An extension can completely redefine your home, offering extra space, improved comfort, and the flexibility to suit your needs. It turns a simple house into the home you’ve always envisioned. From a financial perspective, it’s also a smart move, adding significant value to your property while providing a more stable alternative to investments like stocks or cash savings, particularly during uncertain economic times.

Expanding your home is a major project that will affect everyone living there. What key considerations should you weigh before deciding to move forward with this significant undertaking?

Selecting the Ideal Contractor

When selecting a contractor to build your house extension, it’s a good idea to gather and compare multiple quotations unless you already have a preferred choice. Unlike estimates, quotations provide a fixed price rather than an approximate figure.

Once the designs are finalized and any necessary permissions are secured, your architect will typically invite builders to bid on the project. This process involves sharing a brief and requesting detailed quotes to complete the work.

Since each submission may differ, evaluate not just the price but also the details of their proposal. Review the submissions carefully with your architect, and select the builder you feel is the best fit for your project.

Garage or Loft Conversion

Before considering a home extension, explore how you can utilize unused spaces in your home. Lofts and garages are the main culprits, typically serving as storage for items you rarely use. Converting these areas into livable spaces can provide the same benefits as an extension, often at a lower cost. Additionally, these conversions often qualify as permitted development, meaning you might not need planning permission. With a Columbus ODC company, you can transform a cluttered garage into a functional living space.

Do Not Overlook a Building Survey

When extending your home, starting with a proper survey is essential. A measured survey provides a detailed map of the project, capturing all measurements and dimensions with precision. This forms the foundation for architectural drawings, which detail the project’s design while considering factors such as building regulations.

An inaccurate or missing survey can lead to errors, incorrect measurements, and delays during the process. These issues may result in unnecessary costs and wasted time further down the line.

Prepare for Life On-site

Over time, a home extension or renovation can bring your dream home to life while providing much-needed additional space. However, the process often comes with temporary discomforts that should be anticipated.

The scale of the project may transform parts of the house into a construction zone for weeks or even months. A kitchen upgrade, for instance, might mean managing with limited amenities during the work. Similarly, an extension could temporarily leave the backyard in less-than-ideal condition, potentially turning it into a muddy, unusable space.

Preparing the family for these disruptions and focusing on the long-term benefits can help manage expectations. Practical steps, such as removing fragile items from affected areas and sealing off adjoining spaces, can minimize inconvenience.

It may be wise to consider backup plans for unexpected delays caused by material shortages or adverse weather. Staying with relatives or friends for a short period could serve as a viable solution during extended disruptions. Keeping the long-term vision in mind helps to see beyond these temporary challenges, making way for a transformed and more functional home.

Consider the Value of Your Home

A thoughtfully designed home addition can significantly boost your property’s resale value. If this isn’t your forever home, it’s worth exploring ways to enhance its value with your next extension. Plus, any renovation or custom build gives you the chance to adapt your home’s floor plan to better suit your family’s needs.

Avoid design choices that might reduce your home’s value, like layouts that disrupt flow or create cramped spaces. Instead, focus on improvements that enhance comfort and functionality, for example, better temperature control or optimized lighting. Choosing premium fittings and finishes will not only improve your living experience but also ensure your investment pays off when it’s time to sell.

Additional Costs

Setting aside a contingency fund of around 10% to 20% of your total budget is a smart approach, as unexpected expenses often emerge during construction. These might include adding new features or making specification changes mid-project.

Additionally, when calculating the cost of your expansion, remember to factor in fees for professionals like structural engineers, architects, and surveyors. Beyond these services, there are costs for party wall agreements, building code approvals, and essential permits that will need to be included in your budget.

Endnote

While extending your home involves many considerations, it’s worth keeping in mind that it can boost your property’s value. More significantly, the added space will enhance your living environment and elevate your quality of life.