Building an extension can completely transform your home, but it isn’t a task to be taken lightly. There are important factors to take into consideration before any work goes underway. From setting yourself a budget to understanding your local planning permissions. Here you’ll find a comprehensive list of what to think about when you’re planning a home extension.
Budget
Firstly, it’s important to figure out how much you’re willing to spend on the project. Several factors will impact the budget. From the size and type of the extension you want to the materials used and the costs of labour. If you’re confident in your DIY abilities, there are tasks you can do to keep costs down. Milwaukee Power Tools can help you get the job done. Though it’s advised to leave heavy-duty structural work to the experts.
Regulations
You also need to check if you need the regulations in your area to see if you’re allowed to build an extension. You may be allowed to build under Permitted Development (PD.) There are certain criteria you need to follow with PD and these regulations will impact the size of your build. However, if you live in a Conservation Area or National Park, the amount you can build under PD is very limited. If you’re unsure what you can and can’t do, reach out to your local authority for clarity.
Type of Extension
Once you’ve allocated a budget and got to grips with planning permissions, it’s time to create clear goals for your extension. What purpose do you want the space to serve? There are lots of different types of house extensions, ranging from single and double storeys to kitchen and basement conversions. You need to choose an extension that serves your needs and suits your property.
Design
Your new extension will drastically alter your home’s interior and exterior, so you want to make sure you get the design right. Some people opt to use a professional insight to help them with the design and the layout, whereas others prefer to do it themselves. It will depend on your level of expertise. You can seek recommendations and inspiration from neighbours. This can help you create ideas, or point you in the right direction of a designer to hire.
It’s important to take the right steps and plan accordingly so you’re making the most of your budget and space. What kind of extension would you like your home to have?