Expanding your home with an extension is more than just a construction project, it’s a journey that can completely change your living space. With a variety of options to choose from and several design decisions to make, you can create the perfect extension for your home.
If you’re in the initial design phase and you’re wondering which type of extension to install, keep reading today. Below we have put together a list of important things to consider to help you make an informed decision about this critical aspect of this exciting project, ensuring your home not only meets your current needs but is also a space that you love for years to come.
Purpose and Space Needs
Start by defining the main function of your extension. Whether it’s accommodating your growing family with a new bedroom, expanding your kitchen for a more open-plan space or creating a private home office, understanding your space needs is crucial. Consider how the extension will impact your daily routine and enhance your living experience. For instance, a spacious kitchen might become the heart of your home and provide a multi-functional living area.
Budget and Costs
Financial planning is key. Some types of extensions cost more than others, influenced by size and complexity. It’s important to set a realistic budget that reflects your intended plans. Alongside setting a budget, it’s important to research potential contractors’ prices to compare rates and get a better idea of realistic costs. Remember to factor in not only construction costs but also finishes and furnishings that make the space truly yours.
Property Layout
Your property’s shape and size will impact the feasibility of different extension types. A rear extension might be perfect for a spacious garden, while a side extension could be more suitable for detached properties. Wrap-around extensions, combining both, offer a transformative option. When assessing your property’s layout, also consider your existing landscaping. The placement of your extension should harmonise with your outdoor space, ensuring a cohesive property.
Planning Permissions and Building Regulations
Navigating legal requirements is a must. Understanding planning permissions early on can save time and hassle, ensuring your project doesn’t face any unexpected hurdles. Familiarising yourself with building regulations is crucial too. Working with a knowledgeable architect or builder early on can provide insight into these, helping to streamline the planning process.
Design Compatibility
The extension you build should be a natural extension of your existing property, both functionally and aesthetically. It’s important to create a design that harmonises with your home’s current architecture and doesn’t look out of place. Consider how it will affect the flow and movement in your home too. The extension should promote a natural flow between rooms and feel like a continuation of your existing home, both inside and out.
Impact on Existing Space
Following on from above, think about how the new extension will interact with your current living areas and outdoor spaces. The goal should be to enhance overall functionality without compromising the charm of existing spaces. Consider how the extension will alter views from your current living areas and potentially change the dynamics of your garden too. It should be a harmonious integration that enhances the overall living experience.
Construction Time and Disruption
Be prepared for the reality of extending your home. It’s not just the financial cost but also the time and disruption to your daily life that you need to consider. A realistic timeline and a solid plan can help minimise the impact. Anticipate construction phases and potential disruptions. Effective communication with your construction team can help manage expectations and ensure the project is completed on time.
Future Flexibility
It can be beneficial to think ahead. How adaptable will the extension be for future needs? A flexible design can accommodate changing family dynamics or lifestyle shifts. Designing for future flexibility means considering how your needs might evolve in the next few years. A good extension can serve multiple purposes over time, increasing the longevity of your home.
Planning an Extension Project
By considering these different factors, you can ensure your house extension not only adds space but also value and functionality to your home. Whether you have decided on a double-storey rear extension or a single-storey side extension, our team at Steve Rolt Home Improvements can help turn your ideas into a reality.
We provide an end-to-end service and can assist you with every aspect of the extension planning and installation process. With our help, this renovation project will be as stress-free as possible and we can assure you that you will be in very good hands. We provide fully bespoke solutions and will ensure your extension is designed with your unique requirements in mind. We look forward to working with you.