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As it is widely known, the housing market is slow now in London and other areas of the UK. Moreover, we do not have any evidence to think that it will gain speed shortly. Therefore, many people choose to extend their homes instead of moving to a new property. You may also consider performing an extension in your home. However, there are some essential things that you should know before starting a home extension.
As a RIBA-chartered, experienced architecture firm in London, Studio 20 Architects would be happy to help you with your extension projects. After reading this article, you will learn all the essential things you should know before starting an extension project.
1 – THE LIMITS OF YOUR BUDGET
This could be the most crucial factor which affects the extension process. Generally, we ask our clients for their budgets before starting any extension project.
Before starting an extension project, the best thing is to decide what you can do without exceeding your budget. You should also include potential extra expenses, such as the cost of the planning application and the architect’s fees. Mostly, builders and architects will quote a net of VAT. Therefore, you should also add 20%. After deciding on the budget, please stick to it.
2 – WHAT IS THE GOAL OF YOUR EXTENSİON?
Knowing what you want is essential in extension projects. Do you need an extra room you can enjoy as a family, a spare bedroom or a home gym? What you need in your home will determine what type of extension would be the best choice for you.
3 – HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
If you decide to have an extension on your property, you should know it will be a long process. Even obtaining planning permission and building regulations approval could take months. Therefore, you must be patient. Your regular lifestyle may be interrupted for a while. Bet the result will be worth it.
We advise you to think carefully before deciding the time of an extension. You should choose the best time for long construction work. Family events or similar occasions you need to use your home fully would not be a proper time for an extension project.
4 – IS PLANNING PERMISSION NECESSARY?
Planning permission is essential, and you should consider it before starting an extension project. Some types of extensions, like loft conversions, single-storey extensions, or specific types of sunrooms, do not require planning permission. However, some types of extensions require planning permissions. Thus, we advise you to check local planning regulations and requirements before starting any extension project. Asking your architect would be a good option.
Studio 20 Architects offer you a free consultation meeting which covers every detail of the extension project, from planning permission to finding the correct type of builder. Thanks to these consultation meetings, you can save weeks.
5 – DO YOU NEED AN ARCHITECT FOR YOUR PROJECT?
If you think we advise you to work with an architect because we are an architecture firm, we can say that you are wrong.
We advise you to trust professionals because we want the best for you. Big projects like external home extensions or loft conversions are not accessible DIY works you can complete yourself. Even most skilful DIYers experience some big problems when they try to complete these projects independently.
It would help if you worked with a professional architecture firm to perform considerable alterations on your property. This is especially important in the planning permission process. Your application to the local authorities must include plans produced by professional structural engineers and architects. Thus, it would help if you also considered your application’s cost to engineers and architects.
6 – THE IMPACT OF YOUR PLAN ON YOUR NEIGHBOURS
The possible impact on your neighbours’ properties is also essential in the considerable alternations you make to your property. Do your property, and your neighbour’s property share a wall, and would your extension damage your neighbour’s property?
It would help if you also thought about the social aspect of the extension. The noise may impact the life quality of your neighbour negatively. Thus, before starting the project, you should fully inform your neighbours about your intentions.
Consulting your architect about potential issues would be a good option again.
7 – DOES YOUR PROPERTY IN A CONSERVATION AREA?
If your property is located in a designated conservation area or is a listed building, there would be strict control over the alterations you can or cannot make to your property.
Some clients do not know whether they are in a conservation area. To come through this problem, you should use your architect’s knowledge.
8 – THE PLACE OF EXTENSİON
The following important issue is about where you put the extension. Up, down or out to the side are possible choices for extensions.
Loft conversions are gaining popularity these days. If you have extra space in your attic that you can convert to a room, loft conversion would be a good choice for you to extend your property.
Single-storey or two-storey extensions are the most popular types of extensions. Thanks to these extensions, you can gain extra space in your home. If you decide to perform a single-storey or two-storey extension in your home, your home would be extended out to the side.
Talking to your architect is a good option again about the extension type.
9 – DO YOU KNOW ANY GOOD BUILDERS?
You must choose good builders to perform the extension on your property. Builders are important factors that affect the result of stretching, even in small projects like a loft conversion. You should make your decision carefully and listen to the recommendations of your friends. You can also ask your architects if they provide contacts.
The worth of mouth will be the best guide for you, but you must look at the previous works of builders before hiring them.
10 – SET A TIMETABLE FOR THE PROJECT
Setting a strict timetable would help you in the process. If you set up a strict time plan for the project, you can prevent potential overruns. That way, you won’t have to live on a building site for a long time.
Do not forget that extensions impact your quality of life, and you should try to minimise them.
