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EXTEND
Don’t Move
Extend When it comes to our homes, today’s economic climate means that many people are choosing to improve instead of move. To find out more, Nuala Ryan consulted the experts at the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland
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ith people electing to invest in their homes rather than move up the property ladder, extensions are becoming an increasingly popular way to freshen up your existing home or to create your ideal home. For many homeowners, creating a useable space can make a happier, warmer and more comfortable living environment. So where do you begin? According to Eileen Fitzpatrick of Fitzpatrick & Mays Architects (www.fitzpatrickmays.ie), the first thing you need to do is determine what you really need and how you are currently using the space in your existing home. “Check to make sure that you are using the existing space efficiently. If you have a lot of dead space in your house you may not even need to extend and would be better to open up a few rooms so that the dead space is being used and no space is being wasted.” For architect Colin Eaton (www.colineaton.ie), the purpose of the architect is to not only give the client what they asked for, but for what they never even dreamed of. He looks at the
clients brief and tries to understand why they are looking for an extention. “Now that money is tight”, he says, “It is more important than ever for clients to understand why they need an extention. Is it to create more space and, if so, maybe they just need to use their space better or more cleverly?” Often people may not need an extension at all. “One of my recent clients wanted a small extension. They said they never used the kitchen at the back, which was south-facing and instead always ate in the north-facing, front living-room. I proposed that they knock through to the back room and put in a Velux window to allow the afternoon sunlight in. “Another client wanted an extention but all they actually needed was double doors from their living room opening out to a nice part of their garden to give them a physical and visual connection with the garden.” Colin also believes that people can save money by using a clever design from the beginning and by simply placing the extension in the right orientation and using good materials. “I advise people not to put on wide extensions EILEEN’S TOP TIP covering the back of the house because this disrupts the circulation and light of the house. Before you begin, take a Why not put the extention fresh look at your house. at an angle and get the evening sun where you Think about how you live, never got it before?” how you would like to live Eileen concurs. “A lot of and whether there are any people don’t think of the orientation of their home, parts of your house that when does the sun come you don’t use. Look at what up, what rooms do they parts of your house you like use in the evening and what ones are used in the best and least and why. morning. In many cases, Although it is easier said it makes sense to than done, looking at your orientate the kitchen and family room to the home from a fresh areas of the house where perspective will really help there is most light and to you to determine what move the bedroom to an area that doesn’t need work is most suitable for so much of this your house. wonderful light.”
SPRING IDEAL HOME SHOW 16TH – 18TH APRIL 2010 – RDS DUBLIN
COLIN’S TOP TIP One of the most important things to know is the exact orientation of your house. With this information, an architect will know straight away if an extension in a certain area would be appropriate or would it put the rest of the house in shade. Also, don’t expect a quick fix. Architectural work is handmade to your needs so expect it to take time.
The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland will be on hand at this year Spring Ideal Home Show offering free advice to visitors. Why not bring along a photo of your home and take advantage of this great opportunity to speak with the experts and pick up some top tips? FREE appointments are expected to be in high demand so book your place as soon as you arrive at the show. IRISH INDEPENDENT