Building a home extension can be an excellent way to improve the enjoyment of your property. It can also add value if you are considering moving in the future. There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding how to extend your home. You will need to think about its impact on your family, your budget, your neighbours and the local environment, and much more.
It is best to come up with a comprehensive plan first. Select the right designer to help you bring your vision to life and improve the chances of gaining planning permission. This article will explore some of the essential things you need to consider for your new home extension.
Decide Who Will Design Your Extension
An important first step is to decide who will design your extension. It is often best to find a qualified and experienced architect to work with. They will have the know-how and experience to ensure your extension is well designed and incorporates all of the elements you need for it. Do some research to find an experienced local architect and ask friends and family for recommendations.
Ensure You Include Plenty Of Natural Light
Natural light is an essential consideration for any construction project. If you don’t consider the natural light early, you may be left with an extension that requires additional lighting or that is constantly dimly lit. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it is best to know what you want from the natural light before going ahead. A skylight can be an excellent option for an extension in an area that doesn’t get a lot of natural light. You could also consider floor to ceiling windows.
Consider Its Impact On Your Neighbours
While you may not necessarily need your neighbours’ permission before building an extension, it is often best to ensure that they are okay with the changes you plan to make. This can help foster good relations with your neighbours.
Consider which of your neighbours may be affected by the extension, whether it’s by it blocking their light or obstructing their view. Take the time to talk to them about your plans and see if they have any issues. Where possible, take their feedback into account.
Research Sustainable Materials
Building a sustainable home is an excellent way to future-proof your property, cut down on energy bills and do your part for the environment. You should ensure that your extension and home is adequately insulated using sustainable, high-quality insulation. This should be installed in areas such as the loft, wall cavities and floors.
Find Out If You Have Bats Present
The UK is home to 17 species of bats, and each is protected by the law. This means that before you carry out any extensive work on your property, you need to have a bat survey carried out. A survey will inform you about the level, if any, of bat presence in your property (typically in a loft or outbuildings) and will let you know what you need to do to mitigate the impact on the bats if they are present. You should choose a reliable company to carry out the work, such as the bat surveyors at Arbtech, who are industry leaders in ecological & arboricultural consulting.
Factor In The Appearance Of Your Property
It is a good idea to consider the appearance of your property after the extension. While the functionality of the extension is often the priority, it is also important to keep the exterior of your home looking good. This can be beneficial in many ways, including keeping your neighbours happy, improving your chances of gaining planning permission and kerb appeal if you decide to sell in the future.
Look Into New Boilers
If you are planning a large extension, it can be beneficial to determine whether your current boiler is up the task of heating and providing hot water to a larger home. If your boiler doesn’t have the capacity to power new radiators, showers or hot water tanks, then it may be time to start looking into new boilers.
Be Prepared For Disruption
Unsurprisingly, a large home extension can cause major disruption to your home life. It is essential to be prepared for this disruption and mitigate it in any way possible. For instance, if your kitchen is being remodelled, it may help to consider how you will make meals throughout the building work. You could set up a mini-kitchen somewhere else in your home where you can plug in the fridge, microwave and a slow cooker or portable induction hob.
If your extension will cause significant disruption, it may help to find somewhere else to stay for the duration. You could ask friends and family locally if they would be willing to let you stay. For a family, this could be more of a challenge. You might consider getting a short term let for the duration that the works are ongoing, which will allow you and your family a normal life until works are completed.
Build Something That Adds Value
Regardless of whether you plan to move in the near future or have no plans for a change, it is best to ensure that your extension adds value to your property. It is impossible to know what the future will bring, and ensuring that your extension provides value for money, in the long run, is crucial.
Locate Manholes On Or Near Your Property
You will need to consider the impact on the sewer systems that your extension may cause. If it is being built over a sewer, you may need permission from your local water authority before work can commence. You should identify if any manholes are present on your property, as relocating these for an extension can be costly.
Think About Your Future
When designing an extension, it is a good idea to consider your future in the home. For instance, if you plan to have a large family, you could build an extension with additional bedrooms to accommodate a growing family. If you are nearing retirement, you could consider adding a downstairs bathroom and bedroom so that you can continue to live in your home even if you find yourself facing mobility issues later on.