The Covid-19 pandemic has seen far more of us spend far longer at home than in living memory. The enforced seclusion within your property may well have made it seem far smaller than it ever has before, leading more people to consider extending their home, to provide more space.
Let’s take a look at some top tips for adding a fantastic extension to your home, whether you’re looking for a timber framed extension, or something more modern.
Get permission first
Before you get too far into the planning of the extension in your mind, it is important that you are clear on whether or not you will be able to build one. Homes in conservation areas, or listed buildings, can have additional covenants in place which limit the size, scale and design of your planned extension. A naturalistic timber framed extension will look more in keeping with a rural area than something constructed of metal and glass.
The process of applying for planning permission will vary depending on where you live, as each UK local council has its own rules.
Get the neighbours on side!
Another practical tip is to have a chat with your neighbours before plans get too far down the line. Objections from neighbours are a big hurdle to overcome when securing planning permission; talking to those who live closest to you, and working towards a compromise over any informal objections they may have can work in your favour later on.
Be realistic in your budget
Every single episode of Grand Designs or Property Ladder contained that crisis moment, where the unrealistic budget ran out, and the homeowners had to make difficult decisions over completing their project. You can attempt to avoid this extra stress by ensuring that your initial budget is realistic. Set a budget of between £1,000 and £2,000 per square metre, with around a 20% contingency fund.
It would be even better if you could attempt to gain an accurate quote up front, but don’t forget the contingency fund!
What is your extension for?
Ensure you know what the purpose of your extension is so that the designer can create a space which is fit for that purpose. An occasional sun-room which is to be used in the summer time will be different from a dining room that will be used every single day.
