Extending your home is an exciting journey that can add both space and value to your property. However, it requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the end result meets your expectations.
Whether you're looking to add a new room or add space to your kitchen, understanding the process from concept to completion is crucial.
In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps involved in starting a home extension project.
The idea
Every project begins with an idea and the first step is to clearly define your goals for the extension. Consider what you want to achieve, how much space you have and how you will fund the project.
Consider the disruption to your home depending on the scale of the project and think about whether you will need to find alternative accommodation during all or some phases of construction. Your builder can advise you on this and approximate timescales for things like running water and electricity. A build programme should be included from your builder clearly outlining key milestones to help you plan more efficiently and effectively.
The Professionals
Once you have a clear vision and a rough budget, it’s time to bring in professionals to help turn your ideas into reality. An architect can help bring your idea to life, ensuring it’s functional and compliant. They can also provide you with preliminary sketches or 3D drawings to visualise the space.
You will also need to engage a structural Engineer to ensure the integrity of the build, and who will produce a different set of drawings to include important details on key materials to be used and measurements, so that you can obtain an accurate quote for your project.
Building Control will also be involved on numerous stages throughout the construction, they will liaise with your builder and will certify the works once completed.
Planning & Permissions
Before any construction can begin, you’ll need to know whether your project is within “permitted development”, or if you need to obtain specific planning permission. If its within permitted development, good news you can skip to stage 4! Otherwise, you will submit your plans to the local planning authority to ensure they comply with building regulations, general aesthetics of the area and other legal requirements. Your architect can advise you whether permissions are required. Obtaining planning permission can take time, so it’s important to be patient.
Firming up your budget
Once you are through the design and planning phase, you can send your plans out to construction companies for quotes.
Before you do this, decide on a budget that you are comfortable with, and also include a contingency fund to allow for things that may crop up during the build. When reviewing quotes, be sure to work out what exactly is included rather than compare on the bottom line only. Some quotes may come in considerably cheaper but not include crucial parts of the work which will cost you in money and time later down the line.
Be clear on things in your budget which are non negotiable, and things which you may be willing to compromise on. For example you may be willing to compromise on the design/cost of the kitchen to ensure funds for the bi-folding doors that you've always wanted. This is important as it can be easy to lose sight of once construction starts.
Hiring a Construction Company
Choosing the right construction team is critical to the success of your extension. Look for a builder with experience in similar projects and expertise in remodels. Extending an existing building is more complex than building from scratch, and can bring additional challenges when working with older footings and structures, so you should choose a company who have expertise in this area.
Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and for references. A good construction company will not hesitate in letting you speak to previous client directly.
Get building!
With everything in place, construction can begin. During this phase, your builder will handle the day-to-day management of the project, ensuring everything progresses according to plan. It's important to maintain regular communication with your builder to stay updated on the progress and address any issues that arise, or be on hand to make decisions on design and fittings etc.
Handover & Completion
Once construction is complete, the relationship with your builder shouldn't stop there. Depending on the scale of construction, they should be on hand during the initial months following completion to rectify any issues or snags and to ensure that the project is delivered as per the original expectations and contract.
Congratulations!
You’ve successfully navigated the journey from concept to completion. Now, it’s time to enjoy your new space.
Whether it’s hosting family gatherings in your new dining area, welcoming a new addition to your home, or simply enjoying the extra space, the hard work and planning will have been worth it.
Starting an extension is a significant undertaking, but with careful planning, the right team, and a clear vision, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. By understanding the process from concept to completion, we hope you’ll be better equipped to manage the journey and create a space that enhances your property.
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