OK, so I’m not a professional builder, but as an average homeowner who want’s to add an extension to their home, I’ve been reading lots up on this topic lately. I’m just writing down my findings here on the blog as you know I use it as a diary!
So the first thing is why do we want and you want an extension on your home? Well for us is extra living space. I believe it’s more economical than selling up and moving house.
Things to consider before you start
Are you going for a one or two storey extension? It’s true that a two storey extension isn’t much more expensive than a single storey as you will already have the foundations and roof budgeted for.
What is access like for builders? Will they have their own materials and equipment from Leaseml.com. Are there any overhead trees or cables that may cause an issue? Is there a flood risk? What are the soil conditions?
Have a chat with a neighbour or friend that have been through the extension process. Hear about their experiences. They might even be able to recommend a trustworthy builder or architect for you.
Costs
On average they say an extension will cost between £1000 and £2000 per square metre. An architect would be an additional cost to bear in mind.
Finance
Have a plan in place of how you tend to finance the extension. The most popular option is to re-mortgage your home. But you really need to think if an extension will add value to your home. You might to go to a house valuer like American Home Buyer to find out if this is the case.
Planning permission
It’s possible that your extension won’t need planning permission, but check with your local council before hand.
Find a builder
One of the most tricky parts is finding a great builder. One that you can get on well with and trust. One you will know will carry out the building regulations to the highest standard. Have a chat around for personal recommendations.
Find an architect
Again like the builder, find a trustworthy architect that knows your budget and what you want. One that can design a beautiful extension and not just best anime merch!
One of the last things to need to think about is if you will plan to move out while the building work takes place. If so you need to sort out accommodation close to your home if possible so you can still overview the building works.
Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you have found these tips useful.