Living with small spaces, especially some areas of the home like the kitchen or bedroom can be quite challenging. A lot of problems are faced every day trying to decide how to make the space better with a good arrangement of household items.
If you’ve been dealing with managing a really small space for a while, it’s time to consider getting a house extension. Although it requires planning and saving, it’s one of the best decisions you’ll make to feel more comfortable in your home.
We talked with experts from igdbuilding.co.uk and in this article, you’ll read about the ways to get an extension on your home.
Ways to get an extension on your house
1. Check the Architectural Style
Checking the architectural style of your house is the first thing to consider when extending your home.
Considering the architectural design will help you work with the existing style without making the new building look odd. Really, it can be odd and this gets everyone asking what inspired the changes.
When considering architectural design, you want to decide whether or not the new buildings will be an integral part of the old. While it may not seem so common to consider the detached houses an extension, some find it fancy enough.
Likewise, you should consider government policies regarding the environment and housing. If it’s a rented apartment, it’s important to inform your landlord before embarking on redesigning the house.
If you’re moving in as a new tenant, it’s best to include this in the list of questions you ask when checking out the apartment.
Likewise, if it’s a conservative environment, the policies of the area should be put into consideration.
This helps you keep in line without tampering with the laws of the environment. If you’re in doubt, check online for the specific regulations.
2. Choose the area to expand in the home
Many extension projects are often done in a particular area of the house. For example, a small kitchen can be extended for more space and the addition of extra features.
Likewise, your bathroom can be extended to become ensuite with new additions and fixtures. So, you need to select the area to expand in the house before moving ahead with other plans.
3. Speak with an expert
The next step to follow is by inviting an expert for their thoughts and counsel on the project before embarking on it.
An expert builder will be in the best position to introduce the perfect designs that’ll match the existing building. Likewise, ask for opinions about how realistic the project will be eventually.
Talking about an expert, a decision can be made whether to hire an architect or to work with a building company.
Whichever suits the project, ensure the right checks are made to avoid working with the wrong hands. Check for the past experiences of their customers, level of expertise, and years of experience amongst others.
4. Work with measurements
One way to get the best extensions is by using the right measurements. You want to consider the height of the existing building to ensure it tallies with the new one. Also, you should think about how wide or big the extension needs to be.
5. Work with a Budget
A project without a budget prepared will only lead you to spend excessively. When speaking with the expert, try to ask for a budget to work with. Here, ensure to get all the materials needed and their worth.
Compare prices with other professionals as well. Working with a fraudulent person may be disastrous, really.
6. Work with a timeline
Once you have the estimates and the money available, design a timeline to work with. This helps you achieve the goals faster without unnecessary dragging.
However, work with a realistic schedule and avoid rushing the professionals you have hired. As much as you’d want to be very quick with the project, a neat and properly-done job should be more important to you.
7. Inform your neighbors ahead
While this may not be considered important, your neighbors have to be aware of the project before getting started. This is because there will be a lot of disturbing noises while the extension project is going on.
And you’ll be infringing their right without informing them about the project beforehand.
Likewise, there will be different visitors (handymen) coming in and out of the apartment. Seeing strangers may make your neighbors raise the alarm and call on the Police. So, avoid this by giving them a heads-up.
8. Apply for a Planning Permit
As you’re informing your neighbors, you need to apply for a planning permit from the government too. It may be quite overwhelming for you to do.
However, putting the hired professional to use in this aspect will lessen the stress for you. A planning permit is very important, especially when the extension may reach the road, cover more than half of the leftover land in your compound, is a balcony or veranda, etc.
In any of these cases, ensure you apply for a planning permit before the extension is done.
9. Consider DIY building
If you’re trying to save some cost, a DIY extension activity can be considered. Before doing this, however, be sure of your level of expertise, especially if it’s a big project, and try getting more skilled individuals on the task.
One crucial thing about this is getting the right tools for the job depending on the type of extension you’re considering. For example, the installation of door liners, plastering, joinery, and decoration are perfect DIY activities you can get into for the extension.
10. Make use of modern materials for the extension
Modern materials are very important when you want to build an extension. Regardless of the house looking vintage, modern materials will add that extra beauty and touch to your house.
Moreover, the materials are easier to source and may be cheaper. Some modern designs for you to consider are liquid screeds, monocouche renders, wall and floor tiles, and roof trusses amongst others.
Bottom Line
With all these explanations above, you can get to work on your extensions immediately. Check for the company or professional before hiring one and get the right experiences when you’re handling the task personally. If you live in the Surrey area in the UK, you can get in touch with IGD Building which is a renovation contractor based out of 339 Chipstead Valley Rd, Coulsdon CR5 3BZ, United Kingdom, give them a call for more information at +44 7706 446161.
