Home extension is a common practice and is an economic way of creating some new space. It is not ideal to move into a new location just to get that one extra room and this moving would involve packing and shifting a lot of stuff and the cost of moving is also involved. The best alternative would be to get a home extension and these home extensions are a great investment.
There are companies that can help you with the extension you need and they will carry out all the required tasks. You have to be very careful while choosing the company because the quality and the type of services will depend on the company.
Getting help with planning -
You can hire a professional builder or an architect to get a home extension and they can help you with everything related to it. You should start with the basics and get a proper plan and design ready on where you want the extension to be in place and what kind of extension you want. If you think that the planner will do everything and follow his plans you might not be satisfied with the end result as it is not your vision and plans to get the extension in place in a particular way.
Even if you are getting help from a professional architect/ planner or doing the extension by yourself there are some basic mistakes that you might commit. We mentioned 5 of those mistakes that you can avoid while planning a home extension.
5 Mistakes To Avoid When Planning A Home Extension
1. Ignoring the design of the exterior -
You might think that the extension is going to happen indoors and space is created inside the house so there might be not excessive planning for the exteriors. No. This is wrong because most of the owners focus on the interiors and ignoring the exterior creates a weird look and trying to cover it up can also be a difficult task.
Working on both interior and exterior is suggested to create a perfect theme and make sure that nothing seems out of space. If the exterior is ignored the extended space looks like it has been lifted from somewhere and attached inside the house. Meet your architect and make plans about the interior and the exterior before starting the extension.
2. Failing to Consider Natural Light -
You might completely forget about windows and making provisions for natural light and this can become a problem. The extended space can be at an angle where it can be covered by shadows and having a dark and shadow covered space doesn't look natural. You would have to cover it up with some lights. Having lighting only in the extended space will also make it look out of place.
It is important to make provisions for adding natural light and adding windows can completely change the look of the room. You can also consider bifold doors, skylights and the positions of your new windows, and how many you will add in your new extension
3. Insufficient Electrical Power Sockets -
Having a limited number of power sockets is a huge problem and many planners and designers realize the requirement of these power sockets at the very end of the extension. Once the extension reaches the final stages, it becomes really complicated to add these power sockets.
It is better to plan out the requirement of power sockets as early as possible. You can make a list of all the appliances you will be using in the extended space and you should also write down the number of power sockets required. Plugging all the appliances into one socket using an extension is also harmful as it can lead to a short circuit.
Once you know the number of sockets required try to map put the use of these appliances and where you will be needing them. You will have to sit down with your planner and explain all the details. You should also work on procuring the required sockets and wires at the least possible price.
4. Insufficient Electrical Lighting -
The builder and construction laborers try to quote a high price at the beginning and then try to make a profit by minimizing the light sockets and reducing the number of circuits that are to be created. Most owners and supervisors don't recognize this and never bother to question them about the same but once the extension is done, the adverse effects of this can be seen.
It is hard to add the circuits after the extension is done because the walls are already plastered and everything is already painted. Adding these circuits will seem like a huge task
5. Neglecting The Kitchen Layout -
You might think that you can select the layout of the kitchen and the builder can get it right. No. The builder's get the plan's and the layout wrong all the time and it is really hard to get the plan's implemented as you want.
The plans might seem simple but implementing the colors and everything doesn't always go right. You should always consider the practicality of the idea and the kitchen layout should be carefully designed and tailored to you and how you will use that space.
The planner can suggest some plans and they might look attractive but all of them cannot be implemented and they might not work for you.
Conclusion -
Home extensions are a huge investment and getting them wrong can be a problem. You should consider checking all the facts and plan everything before implementing them. This will help you in getting the extension just as you planned. The planner might even suggest that you get an indoor swimming pool just just to make sure that you hire their swimming pool builders but you have to be firm on your decisions and add only those additions that you need. Even if you consider getting something that you didn't plan for, you should make sure you hire the experts from that field.
If you think that your project is simple and straightforward, and you've found that you don't require planning permission, you might have this question: do I need an architect at all? Is it illegal to do an enlargement work without an architect involved? This is a prevalent dilemma for homeowners, mostly for those who are doing modest kitchen extensions or interior alteration work on a budget. The simple answer is NO!! HOWEVER, we definitely wouldn't recommend skipping the design/drawing phase of the project altogether. House extension London professionals, can help you to find the best solution for your brief; advice on budget and where to save; guide you through planning, building regs, freeholder consent and in many other aspects.
Benefits you can get by having an architect by your side is -
Interested? Here are our facts for getting an architect on your extension team
As a professional House extension, London architects can shape your entire home journey. If you're new to home conversion or extension work, a professional can help you to achieve the desired results. House extension is a complicated thing to take on. And you get involved in juggling multiple professionals, complex planning rules, budgets, getting the space to look beautiful. This is where an architect steps in.
