With the ongoing housing crisis taking a cold hold this Winter, more homeowners than ever before are choosing to stay put. Rather than selling or leasing and moving onto a larger property, homeowners are extending in order to gain more space.
While extensions can be an expensive investment initially, the value they can add to your home can be significant in the long run. However it’s important to consider a few factors that must be addressed before you lay the first foundation on your extension project.
Arridge Garage Doors, a leading garage door specialist, is here to advise on what to look out for when it’s time to design your dream extension. Here’s how to make the process as smooth a possible…
1.The look and feel and its effect
It doesn’t matter if you’re adding another floor, a garage or a conservatory your design is hugely important. Neighbours, the council and the wider community, might take issue with your extension if it’s a huge “eye saw” that doesn’t fit aesthetically with the surrounding area. Ensure your extension blends in with your current building. Use similar materials such as the style of brick and roofing tiles if applicable. Try to line up new windows, doors and other existing features with your new features too. It’s important to get the design right and keep your neighbours happy early on in the process – it will save time in the long run.
2.Permission and planning
Most extensions will have to be approved by the local council before any work can begin. The Local Planning Authority will want to ensure your proposed extension doesn’t effect the area in a negative way. They will focus on environmental considerations, appearance and road access among other factors. Essentially, planning permission will be required in any circumstance, where the size of your property is due to increase considerably, both in terms of the roof height and building volume.
After you submit your plans, the planning authority will set up a consultation and make your neighbours aware of the plans. A committee will also look at your plans and measure them against their criteria. The whole planning process can take up to eight weeks and you will have the option to appeal and make amendments, should the plans be rejected.
3.Meeting building regulations
In most circumstances, you will need to gain planning approval and comply with government building regulations too. Building regulations are a hugely important part of any extension, to determine if your new building meets design regulations and health and safety standards. Surveyors will examine your design plans, again ensuring they meet set criteria, before approving your extension. Your builders are also legally required to notify the council when they begin building and throughout the process too, so make sure they are doing this. When your extension is complete, a final inspection will be made and you will receive certification of approval.
4. The all-important budget
While an extension is an exciting addition to your home, it is also has the potential to be very expensive. However, there are a few steps you can take to help minimise the costs from the outset. Try not to be over ambitious with your project; think what you want to achieve and stick to it throughout. While you will have a set budget too, additional costs can and invariably do come up, so be sure to have additional funds set aside if you can. Want to cut down on labour costs? Try and do as much of the work yourself or ask family or friends who might be able to offer cheaper rates.
Remember, after your extension is complete, you will still want to decorate and add furniture too, so be sure to address this in your budget. There’s also costs associated with gaining planning permission, so do your research on these costs before you begin.
Much more than just a home accessory
Choosing to extend is a significant project. While you may be adding extra value to your home and creating more space for a growing family or your own leisure, it’s important to remember this is a large and potentially lengthy project. Extensions can have a huge effect on your finances and your neighbours while the council and local government must be consulted too. Being honest and realistic with your expectations from the start, as well as being flexible throughout the project, will help you avoid any unwanted financial and design headaches.
