For many homeowners, building a home extension is a big decision both financially and emotionally. Changing your house and perhaps even having to move out for a couple of weeks and stay somewhere else is disruptive and interrupts regular life.
In this post, we look at some of the things you’ll want to consider before building a home extension. Always consider these factors before spending any money or taking the leap on a new project.
The budget and how much it’s going to cost
First thing you’ll want to check is the budget and how much it’s going to cost. You’ll need to factor in things like design and architects you’ll use.
You’ll also want to think about construction materials and labour, the permits and inspections that you need and any utility upgrade that you want to include in the final project.
It’s a good idea to include 10-20% as a contingency fund. Don’t rely on averages alone. Be careful about how much you’re likely to spend depending on the project location, size, and complexity.
Check local regulations and zoning requirements
Depending on where you are, you’ll also want to think about local regulations and zoning requirements. These can vary substantially from one region to the next, so always bear them in mind. Building codes include things like the energy efficiency of the new extension and its fire safety precautions. You also need to think about things like ventilation and drainage and perhaps even the structural integrity of the building.
As for zoning laws, think about things like height limits and lock coverage percentage, also property lines and whether your extension is allowed to come close to the boundary. In some areas, you’ll need planning permission. Always consult with the local authority on what you need, or the builders who are working for you. Sometimes contractors offer comprehensive services that include all of the paperwork for you.
Assess your property’s existing structure
The next step is to assess your property’s existing structure. Sometimes adding an extension is straightforward because all of the foundational work has already been done. But other times, it can become significantly more difficult. For example, you’ll need to think about the soil conditions. Are they suitable for the type of foundations you need?
You also want to think about whether property boundaries and easements are going to be an issue. Sometimes, lower storey extensions can extend to the boundary, but if you are going to include an upper storey extension, that may need additional engineering checks.
Think about how the extension integrates with your existing house. Does the style match and does it make sense for the roofline? All of the materials that you use should work seamlessly with the existing building.
Consider the design and aesthetics
Unfortunately, many extensions look like they’ve just been bolted on. They don’t seem to blend at all with the original properties’ architecture. Because of this, you’ll want to pay special attention to this issue. You don’t want to live in a property that looks like it’s been cobbled together. Not only is it ugly, but it can also lower the value of the real estate.
Also think carefully about how to maximise natural light, views, and the flow of the property. These are the sorts of considerations that are going to affect you every day. If light is coming in from the wrong angle at the wrong time of the day, it can disrupt your circadian rhythm.
Finally, consider the energy efficiency and sustainability of the property. Usually modern contractors will provide glazing and insulation for you, but always double check. Ensure that the specification gives you a way to keep your bills low in the future.
Consider the risk from disruptions
Of course, you’ll also want to think about the risk of disruptions and extensions of your timeline. Whenever you get a house extension, it can lead to restricted access to the area, lots of noise and dust, and people working on your property. Therefore, think about whether you can live in your home during the extension.
If you’re just adding a bedroom with an en-suite, then the answer is usually yes, as long as it doesn’t affect other rooms. But if you’re redoing your kitchen or extending the entire interior of your home to make it more open-plan, you can’t usually live in it. In this case, you’ll need to plan your temporary housing.
Another consideration is how long the build will take. Most extensions require a few weeks, but others can take up to a year. Consider the timeline for the design and permits and how long it’s going to take. Also think about the impact that it might have on your daily life. Do you have kids and pets? If you do, then living at home can be challenging and you may want to move out while work continues.
Hire the right professionals
Hiring the right professionals is another critical consideration when extending your property. You need contractors and architects who really understand the type of extension that you want to make sure that you’re using the right people. Check their past portfolios and get references from previous clients.
Also, ensure that the company is doing everything by the book with the right licenses and insurance. If they aren’t, it could indicate a problem. Many homeowners like to also get multiple quotes from different insurers. This is a good way to ensure that you’re not being price gouged.
Evaluate return on investment
Lastly, you’ll want to think about the return on investment that your extension offers. Does it add value in a way that justifies the cost? Most extensions bring back between 50% and 80% of the original price. If yours is losing more than this in resale value, then it might not be worth it unless there is some direct lifestyle benefit. Sometimes, it can be a better option to simply move to a bigger home instead of spending all the money on the extension. Alternatively, you could renovate existing space at a lower cost to get the types of functional rooms and areas that you need.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
