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Building an extension can be one of the best things you ever do in your home. However, it takes a lot of planning. Here are seven things you need to think about before you start.
There are many reasons why you may want to build an extension to your home. Perhaps you’re looking to upgrade your home and create more space to live in, or maybe you want to add value to your home before you sell it. Or, is it that you don’t want the expense and stress of moving, but want to feel like you’ve got a brand new house? Whatever the reason, you are bound to be full of enthusiasm to get started with your extension. But first, take time to plan.
Here are seven things you need to consider when planning your extension.
Who is going to be in the team that brings your dream extension to life? First, you need to find architects who can design and draw up your plans, as well as guide you through the planning and building regulations process. You will also need a team of builders and other tradespeople: electricians and plumbers, for example.
Word of mouth is the best way to find all of these people. Talk to friends and neighbours who have already had extensions (that you like) and ask them how they got on with their architects and builders.
What type of extension are you going to have? Will it be a loft conversion or an addition to the ground floor? Perhaps you have something even grander in mind?
You also need to consider what you will use the extension for. You may need extra bedrooms, a new bathroom or home office. What you do with these rooms will affect how they are designed, as well as time and budget.
With most extensions, you do not need specific planning permission. Home extensions come under Permitted Development, provided they meet criteria around size. Of course, there are exceptions, particularly if you like in a conservation area or area of outstanding natural beauty. Your architect will be able to help you navigate the planning process.
Your architect will also make sure your extension complies with building regulations, during the planning stage and once it is built.
Be mindful of your neighbours while you plan your extension. Months of building work will affect them as well as you.
Talk to your neighbours to let them know what you are planning and be there to answer any questions they may have. Some people may worry about their ‘right to light’, or the building noise or anything else, so do your best to reassure them.
If you share a party wall, you will need them to give permission to build onto it, so you need to have them onside.
You must have a budget in mind when you plan your extension. It will help you decide what is feasible and what is outside of your scope. Think about how you are going to pay for it. You may be re-mortgaging or taking out a loan. Don’t overstretch yourself.
Remember there are more costs to an extension than paying your architect and builder, such as:
You may also need to install a new boiler if your new extension has a bathroom or rooms that require central heating. Ask your architect to assess the situation.
Make sure you talk to your insurance company and your mortgage provider before you start building. Your terms and conditions may require this.
From start to finish, building an extension can take a long time, sometimes many months. Think about how long it will take and what you will do during that time. It may affect what time of year you choose to commence building.
Think of the effect that months of building will have on your home. You may need to move out for some or all of the building time, especially if your kitchen or bathroom is out of action, for example.
Once you have thought about these practicalities, it’s time to let loose and dream a little. Having an extension should have a significant, positive impact on your home and life. Enjoy the process and think about how you will use the new space in your new home.
Will creating new space in your loft, for example, free up new space in your existing rooms? How will an extension change the way you use your home?
While you have all this building going on, you may want to get other home improvements out of the way, such as redecorating or reorganising your garden.
You have the opportunity to create your dream home, in your own style. Make sure you take it.
Harvey Wright Architects know how to take all these factors into consideration, using their years of experience of delighting their clients. Whether it’s a timeless design or something more innovative and original, you can be sure that Ian Harvey and Daniel Wright will help you plan an extension that is right for you.
To find out more about Harvey Wright Architects, call 020 3239 6044 or visit hwarchitects.co.uk.
© Copyright Harvey Wright Architects 2024.
© Copyright Harvey Wright Architects.
