Ten Things to Remember When Planning an Extension

Adding an extension to your home is one of the most exciting projects that you can take on. It can give you the extra space that you've always wanted but didn't want to move house for. Whether you're adding space for a bigger kitchen or an extra bedroom, or you just want a more peaceful Home Office environment, you need to start thinking about calling in a contractor.

Before you do start knocking down the walls or calling in the insulation contractor to determine how much insulation your new walls will need, there are some things that you need to consider. When you plan carefully from the beginning, you'll save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress later on. In fact, we have 10 things that you need to remember to do when planning a home extension.


  

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1. Know why you're extending before you begin. It's great to start thinking about designs or budgets, but why are you extending your home in the first place? Do you need more living space or do you want to increase your property's value before you sell? Some people extend because they're looking to improve how their home feels and functions. When you have a clear purpose, you'll be able to guide every other decision that you make, from the size of your extension to the layout and the design. Without a clear goal, it's easy to end up with something that doesn't quite meet your needs. 

2. Make sure that you have a budget in place. Money will make or break any home project, so it's important to set a realistic budget right from the beginning. It's not just about the obvious construction costs but also extras like planning fees, design work, materials, landscaping and interior finishes. It's also wise to include a contingency fund of around up to 15% for unexpected expenses. Planning for these in advance can help you to avoid financial stress later on. 

3. Check your planning permissions and regulations. One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make is assuming that they can just start building. Depending on where you live or the type of extension you want, you might need planning permission or have to comply with building regulations. There are some smaller extensions that can be built under permitted development rights, but there are limits on height, size, and proximity to property boundaries. It's important to check with your local planning authority before you get started, and it's a good idea to consult the professionals who already understand these rules. 

4. Designed with the whole house in mind. If you're planning an extension, it's very easy to focus only on the new part of the house, but the best extensions feel like a natural part of your existing home rather than an add on. You need to think about how the extension is going to connect with your current layout and how people will move between rooms, where the light comes in and how the overall flow feels. Matching materials and finishes helps to create that seamless look and feel, but you don't have to copy the exact style of your existing house. It should, however, compliment it. 

5. Think about natural light. Light completely changes the way a space feels. A bright, airy house can make a small extension feel spacious, while a dark one can feel cramped and dull. When you plan, think about the direction your home faces and how much sunlight it gets through the day. South facing extensions usually get lots of natural light. North facing ones may need larger windows or skylights that bring in enough light. Glass doors, roof lanterns and light colored walls also help to create that bright welcoming space. 

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6. Make sure it's energy efficient. Energy efficiency is so much more than you think it needs to be. It's not just about keeping the environment healthy around you, but keeping your utility bills low too. Choosing good insulation, energy efficient windows, and modern heating systems can make a big difference in comfort and costs. Even if you're working with a tight budget, investing in quality insulation and windows will save you money. It's also worth considering options like underfloor heating, solar panels or heat pumps. These may cost more upfront, but often pay off through lower energy bills over time.

7. Don't forget about the practicalities. It's very easy to get caught up in all those design ideas, but forget about your practical needs. Where the electrical outlets, light switches and radiators are going to go should be a consideration. And storage is another thing that people often forget. You want built-in cupboards, hidden shelving, or clever storage solutions that can keep your new area tidy and functional. 

8. Bring in the right people to help. A good team can make your extension project run smoothly from start to finish. This includes designers, builders, electricians, plumbers and any other specialist you may need. Research and choose people who are experienced and reliable, and always check reviews for social proof. If you've got friends and family who've had similar work done, ask for their recommendations too, because you'll know you'll get an honest opinion. 

9. Plan for disruption. Even the best laid plans can cause some level of disruption. Depending on the size and the location of your extension, you might have to live with the noise, dust, and limited access to parts of your home for several weeks or even months. Set up a temporary living space if necessary to make things easier, but make sure that you have a clear line of communication with your builder. Regular updates mean you'll always know what to expect. 

10. Think about the future. Finally, don't just design for what you need right now. Think about how your needs may change in the future; you may only want to do this extension once. A well designed, thoughtfully planned extension can add real value to your home and improve the quality of life for your whole family for years to come.

 

 

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