House extension London has worked for multiple projects and has seen several house type, extension, conversion, also have dealt with fussy planning officers, and cooled down annoyed neighbours, and have seen many more. We pass our all gained experience with our clients, let them know about the expected price, designing approach and all necessary things. Explaining all these little things makes everything more manageable for any first-time extender.
Architecture is all about design planning. An architect prepares drawings, and shapes and ensures with pretty much guaranteed to end up with a better result. No matter how much we artistically inclined, most possibly will miss the small details that turn a good extension into a WOW one. Architects acknowledge everything from the bottom, including maximizing space, natural lighting, an impact which it will have on your neighbours. These elements create a truly great space.
Great design also adds value to your home, apart from just being appreciated by your family. Extending home is a great investment, and by achieving the best possible result, you can increase chances of reaping a profit when it comes to selling.
Planning doesn't just come in one form. Three routes you may go down -
As each permission is best suited to different projects, such as home types, and areas in the UK, the architect can help you to decide which one is right for you. Even if you are opting against planning permission; you'll still need approval from either your local authority or neighbours. House extension London architects know all ins and outs of each of the projects you're using and will ensure your application has the best chance of first-time approval.
It does not only save you time and money by avoiding reapplications but also intends you won't fall foul of breaking any UK planning laws.
Checklist before appointing any architect
With an architect (ARB) or Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT), you can be assured about high levels of experience and training to undertake the full range of architectural services.
Difference House extension London create
If you are looking to go above and beyond your traditional practice, House extension London has taken all the advantages of your regular architect and received all that good stuff into overdrive.
Cherries we put on top of our service -
Get in touch to know how we can help you in your project.
If your budget is not large enough for buying a huge house, there is nothing to worry about! As long as you are adding maximum value to your budget and increasing it by around 20% by adding extensions, you are on the correct trail and can beat some of the highly-priced mansion!
No matter how small it is, every extension can make a big impact and boost up the overall space of your house. From adding a box window to creating space by adding a porch - each alteration can add up extra space.
Our company - HOUSE EXTENSION LONDON - serving the people of London, specializes in this very field. We aim to implement the ideas and creativity of both - our team of house experts and obviously, the owner of the house aka YOU!. We follow the simple steps of DISCOVERING, EXPLAINING THE CONCEPT, WORKING ON THE PRE-PROJECT, and then DELIVERING to you a brand new house with a ‘wow-factor’ in it!
Before getting into the details of the steps that can help you to maximize the space of your house, the budget for doing the same should be kept in mind as well. The answers to all your queries are mentioned below.
COST OF HOUSE EXTENSIONS -
The cost of each extension differs from house to house depending upon its size, location, structure, design, the owner’s ideas, and other factors like these. However, the default price that can be kept in mind by you can be £900 to £3,000 per m².
Sometimes, single-story building’s extensions might cost you more than a double-story building’s extension. Similarly, prices for various forms of extensions life, the addition of a new kitchen or bathroom, loft conversion, garage building, and getting a double story altogether can alter the overall cost for you. Therefore, having clear decisions in mind along with assistance from your house extension manager can help in this case.
HOUSE EXTENSION LONDON provides you with highly experienced and qualified project managers who work to explain to you the entire layout according to your plans to get your dream house, and that too at a very affordable and reasonable price! Take a look at some of the ways that we recommend you to consider while deliberating upon the decision of getting a house extension.
15 WAYS TO MAXIMISE THE SPACE AND VALUE OF YOUR HOUSE
If the living room can't extend enough to give rise to another because of a limitation on its width, one solution can be to enlarge it through extension. Doing this can make your living room more spacious and wider than usual. However, if there is a possibility of introducing a small new room, it can be done as well and then used as a utility room or a storeroom.
A covered path that can connect your home with an outside building, such as a garage, looks very elegant. A Glazed covering can look magnificent and can serve as a solution to connect two buildings where a direct connection might seem unusual.
Box dormers can work as a solution to deal with a loft that your house might be having that you are dissatisfied with. It helps in creating more full-height space. It can work as a loft bathroom or headroom for adding stairs.
Porches can provide both beauty and space to your entrance. Enclosed porches can help in buffering the elements of your house. Similarly, a small hallway connecting the entrance to the living room is also an option.
A window can be cantilevered on an existing structure to enhance the elegance of your house. Another benefit that can be derived out of it is the delivery of extra light in the room which can enrich its spaciousness.
In most houses, there is small outdoor space provided at the side of the house known as the side-return. Building a small extension and covering up this space can be a great trick to increase the size of the attached room, say the kitchen or the dining room.
Conservatories are very beneficial to build without any building regulation consent. This can give you a new living room if you are ready to invest in it.
Orangeries are somewhat like conservatories. However, it is better insulated, and it is easier to control the temperature of it.
A traditional option, Oak frame extensions are single-roomed structures with vaulted rooftops that can be built beside your house if there is open space provided.
It can play a huge role in transforming your entire house. An additional small house can add on to space for your kitchen or the dining room. It can also serve the purpose of being a utility room, a cloakroom, a laundry room, or even give you room for doing Yoga!
