House extensions have quickly become a popular way to add living space to a home that you already love. From expanding your kitchen with a single storey extension to building a full two-storey extension to give you extra bedrooms for your growing family. House extensions can come in may different sizes and shapes but when it comes to the build, the expense and disruption that can be involved means it is important to get it right and get the most out of not only the build but the experience. With this in mind, we have put together a number of questions we believe you should consider at the very start of the project before it can cause issues further down the road!
How much value will my extension add?
This may seem like an odd question to ask as your intention for this project is to allow you to stay in your home for a long period of time and not cause you to move. However for an extension to make economic sense, you need to be adding value to your home in case one day down the line you decide to move. It can be difficult to assess, but we suggest finding similar properties local to your own and see how much they have sold for.
We have found that adding a single storey extension such as a sunroom can add between 5-7% to your home value whereas adding an additional bedroom with an ensuite can add anything above 15%.
What building regulations apply to extensions?
Although some extensions can be built under permitted development rights, work must receive building regulations approval. This may include the following:
- Structural integrity
- Fire safety
- Damp proofing
- Energy efficiency
- Any other key aspects to ensure the building is completely safe.
Who should design my extension?
When designing your extension and overall changes to your property it is important to get the right person in as their job is to help bring your dream to a reality will also ensure everything can be achieved and is above board in order for you to receive building permission.
We have worked with a number of amazing architects over the years. Check out our brochure to get in touch with them.
Will my extension be impacted by a new sewer?
It is important to discover where the main sewage pipes run around your property. If your house extension is going to be built over or in the area of a sewer you will need to contact your water board before beginning work as it may impact the project going ahead.
The result may be tricky and costly which may mean reconsidering what your end result will look like.
Should I live on site during the extension?
Many of our clients still live in their homes while building work is going ahead but moving temporarily may be something to consider as building work can be difficult to live your normal life around. Depending on what you are having done you may be able to close the door and live happily in another area of your home but aside from all the dust, mess and noise it may slow down the progress of your work as builders attempt to work around your life.
Will restricted access impact my build?
When contacting builders such as ourselves to carry out the work it is important to mention the access to the property. This is including street access as well as access to the home itself. Is there space for skips? Are you a terrace home with no access to the back garden? Is there street parking for vans and deliveries?
It is information like this which is important to note at the start of the project as it could cause many issues and setbacks once work has begun. You may need to make arrangements with your neighbours to temporarily remove fence panels or use their land for a short period of time.
How much should I have in place for a contingency budget?
We know the fright that clients can have when they see the costing on quotes for large projects such as extensions so when they realise they should have a contingency budget in place it can be even more difficult.
We recommend a contingency budget of somewhere between 10-20%. This will cover any unexpected costs. You may not run into issues until the project has begun. This may be within an existing part of the property and need attention before continuing. It also ensures that money is not taken from somewhere else on the project such as design at the end which can be just as important as the build itself.
We are here to help
Unfortunately we cant guarantee that problems won’t arise during the building process but if you get answers to these questions and get on top of it all before it begins, it can be a much smoother process. Sawmill Contracts are here to help no matter what stage of the planning process you are at. If you have any questions or queries regarding the project you are considering, get in touch with Jade today.
