Extensions

Building an Extension – What to Consider

With rapidly spiralling house prices forcing more people to stick with their current property for the time being, a number of homeowners are choosing to extend their existing property in order to gain extra space without having to sell up. Although the cost of building an extension can be significant, it is a sure-fire way to add value to your home and will serve those looking to move away in a few years time just as well as those who are setting up for the long haul.

As with any major project, there are a lot of factors that need to be carefully considered before any work on an extension can be undertaken. From initial designs to planning applications, supplies to labour costs, each stage of the process has the potential to cause major disruptions to the project if it is not thought through before hand.

Design and planning

It is important to keep in mind the 'look and feel' of your existing property when designing an extension. Try to match the most prominent features, such as the roof, with those of the existing building and use similar materials where possible to ensure a sense of continuity. It is also a good idea to make sure that any new doors and windows line up with existing fixtures.

Think about the neighbours

During the planning application process, neighbours will be able to air any misgivings regarding your proposed extension, so it is a good idea to ensure that the extension will blend in with the other properties on the street. Getting neighbours involved during the initial stages of design can save a lot of time and money later down the line if they do have any objections or concerns. Even if you are legally entitled to make changes that they oppose, it could be better to compromise than make potentially life-long enemies.