ADD AN EXTENSION

How to... ADD AN EXTENSION

Transform your home and gain more space without the stress of moving

esides boosting your home’s

Bfloor space, an extension can pave the way for a reconfigured layout that complements your lifestyle. A cleverlyconceived project also has the potential to increase your home’s value. Here are some key factors to bear in mind…

Is my home suitable? Obviously you need space outside to extend into, but equally you don’t want to eat into too much of the garden. Also, if there’s no external access to the site, and going through the house is a no, forget the idea. Public or shared drains and utilities running under your garden may also cause complications.

Do I need an architect? While it isn’t essential to bring a professional on board, a designer’s vision will help you make the most of the space you have available. Their insight on positioning, structural systems and building materials can make a huge difference. Having an expert involved can also help when construction begins – particularly if you encounter any unforeseen issues.

How much will it cost? Keep a close eye on your budget. Start by allocating a project fund for you or your architect to work with. If you let them know your key goals, they’ll be able to tweak aspects of the scheme to help bring it all in on budget. Set aside between £1,100 and £1,300sq m for small, single-storey schemes or £1,300£1,500sq m for two-storey extensions. It’s a good idea to ring-fence a 10% contingency fund, too. Do also check your existing services can supply a bigger house – a new boiler or fuse board may be required. In older properties, the electrics may need upgrading, too.

Do I need planning permission? While many extension schemes can be achieved under permitted development rights, anything that’s pushing the boundaries in terms of design is likely to require formal consent from your local authority. Likewise, if you live in a conservation area or area of outstanding natural beauty, you will need planning permission to go ahead. Working with an architect or planning consultant can increase your chances of success at this stage. It can also help to find similar extensions on your street, as these can serve as a precedent for your project.

Who should I hire? A full design and build service is the least stressful, but priciest, option. Hiring an architect or architectural technician to design the extension and a good building firm to make it happen will be slightly cheaper. Try to source quotes from at least three contractors – going by word of mouth is often a smart way to find a reliable firm. Be prepared to wait – the best get booked up a year in advance.

How long will it take? Once your contractor is on board, the build can begin. Depending on complexity and size, construction will usually take three to six months. Use this time to source materials and products for the internal fit-out as lead times on items can be significant.

‘PATIO DOORS ARE A GREAT INVESTMENT FOR YOUR HOME AS THEY CAN HELP CREATE A MORE FUNCTIONAL AND VERSATILE SPACE’ BEST FOR…

ADDING VALUE Estate agents often consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms when quoting value, but floor area is also considered. According to uswitch.com, depending on the size and quality of the extension, in the right location £20,000 of building work could add more than £50,000 to the value.

ENHANCING LIGHT Extending will provide the chance to increase the amount of daylight in a house via skylights or roof lanterns, or add patio/bifold doors to create a greater connection with the outside.

GETTING CREATIVE An extension is a great opportunity to put your own stamp on your house. Depending on budget and space, there are a wealth of design possibilities, as well as interesting building materials, including plenty of sustainable options. RIBA (architecture.com) has an online architect-matching service to help you find the right person for your project. Government-run planningportal.co.uk has an excellent extensions mini guide, too.