We all dream of having a bigger house but what if it’s just too expensive? Well, you could think about getting a home extension.
It sounds like a daunting thought, all that mess and the cost might make you put the thought to the back of your mind completely. But a home extension would not only let you keep your existing home but it would also increase its value by a significant amount. If that’s brought you back around, read on a bit further.
How much?
Well, I suppose that depends on how big an extension you are thinking of having, but to put things into perspective, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors say that for every square metre of a plastered finish extension, it’s likely to cost in the region of £1200 and £1700. This doesn’t include a kitchen installation or flooring. Don’t forget that you’ll need to consider added costs such as the hire of skip bins sydney and other unforeseen expenses.
Planning permission
Many people question whether you need planning permission to get a home extension. It’s not likely because it is considered permitted development. This is a development that doesn’t need planning permission so long as it meets certain conditions. This includes the materials used for the exterior must look similar to those of the rest of the property. A side extension’s width shouldn’t exceed half the width of the original building. And any side extensions must be a single storey.
Building Regulations approval
You might not need planning permission but you will need to get building regulations approval. This ensures that the extension’s foundations, flooring, roof, drainage and electrics are all sound. To get this approval You’ll need to check that your plans adhere to The Party Wall Act 1996 and pass them to your local council’s building control team to be given the go-ahead. You’ll also need to put together a construction phase safety plan in accordance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
The right builder
You might want to take this kind of work on yourself or you might want to employ someone to do it for you. However, you will sometimes need a specialist, for elements like exterior cladding installation and proper guttering that come within your project scope. This is where research is needed. Make sure you check out their previous work and ask for customer testimonials and also ensure that you have a good rapport with them because your relationship with them could last a while. When it comes to sourcing materials, don’t be afraid to shop around for yourself if you want to make sure you’re not being overcharged. From flooring to a reasonably priced domestic concrete supplier, it’s your money, so make sure you’re happy.
Keep a close eye on the costs of the project
Watch the money. It can be easy to get carried away when carrying out a home extension. Like anything that costs a lot of money, make a budget and try and stick to it. Also, add an allowance for unplanned events and circumstances so that you are not caught short.
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