5 Important Things you need to Know Before you Start a Home Extension

Adding an extension to your home is one of the most effective ways to increase the value of your property while giving yourself more space. House extensions have since become a popular activity for homeowners.

While some people are well-informed on how to go about with their home extensions, many British homeowners looking to design and build house extensions aren’t familiar with the property design process, construction or architecture. So, how can you successfully navigate your house extension project? Here are a few things that come up during the planning process.

Do Home Extensions add Value?

According to Telegraph’s Online Estate Agent, a single-story home extensions or a double extension for extra bedrooms can add an estimated value of 11 percent to the average UK home. The construction experts behind, argue that a high-quality extension can boost the value of a residential property and home by up to 25 per cent. A home extension would only make economic sense when the value added exceeds the total cost of the project.

Home Extensions Should Comply with Building Regulations

The Building Regulations provide guidelines and minimum requirements for:

• Site Preparation

• Fire Safety

• Structure Integrity

• Sanitation, hot water safety, and water efficiency

• Drainage and Waste Disposal

• Access to and use of Buildings

• Electrical Safety

• Ventilation

• Security

• And other key aspects that ensure the safety of buildings.

Browsing all the restrictions and regulations might not be necessary since your building contractor or architect will help with all your planning. It’s important to note that all new building work, including house extensions and internal structural alterations, need to comply with the building regulations.

Set a Budget for your Home Extension Project

According to specialist builders at Marriott Construction, basic home extensions are less costly, at approximately £1500 per square meter while high end extensions can be as costly as £4000 per square meter. Budget for your home extension project including the local authority’s fees for the applications, designer’s charges, and consultant’s fees. You don’t want to overspend on your projects.

Plan in Services for your Home Extension

Be sure to communicate your preferences and desires up front to your building contractor before the actual work begins. If you’re looking to build a highly-glazed double-storey extension and are including a basement or a new bathroom in the design, you need to ensure that plumbing, ventilation, and electric works are planned in.

The same applies to when building kitchen extensions. It’s important that you confirm the position of your cooker, appliances, and other items before work begins.

Find the Right Architect and Building Contractor for your Home Extension

Unless you’re a builder or an architect, you’ll need to find a contractor you can trust. Don’t let your own ego stop you from making the right decision concerning your home extension project. To find the right architect or builder, consider searching online for building contractors with experience handling house extension projects in your area. Check online directories like Yell and look at some reviews.

Take time to check their portfolio, and if they can share with you contact details of some references. Compare rates from various contractors before choosing the right one.