With the rapid and steady rise in housing prices, many homeowners have decided to invest in their existing property and add an extension to their home. These rooms can add tremendous value to the home and allow the family to enjoy the location where they already have a presence.
Most homeowners agree that an extension is a cost-effective way to gain much-needed space that can be necessary due to change in a family member’s career or size of the family.
IDEAS FOR EXTENSIONS
Family Area Off Kitchen – This is one of the most popular uses of a new extension. As we learn to enjoy cooking, we want larger and more efficient cooking areas. Cooking is even more fun when we include the family in the preparation. Every meal tastes better when prepared in a sociable environment and a new extension that is open to the kitchen is a great way to make every meal a family experience.
More Space for Sociability – Modern families often have different expectations from their homes than the architects and planners did when the property was constructed. Most existing homes were built when the kitchen was a small room and not designed for sociability. The main social areas were toward the front of the home. Today, families gravitate to the kitchen and away from the front of the home. For this reason, we see entertaining areas shift to the back or side of homes and away from the front.
Make Room For Work-At-Home Parent – In today’s economy, many jobs are filled by work-at-home parents. Often extensions are added to make room in the front of the house for the work-at-home adult. These front rooms usually require privacy and high speed internet access. Extensions to the side or back of the home can add privacy to the work setting.
New Master Bedroom – A ground floor extension can also be used to create a first floor bedroom. These can be highly private rooms with large closets and a new, ultra luxurious en-suite. With a view of the gardens, the bedroom can make great use of your home’s surrounding landscape.
Additional Bedrooms – Remember that extensions can go up as well as out. If your family is expanding, you do not have to move. Think of an extension to add sleeping and bathing space. Adding a bedroom and bath can increase the value of the home significantly.
How to Proceed
If you feel an extension is a prudent investment, an organised action plan will be needed. This plan must have certain elements to ensure that the extension complies with local ordinances, does not infringe upon neighbours and meets code requirement.
Planning – You will need a contractor and possibly an architect to make sure you have a viable plan that meets code. The architect can also offer advice about whether you should go up or out. There are advantages to both. Sometimes an architect is not required but the typical architect will stay on top of the project and keep costs from running over. They can also facilitate permitting.
Budget – Once you determine the use of the extension and whether it will go up or out, you will need to set a budget. This is important and may be necessary to present to a lender if you will finance the extension. The budget should include certain expenses that are beyond the actual construction costs, such as permitting, VAT and design fees.
Timing – You will need completion time estimates so that you can set aside time for the actual construction. Many homeowners prefer to start the work toward the end of Autumn and have it completed by Spring. You will need to consult with the builder to plan the construction.
Interview Builders – References from friends who have added extensions are valuable sources of potential contractors. Homeowners should use a general contractor who can coordinate plumbing, electric, roofing and heating contractors or provides the services themselves. Most extensions touch all the construction skills and are simply too big for the most skilled do-it-yourselfer. Choosing the right contractor is one of the most important aspects of building an extension.
Research Materials – If you are investing in an extension, you should be aware of the materials, fixtures, glass, hardwood, carpeting and doors that will be used in the extension. Visit showrooms and meet with material providers to make the best investment. Your concept might be great but it is only as good as the materials and contractor used to complete the job.
BIFOLD DOORS FOR EXTENSIONS
Once you have decided upon your perfect extension, you will want to pick the best doors for the job. Our folding patio doors are perfect for connecting your new extension with your garden, maximising space, convenience and aesthetics.
