A house extension is a great way to get some more space in your home while upping the value of your property at the same time. In fact, it can be much more cost-effective than moving house altogether. However, there is no denying that completing any type of building extension is a significant undertaking and a process that requires careful planning and execution to create your dream space. This means that the key to a successful home extension project is to be realistic and make sure that you have all of the facts before any work gets underway. To that end, here are 5 top considerations you need to make before getting started.
1. Get A Solid Grasp On Your Goals
The first place to start is figuring out exactly what it is you want to achieve with this project. Perhaps you’re looking for more room to house a growing family, or you’re looking to upgrade your house with a home office. You also might be trying to invest in the property to increase its value. Consider the long-term needs of your home – a well-designed house extension should work for you now and in the future. Proactive thinking at this stage can save you significant money in the long run.
2. Be Aware Of Planning Permission Rules
Not all house extension projects require planning permission, but the rules surrounding them can be a bit tricky, and even when you don’t need planning permission, building regulations need to be strictly adhered to. That means you need to account for structural safety, insulation, fire safety and more. This is one of the benefits of partnering with a professional building company for your home extension project. You can make use of their expertise and experience to simplify this process significantly and ensure that all requirements and regulations are met.
3. You Need To Create A Realistic Project Budget
A house extension is a significant investment, which means that you need to be careful with your budgeting to avoid unnecessary and unforeseen issues. There are a number of elements that often go overlooked in these projects. Architectural drawings, planning, structural engineering and groundworks all cost money, and that needs to be reflected in your budget plan. You’ll also want to set aside some extra funds for unexpected problems, 10-15% being a generally sound amount.
4. Consider Design And Layout
Give thought to how your house extension can improve how your home works. You can consider options like structural knock-throughs to open up more space and allow for better flow between the rooms in your home. Consider natural light too – can you brighten things up with a well-thought-out design? The help of a professional build team will allow you to assess structural requirements and ensure both functionality and safety when you’re designing your extension.
5. Partner With The Right Construction Company
With these considerations to make and significant implications if you get them wrong, it’s important to partner with the right construction company when embarking on this type of building extension project. You’ll want to look for professionals with plenty of experience to help you carry out your home extension, and somebody who can oversee the entire build and planning process from start to finish.
With this in mind, if you’re looking for a reliable house extension partner in the South West, Davenport Construction should be your choice. Based in Plymouth but serving the whole region, we’ve been providing first-class building and construction services for over 14 years, priding ourselves on the quality of service we provide and our strong project management from start to finish. You can get in touch with us to find out more and to receive a free, written, no-obligation quote for your project.
Take a look at the gallery of images from a recent Davenport Construction house extension project in Plymouth below.
