Everyone needs a little more space, and building an extension to your home is one way to get it. It’s certainly a lot cheaper than moving house. Also, a lot less hassle, provided the process goes smoothly. Here are a few tips to make your house extension a success.
Planning for continuity
Continuity is a big thing when it comes to house extensions. It’s actually the most difficult thing to manage, which is why it helps to enlist the help of an architect. Alternatively, seek help from a building company experienced in extensions. The issue is that many homes around the country are on the older side. Common designs, materials and even building methods have likely changed since your home was built.
To avoid having your extension look like a gold tooth in a mouth of rotting teeth, try to design your extension in such a way that works in well with the rest of your home.
Treat it like you’re running a project
There are a lot of ways to do an extension. You can hire a building company to do the whole thing, and that’s probably the easiest option. However, it may not be the most budget-friendly. If you’re a qualified tradesperson, you may be able to do a bulk of the work yourself, which obviously saves money.
The most common scenario though, is hiring the professionals you need yourself. You may do parts on your own, and have others assisting, whether that’s a plumber, electrician, or even someone like this company offering construction waste removal Raleigh. In this case, treat it like project management. You’ll have your budget, timelines, and confirm people’s availability before you start. It’s not an easy task to get all the tradies you need available at the right time, which is why you need to take a very strong organisational approach.
Council approvals
Like any building project, you’ll likely need to seek council approval. The process is different in every area, so be sure to check with your local council before proceeding. Things to consider include proximity to the fence line, the impact on your neighbours, and access to services. Your local office will be able to give you all the information you need to ensure you get the right approvals.
Getting the right insulation
One thing that often gets forgotten in house extension is the insulation. Insulation keeps your home cool in summer, warm in winter and decreases your energy bills. So, it’s an important thing to consider when adding extra walls and space to your home. You’ll certainly need some wall insulation, but also consider underfloor insulation and batts for the roof cavity too. Especially if the rest of your house insulation is in good condition, you don’t want your new room to be an easy source for air to escape.
Careful budgeting
Finally, budgeting is crucial to any building project. Whether you’re building a whole new house or adding a room, you need to know what you can afford. If you’re managing the project yourself, also be careful to monitor expenditure as you go. Costs can often blow out in certain areas, so you’ll need to have a plan for that.
These tips should help you add space to your home without breaking the bank. Like anything, the more work you can do yourself, the cheaper it will be – as long as you get everything right.