To enhance the visual features of your house, a box window may come handy. These glazed structures add on to the beauty of your house by maximizing the entrance of sunlight protruding out of the wall, appearing to be floating!
With a lightwell extension, the dark basement can get flooded with light and appear to be spacious and lighter! It can be a cherry on the top of the cake if the staircase from the basement opens up at a sunlight-struck courtyard.
A long length of glass or a series of roof lights can help immensely in the exaggeration of your extensions. Choosing the type of glass while doing so is also important because the entrance of light depends upon the width of it - whether the glass is slim or of an invisible frame.
With the permission of your real estate agent, if turning your garage into a new living space doesn’t damage the worth of the property - Go for it! This conversion might as well be profitable for you in terms of space and in some cases, during the sale of your house.
Another way of improving the looks of your house and ensuring the maximum reach of light is it is by building glazed extensions. You might need permission for doing so as these extensions are governed by building regulations.
If you wish to make your house more spacious and add to its value by building house extensions, the idea indeed can be a wise and beneficial one. Extensions can transform your house in a whole new way by changing its outlook. However, along with a great idea comes great responsibilities. It is important to know that with the enthusiasm that you might have to design and implement your house extension plans, patience, knowledge, an immense amount of research is required to get your desired result.
Whether you decide to go for a loft conversion or a kitchen extension, being aware of the ‘do’s and dont’s’ of the process can help you save your time, energy, and a good amount of budget!
House Extension London is a leading house extension company that specializes in adding value to your house in terms of space and money by providing you with house extension services. We consider it one of our duties to make you aware of all the important facts that must be kept in mind regarding house extensions to help you make the most out of your decision!
So here are five important pointers that you should take note of -
It is a must to choose the most suitable contractor who provides you with an affordable price for renovating your house and possesses the appropriate skills of getting the work done. A builder and its services matter a lot in terms of formulating a complete plan that goes according to your ideas and preferred style. The services should consist of a loyal team ready that can be relied upon in case of a change in plan, even at a moment’s notice.
Agreement on the terms and conditions and planning a proper strategy with your contractor for your house is the next thing that follows. For instance, fixing an estimated cost, clearing out on the specifications and details of the house, getting the paperwork done with the authorities, ensuring proper design style and sustainability, etc.
Our company guarantees you the benefits of all the listed points. Our project managers work on the pillars of trust and smooth communication with the client. We give your ideas utmost priority and assist you in shaping it properly and executing it. Discovering, defining the concept, pre-project analyzation and Project implementation is our process of working.
Make sure you don’t fantasize about bringing alterations to your house that do not go hand in hand with your budget! If you yourself are clear about your needs and accordingly the price with the builder beforehand, she/he will help to make the most out of it. Consider all the fees required for getting professional help, building materials, builders, building control fees, and the VAT that follows. Having creative plans is one thing, but being realistic and honest with yourself is what will cause you zero worries.
Remember to keep communicating with your service providers regarding the costs mounting up and always and be upfront and clear with them since the very beginning because if the project turns out to be costlier than expected, the blame will lie on you only.
Although there is no specific timeline for the house extension project to get completed because of various factors such as size and design of the house, the scope of the project, and various other unpredictable reasons; the average time might range between 7-15 months (can be more or less).
The rough idea for the entire process can be as follows -
The right renovation insurance will help you to get your mind at ease at the beginning itself and will keep you light-headed during the entire house making process. Get in touch with your existing home insurance agent and notify him about your plans. It will ensure your safety against the accidental accidents and the mishaps that might occur to the people on-sight.
In some cases, your home insurance agency fails to cover you up while the project is being undertaken. The structural work can be excluded leaving you with the materials on-site and liability exposure. There, consider arranging a new insurance policy for the extensions so that there is no scope for trouble.
There is a huge impact on your behavior and mental attitude during the entire construction project. It is not rare for things to go wrong from time to time during the process. Therefore, act as a problem-solver, and instead of fretting upon the mistakes try communicating with the services and the team involved to reach a conclusion.
As a matter of fact, you yourself can become a project manager for your construction plan if you are unsatisfied with the results and consider yourself to be patient, organized, and motivated enough to excel at this responsibility. Remember, there is a solution to every problem and if you think about it with a smile, you will definitely figure things out.
Home extension business is no less than a roller coaster ride and the decision of being involved in it brings huge responsibilities. Therefore, it is also necessary to work with a companion and share some of your stress with him/her. We are your perfect companion who can help you implement your ideas just the way you want! We believe that what actually makes a good building contractor are qualities like - vision, optimism, innovation, smooth communication, flexibility, and empathy.
NEVER FORGET - You are only one decision away from making wise choices!
Looking for a House Extension? Contact our team today on 01895 762986, email us on info@houseextensionlondon.com or fill in this form. We promise to reply back quickly and arrange a convenient time to view your house and provide a quote.
