8 Essential Tips for Creating a Home Extension
Home extensions have become more popular than ever as many find them an excellent way to create more family space. For many real estate businesses and property investors, extending a home is vital for increasing property value. According to a US study, the current generation is more likely to undertake a home renovation before selling than older individuals. If you’re extending your house to gain more space, increase your home value, or match your lifestyle, here are some essential tips to guide you on the journey.
- Consider your design plan
An extension shouldn't simply be an attachment to your existing structure but should also compliment it. Clarity between the new and old layout is vital for producing a space that flows together. Tucking an extension behind an existing house without putting much thought into it can negatively affect your aesthetics and make poor use of space.
It’s essential to consider the impact the extension could have on your home. For instance, your heating system may not work well in the new spaces you’ve created if the connections aren’t well done. This result may require you to install a new heating system to serve your extended home space. You could consider renewable energy options such as solar.
- Move out if possible
It can be unpleasant to live on a building site due to excessive noise, dust, etc. If you have the means, the best decision will be to move out while major works are underway. It may seem an extra cost to find a rental property, yet it can be convenient since your contractors won't have to deal with planning around you and your family which could affect the pace of the work. The contractor can complete so much more in an empty home than having many people around who may interrupt the work’s progress. However, if you intend to stay in your home while construction is ongoing, make sure to keep your contractor in the know as early as possible so they can plan appropriately. Additionally, remember to make safety a priority to avoid any injuries.
- Factor in your landscape
An excellent building designer will factor his surroundings into any design plan or proposal. It’s best to consider your landscape when extending your home to fit in properly and contribute to the overall beauty of your property. Nature can complement your architecture plan and how you perceive your space. It will also provide you with more space to relax with family and friends and enjoy the outdoors.
- Explore different materials
Deciding on your materials is an integral part of your extension design. Choosing the right type of material breathes life into your structure and will help you avoid high repair costs in the future. Whether you’re planning a subtle remodeling project or a statement-making improvement, there are many producers and suppliers to choose from.
All manufacturers and material types offer different benefits, so be sure to carry out thorough research before deciding. Suppose your renovation requires you to work on your roofing or complete some maintenance work. In that case, firms like JR & Co can be helpful for all your roofing solutions.
- Consider your settings and location
The location of your house is vital for your extension design to help your finished work blend in with the surrounding environment. You can make the most of your surroundings to compliment your home extension using technological innovation to suit your preferences. For instance, if you prefer a busy urban scene or a prattling stream or noisy train line, you can choose your design to suit your lifestyle or borrow ideas from many options online.
- Have a clear purpose for your extension
Having a clear goal for your extension project will help you make the most of your space and budget while coming up with the best design for you. Generally, you’ll require a good deal of thinking and insight to achieve your dream extension at the most optimum cost. Assuming you’re a single individual looking to start a family or you’re already living with three or four people in your home, every individual may require their own space. For one person, the extension could be your relaxation spot after a hard day's work. For another, it may be that space you intend to hang out regularly with your friends. Either way, it’s vital to know the primary purpose of the extension, even if it serves a multi-purpose function.
- Have a budget
As simple as this may sound, many people end up running their budget into the red when extending their property. Home renovation costs can build quickly, and it's common to overspend even with the smallest of home projects. A study proposed that the average spending on home renovation in the US is between $100,000 and $200,000, which is by no means a cheap task to accomplish. Therefore, it’s practical to decide your design plan and have a quantity surveyor analyze for an accurate cost of the project. You won't fly blind this way as you’ll know how much you need to invest in the project.
- Get all the required permits
You may need a permit depending on the scale, shape, and size of your new extension you intend to complete. Every district or local council is different, so there’s no single rule applicable to every building extension. Therefore, you need to find a designer who is ready to invest that extra effort. However, there’s plenty of information you can find on the council websites applicable to your location to guide you. Building regulations and principles ensure that structures are put up safely and according to laid down rules.
Although extending your home may seem like quite a task, it’s essential to keep your eye on not only the value it adds to your property but your present situation and lifestyle needs. With the right plan and design insight, you’re much closer to living in your dream home than you would have thought. These tips should get you started with your home extension project.
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