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A home extension is something that can add considerably to the value of your property, as well as making life more enjoyable for everyone living inside it. If you’re thinking of adding an extension, then there are a few considerations you’ll need to weigh. Let’s run through a few of them.
What’s a home extension?
A home extension is any building work that adds to the footprint of your property. If your house is getting bigger, then the work you’re planning is an extension – unless you’re doing something that doesn’t increase the area of your property, like building over the garage.
A home extension will increase the amount of living space available to you. It’s a great idea if your family is expanding, or if you simply want more space to enjoy while staying in the same property.
What room should you extend?
Not all rooms are suitably for being extended. Some properties will naturally lend themselves to extensions, because of the space available. For example, if there’s a space at the rear of your garage, then you might think about adding a downstairs toilet, or a utility room. From a purely financial perspective, it’s extra bedrooms that tend to add the most value to a property. Going from a three-bed to a four-bed will add value, since it’ll attract more attention on the listings page.
Designing the Room
Your extension should ideally fit with the aesthetic and sensibilities of the rest of your property. Ideally, it should look as though it was part of the house from the very start, such that it’s difficult to imagine it any other way. This means restricting your options.
It’s particularly important to think about the amount of natural light that can reach the interior. Generally speaking, the more of it you have available, the better. Sometimes, installing a window can be a little more difficult – getting a skylight, or VELXUX windows, into the roof of your extension can often be the best option.
Getting the Right Contractors
When it comes to actually getting the work done, you should try to avoid skimping on the contractors. Go for workers that you trust, that come recommended by people who’ve been in the same situation. If you go cheap, then you might end up regretting it in the long-term.
Planning Permission
In many cases, you might be able to get away with making changes without asking for planning permission. It’s always best to check, first, though. If your extension is particularly big (say, bigger than 100 square metres), then you might also have to pay additional fees. For best results, make sure you run your plans by your neighbours, and see whether they have any objections.
