Building an extension offers a cost-effective solution when you need extra living space without the hassle, stress, and expense of moving home. It allows you to stay in your local area, keep your children at their current schools, and customise the design of the extension to your needs, while adding tangible value to your property.
To secure the best value from your extension project and reduce the likelihood of overspending there are some simple yet important steps to follow which we’ll explore in this article.
Before embarking on an extension project, having a clear understanding of what you want to achieve with the new space can help you get the best use of it when it is completed. Whether you are creating an extra bedroom, building a home office, or expanding the kitchen, identifying the purpose will guide the room’s design and functionality. This will help you make informed decisions throughout the planning and construction phases. Remember that, as your family grows or gets older, the extension may need to serve a different purpose, which is a factor to consider when making a decision.
Few homeowners possess the ability to visualise how an outdoor space could be transformed into a useful and eye-catching extension, so professional advice from a skilled designer, who can bring your vision to life, will be invaluable. Review their past work to ensure they have the relevant experience and expertise to create a design that meets your expectations and ambitions and provides workarounds to potential problems.
Some extensions fall under permitted development rights, meaning there are fewer restrictions. A professional will be able to help you determine whether you need planning permission for your project or if it falls under the permitted development. You can commence work once you have applied for Buildings Regulations. Larger or more complex projects, however, may require formal approval. Consult your local authority’s planning team to understand the specific requirements and avoid potential legal issues.
When designing an extension, it’s important not to be too short-sighted in terms of the future. If you plan to move to a new home eventually, it is worth evaluating how the extension will impact your property's value. Extensions can significantly enhance a home's marketability by adding desirable features, such as en-suite bedrooms, home offices, or open-plan living spaces. Browsing local properties for sale and the prices for which they were sold can help you understand how your home’s value may change once an extension is added.
Choose the appropriate size for your extension based on your family’s present and future needs and the available space. Overextending can lead to unnecessary costs and may not always result in a proportionate increase in your property’s value. Conversely, an extension that's too small might not fully meet your requirements. Balance practicality with ambition, ensuring the new space seamlessly integrates with the existing structure and maintains your home's overall harmony.
As an experienced architectural practice for bespoke home extensions, we can help you create the additional living space your family needs without stretching your budget beyond its limits.
To find out more, please call us at 01925361977.