Extending your property is a great way to create extra space in your home, whether it’s to accommodate a growing family, creating a bespoke kitchen, or simply to gain modern living requirements. Choosing a Builder with technical knowledge is a must, read our top 10 tips when extending your home.
1. Only Extend If It Makes Sense
If the cost of an extension is higher than the value created, it may be better to move than to extend. But if an extension, loft or garage conversion will improve the existing home, adding both space and value to the property, then it makes complete sense and is often cheaper than moving.
2. Think about Architectural Style
Every house has a style, built in a certain period or with particular materials. So the architectural style that the extension takes on is important to get a good result.
3. Plan Your Kitchen Layout Before You Extend
If you are planning to extend your kitchen you need to confirm the position of your units, cooker and white goods before work begins so that electrics, ventilation and plumbing can be planned in.
4. Can Your Boiler Cope?
It’s advised that you work out what the new extension will need to be heated effectively, and factor in your boiler output, the size of the radiators, hot water cylinder size and the reheat time.
5. Know the Building Regulations
Even if you do not need planning permission for your extension, because you are using permitted development rights, you must get building regulation approval.
6. Extend or Replace
Many people now alter a house so significantly that the question is not “Should we extend?” but “Should we knock it down and replace it?” There is a point when you are extending when it might be easier. However, I find that reusing existing buildings, where possible, is more environmentally friendly and can provide a great base to create the dream home.
7. Extending in Conservation Areas
If you live in a Conservation Area your Permitted Development rights are restricted. Each local authority has its own policy for Conservation Areas but generally, the basis of the policy is to prevent the loss of character of the Conservation Area. So, if you are thinking about extending your home, always contact your local conservation officer first.
8. Locate the Sewers
If your extension will be built over or in the area of a sewer, you will need to contact your water board before work begins. The location of sewers needs to be carefully considered.
9. Don’t Forget Site Insurance
Many people don’t know that most home insurance providers will not cover the building if you are changing the structure of the build.
Builders will often say they have insurance but it is important to check their documents as the majority have liability cover which will require you to prove fault in the event of a claim, which can mean a lengthy legal battle.
10. Access May Affect Design Choices
The available access to your home may have an impact on what work can be done to it. If your site has restricted access (for instance, if you live in a terraced home) you may not be able to use certain construction methods, for example, or agreements may need to be made with neighbors to use their land for storage or for fence panels to be removed.
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A Spencer Construction has been developing, building and extending in Northamptonshire for 30 years. What we don’t know isn’t worth knowing! If you have a project, give us a call for advice and a hassle-free quote on 07973 883532.