Getting an extension is one of the most popular ways to renovate your home. Rather than simply work within the space and dimensions that you already live in, an extension can allow you to start part of your home from scratch. This creates a blank slate that you can design, build, and utilize however you want. However, there are also special considerations you’ll need to make given the nature of an extension, such as planning permission, integrated design, financing, and hiring contractors. An awareness of these will be vital as you see your plans through to fruition.
Planning permission
The first important difference between extensions and other kinds of renovations is that for an extension you may need to apply for planning permission. This is particularly true if your planned extension changes the skyline by adding a storey to your building, or if there are other factors affected such as any public right of way, your neighbors’ view, and even local soil conditions. For example, if you were interested in designing and creating a sunroom extension, you will need to know if you require planning permission for it or not. Making sure you apply as far in advance as possible will help your renovation run smoothly.
Integrated design
This may also affect your planning permission, and you’ll need to consider the aesthetic exterior design of your extension. You might want an ultra-modern space, for example – but if the house already standing is an 18th-century antique, this may not look integrated. It will also be much harder (and more expensive) to build an extension into an older property, as it may not have the structural integrity required to alter exterior walls. Keeping this in mind as you design your extension will ensure it all fits together perfectly.
Use of the space
What do you want to use your extension or conversion for? Is it for an extra bathroom, or a bedroom, or perhaps a games room or home cinema? It’s worth knowing this in advance, as the intended use of the room will change your design and build. For example, an attic conversion for your games room may require many more plug sockets and associated electrical wiring than an extra bathroom. Find out more about attic conversion costs by clicking here. Other considerations include size, lighting, shape, and even more detailed choices such as color scheme and materials. Form follows function, so make sure you know why you want an extension in order to create the perfect one for your needs.
Financing and time
Extensions are an expensive type of renovation. It’s definitely worth considering your finances ahead of time, and making sure you will be able to see it through to the end – there’s nothing worse than having a half-built extension tacked onto your house for months. If it’s particularly extensive, you might also want to consider moving out while the bulk of the building work takes place, to avoid the necessary scaffolding and trailing wires….
Hiring contractors
Speaking of trailing wires, it’s also important to consider that an extension may require many more contractors than any other renovation. You will likely work much more closely with builders who will need to construct safe foundations for your new living area. If you can form good relationships with these workers, and find common ground, this will be hugely helpful when you come to negotiating and planning the construction work.
