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Monday 27 April 2020

A 14 Things To Consider When Adding Extension To Your Home

(Collaborative Post) 

Regular readers will know I love a bit of DIY. A couple of years ago we made some changes to our home and, like many, the constant of being indoors lately has left me wandering around the house, wondering what we can change.

The next thing would be an extension but I'm currently unsure if that would work with our home set up, layout and outdoor space, but I know from research and those that have already have extensions that there's a lot to do and a lot to decide on when extending your house

So, I've stuck it all together and here's...........14 things to consider when adding an extension to your home.



A house with a large driveway and garage



What Is Your Overall Budget?

One of the first things you need to consider when you’re building an extension is your overall budget, as this will ensure you’re not spending more than you can afford. Although it may seem less time-consuming to think of an overall figure off the top of your head, you need to think about how much each individual item costs in order to get the most accurate figure. This means thinking about the cost of materials, the cost of labour and the cost of any furniture you may need to buy once the structure has been built. The more you’re able to price up, the more accurate your figure is going to be.

For guidance when it comes to setting a budget for home renovations, you can visit this site here.



How Much Space Do You Need?

Another important thing to consider when it comes to building an extension on your house is how much space you need, as this will determine how big your extension is going to be. Ideally, you need to be thinking about whether or not you’re going to be building your extension to be one or two storeys high during this stage. If it’s two storeys, you need to factor that into your budget.

If you’re struggling to think about how much space you need, you may want to consider thinking about what you’re going to be doing with the room once it’s done. This will help you plan out space and how you’re going to use it. 



Do You Have Planning Permission?

When it comes to building an extension on your home, you need to ensure you have planning permission from the government. Although it can take time to get this permission in writing, you will not be able to legally build until you have it. For guidance when it comes to getting planning permission for an extension, you can visit this site here.


Will It Cause A Disturbance To Your Neighbours?

Although this is something you’re not going to have a lot of control over during construction, you need to think about whether or not you will be causing a disturbance to your neighbours. If that’s the case, you may want to consider speaking to them to let them know how long the work if going to be going on for. If you’re feeling extra generous, you may want to take them a peace offering too. Usually, a bottle of wine is enough! 


Is It Safe To Build?

Another important thing to consider when it comes to building an extension on your house is whether or not it is safe to build. Although you won’t be able to determine this on your own, there are lots of professionals that will be able to work this out for you. Whilst it may take some time, having a proper evaluation of the ground that you want to build on is essential when it comes to safety. In most cases, it’s also a legal requirement when it comes to approving your planning permission. 


Where Will You Be Building Your Extension?

Although this may seem like a simple question, you need to think about where you’re going to be building your extension. Whether you’re building towards the back or the side of your house, having a clear idea of where you want to extend is going to be important during the planning stages. If you’re unsure about where the best places to build are, you may also want to consider speaking to a professional to get their opinion. 


Have You Thought About Plumbing And Heating?

As your plans start to come together, you need to think about how easy it is going to be to arrange plumbing and heating in your new space. Although you can install both to absolutely any structure, often there are things that may cause complications. As long as you’re considering these before you start your build, you won’t be in for any nasty surprises. 


Do You Need To Hire Contractors To Help?

Although there are going to be certain parts of the build that you can carry out on your own, chances are you’re going to need to hire contractors to help you. Whether that means hiring a builder to help build the structure or hiring an electrician to wire up your electricity, chances are you’re going to need various different people to help you.

If you’re unsure how many different people you’re going to need to help, it’s definitely worth doing a little bit of research. Not only will it help you when it comes to setting your budget, but it will also show you how much manpower is needed to carry out your build. If you’re looking to save on money, it may also be worth thinking about which parts of the build you can do on your own.


How Will You Be Finding Quotes?

Once you have started thinking about the contractors that you need to hire, you also need to think about how you’re going to be finding your quotes. Whether you’re asking various different people to come out to your home or you’re contacting them online, the more quote you have to look through the better. If it helps, you may want to collect all of your responses in a spreadsheet. 


Where Will You Buy Your Materials?

Another important thing to consider when it comes to building an extension on your house is where you’re going to be buying all of your materials. Although your contractors will be buying a lot of the materials from their stockists, you may find that there are certain things you need to source on your own. When doing so, you need to be sure you’re getting the best possible price. To help, you can visit this site with building products at trade prices


Do You Have A Time Frame?

When it comes to your new build, having an ideal time frame in mind definitely helps. Whether you’re looking to get things finished before the bad weather starts to hit or you’re looking to have it done by the time a special occasion rolls around, a due date will help keep you focussed and motivated when things get tough. Although it may not go as planned, this date will always be at the back of your mind whilst you’re trying to get things finished. For guidance when it comes to completing a home renovation on time, you can visit this site here. 


How Will You Be Finding Decor Inspiration?

Once your extension has been built, you need to think about how you’re going to be decorating it. Whether it’s going to be a sitting room, a kitchen or a new bedroom, you’re going to need to get as much inspiration as you possibly can.

Some great ways to do that include:

  • Following interior and home accounts on Instagram
  • Saving Instagram posts that inspire you
  • Creating a home decor board on Instagram
  • Visiting stores with showrooms and displays
  • Taking a look at common interior trends online
  • Reading interior blogs for inspiration
  • Looking at your friends and families homes
  • Asking people for ideas using online forums

With lots of great places to find inspiration, you should have a great idea of how you want to decorate.



What Furniture Do You Need To Buy?

As you’re looking for inspiration for your new home, you need to think about what furniture you need to buy in order to complete the room. Whether that means buying a new sofa or investing a dining room table and chairs, keeping a list of what you need to buy will definitely help when it comes to purchasing everything.


Do You Have A Contingency Plan?

Finally, you need to be sure you have a contingency plan in place. Although everything is likely to go to plan, having a contingency plan will ensure you’re ready in case of an emergency. After all, you never know what could happen.

With lots of things to consider before you start building your extension, you can be sure you’re as prepared as you can possibly be. What will you be doing first? Did we miss anything off of the list? 


Let me know your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below!!

Mummy Snowy Owl
xx



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