Home extensions are a popular way for homeowners to add both space and value to their properties. Whether you’re looking for a larger kitchen, an extra bedroom or a new office space, extending your home can be an exciting and highly rewarding project.
However, embarking on this journey comes with numerous questions and potential challenges. From understanding planning permissions and budgeting to choosing the right architect, there’s a lot to consider. Here are 10 of the most common questions about home extensions and their answers to help you with some essential information and guidance.
Do I Need an Architect?
While it’s not mandatory to hire an architect for a home extension, their expertise can be invaluable. Architects are trained to see the big picture and can help you create a design that not only meets your immediate needs but enhances the overall harmony of your home and adds long-term value. They can suggest innovative solutions and design ideas you might not have considered, ensuring that the extension maximises space and light, and fits seamlessly with the existing structure.
Architects are also instrumental to the entire process, helping to navigate planning applications, ensuring the project complies with building regulations and providing project management services. For complex or large-scale projects especially, an architect can make a significant different in the quality and efficiency of the build.
What Different Types of Extensions Are There?
There are several types of home extensions, including single-storey extensions, multi-storey extensions, side returns and rear and wrap around extensions. Each type has its own advantages and considerations, depending on your needs and the layout of your property.
Choosing the right extension for your property will depend on a number of different factors from personal preference to the relation to your existing home.
Will I Need Planning Permission?
Whether you need planning permission depends on the size and type of your extension. In many cases, simple or smaller extensions, even multi-storey extensions or loft conversions fall under “permitted development” rights and don’t require formal permission. However, larger or more complex projects typically do, especially if you are renovating a listed property or live in a conservation area. It’s crucial to check with your local planning authority to determine the specific requirements for your area.
How Long Will It Take?
The duration of an extension project depends on its complexity and scope. A small single-storey extension might take three to four months, while a large, multi-storey extension could take up to a year or more.
Factors such as planning permission delays, weather conditions and supply chain issues can also impact the timeline.
How Much Should I Budget?
The cost of a home extension varies widely based on factors such as size, design, materials and location. To get an accurate estimate, obtain detailed quotes from multiple contractors. Make sure to plan ahead and budget for the entire scope of the project, being careful check your contracts thoroughly to ensure that it covers everything from start to finish.
Even with careful planning, things will go wrong! Unexpected issues will arise so make sure to include a contingency budget of about 10-20% of your material and labour costs to cover for any unplanned issues that could arise. This will make a huge difference to your timeline and overall spending.
How Much Value Will It Add to My Home?
When it comes to building an extension, it is very important to look into the future and see your project as an investment. Even if you aren’t planning to move house any time soon, make sure that your choices will benefit you in the long term.
A well-executed extension can add significant value to your home, often increasing its market value by more than the cost of the extension itself. The exact value depends on factors such as the quality of the work, type of extension and local property market.
Should I Live on Site?
In many cases, you can continue living in your home during the extension, especially if the work is confined to one area. Alternative accommodation is not always possible and living on site can be the cheaper option.
However, there will be disruptions, noise and mess. For extensive projects, some homeowners choose to move out temporarily to avoid the inconvenience and to avoid potentially slowing down progress of the build.
Do I Need to Have Site Insurance?
You will need site insurance to protect your property in case of accidents, damage or theft that may occur during the build process. Without adequate insurance, you could be liable for significant costs and legal expenses in the event of unforeseen incident. Discuss your specific coverage requirements with your insurance provider to insure comprehensive coverage throughout the duration of your project.
What Building Regulations Apply?
Building regulations ensure that your extension is safe and energy efficient. They cover aspects such as structural integrity, fire safety, insulation and ventilation. Your contractor or architect should be familiar with these regulations and ensure that your project complies with them.
Is My Extension Energy Efficient?
Energy efficiency is hugely important when it comes to building for both environmental and financial reasons. An energy-efficient design not only lowers your utility bills also increases the long-term value of your home. This is an area that you may want to invest more of your budget to yield the best outcome in the future.
There are several ways to improve efficiency in your build. Incorporate high-quality insulation, energy-efficient windows and sustainable building materials to minimise heat loss and reduce energy consumption. Consider installing renewable energy systems like solar panels or heat pumps and remember to upgrade your boiler if you are embarking on a significant extension, or if it’s just dated.
Understanding these common questions and their answers can help you navigate the home extension process more smoothly, ensuring a successful and satisfying result. Thinking about extending? Not sure where to start? Contact Build Team today and embark on a seamless journey to transform your home with our expertly guided and comprehensive extension services.
