we’re happy to offer some solid guidance as well as point you in the direction of a trustworthy builder who would best suit your needs!
If you want to update your home to create more space (for those impending school holidays) and make it more modern and up to date, an extension could be exactly what you need. An extension can be a good way to transform an outdated looking house and turn it into a modern and trendy-looking home. It will also add value to your home, so treat it as a good investment.
“Design for what you need now but also try to envisage your future needs and factor those in at this stage.”
Kevin Todd
Chat with Kevin Todd to discuss your ideas on 07973 227925 or email: kt@kevintoddarchitectural.co.uk
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