Building an extension is a great way to improve your home, your lifestyle and the value of the property without having to move house. However, you also need to be aware that there are lots of things that can go wrong and when you know what these are it is easier to avoid them. If you are thinking of extending your home, these are some things to beware of to help you to avoid making a mistake, and to help you to get the extension of your dreams…
Not Checking Planning Permission and Building Regulations
Be aware of what needs to be done to meet the required regulations. Some people assume that things fall under permitted development rights, however this is something that you should check as it is not always the case, and just because someone else’s did doesn’t mean yours will.
Things that can affect this include any previous extensions, and if you live in a conservation area.
Going to the Wrong Builders
Of course you won’t want to pay more than you need to for your extension, but going to a builder that simply offers the cheapest price isn’t always the best thing to do. Make sure that you do plenty of research and find professional builders like this builders Bristol based company www.mogfordprescott.co.uk/builders-bristol/ so that you don’t end up with cowboys.
Not Organising Well
An extension is a big project, and it needs to be well organised. Not doing so will cost you money and time so make sure that you plan it all out well and manage it so that you do not have issues down the line.
Starting with the right architect
Many extension mistakes can be avoided by bringing in an architect early. A good one will listen to what you want, understand how you picture the space, and turn that idea into a workable design that suits the house.
Have a rough idea of what you want before you get in touch, so the architect can judge how much time the project will need. If friends or neighbours have an extension you like, ask who designed it. Online reviews of local architects are also worth reading.
Do not be tempted to cut corners by skipping professionals, whether that is the architect or the builders who follow. Work done badly can cost a great deal to put right. You can look further afield, but a local architect often knows the type of property and surroundings you are dealing with, and may have worked on similar projects nearby.
Deciding what the extension is for
One of the easiest mistakes to make is rushing ahead before you know what you want from the space. Start by asking what you need to gain. It might be a larger kitchen or dining area for the family to gather in, an extra bedroom for a growing household, or a home office if you will be working from home long term.
Once you know the purpose, think about how the space will be used day to day and how it will connect with the rest of the house. Talk it through with builders and architects, who can tell you what is possible on your property and suggest options you may not have considered.
Before any work starts, check the planning rules for your home. Some extensions can go ahead without an application, but others need planning permission, and building without it can cause costly problems later. Use experienced professionals at every stage, from design through to plastering.