10 Things to Know Before You Start your House Extension in London

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Extensions are a great way to transform your house and change its outlook. Extensions can include conversion of your loft to an extension in your living room’s size. It is true that the idea of extending your home sounds pleasing to the ears, however, there is an immense amount of responsibilities that come along and you need to be well aware of all of them to make your plans a success. Time, energy, and financial budget should be considered well in advance before getting started with anything.

In such a case of query, our company, House Extension London which happens to be 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, considers it as its duty to make the customers aware of the important facts that are supposed to be kept in mind regarding house extensions and its proceedings.

The ten basic points to be kept in mind while planning to extend your house -

1) DOING YOUR HOMEWORK AND CHOOSING THE RIGHT SERVICES

Researching is a necessity here. Choosing suitable services that provide you with an affordable price for renovating your house and possess the appropriate skills of getting the work done should be your top priority. The contractor and its team should be a loyal one that can be relied upon in case of a change in plan, even at a moment’s notice. Since your ideas and preferred designs matter a lot, the services should excel in formulating a complete and satisfactory plan.

HOUSE EXTENSION LONDON is known to present to you all the stated benefits. Discovering, defining the concept, pre-project analyzation and Project implementation is our process of working. Our contractors will leave no scope of complaints from your end - be it completing the paperwork or giving a finishing touch to your house. We keep everything under control!

2) BE AWARE OF THE TIMELINE OF COMPLETION

There is no such specific timeline that guarantees the completion of the project because of various factors, however, a lump-sum figure can be 7-15 months. Allotment of time can take place as follows -

2-4 weeks for preparation

2-5 weeks for designing

8-10 weeks of planning

1-3 years for the party wall agreement (DEPENDS)

7-8 months for technical designing, tender processing, and finally building

3) STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR BUDGET

Your dreams about designing and altering your home must be obstructed by your financial budget in the bank account.  Taking into consideration all the taxes that are implied at various factors, getting professional help, building materials, builders, building control fees, etc  - before planning. Don’t forget the VAT that follows as well.

4) GET ALL THE REQUIRED PERMISSIONS

There are a few restrictions that may be halted without seeking proper permission.  Referring to the ‘Local council’s website, or to the ‘permitted development rights’ system can be helpful.

5) PLANNING WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURS

Having neighbors’ consent in the entire process is a must. Therefore, communicate with your neighbors calmly and explain all the facts and the intentions about your plans of house extensions to get the planning application pass. If they have objections, they’ll have to raise a material planning objection and submit it to the local authorities.

6) EXPLORING ABOUT THE DESIGNING STYLE

To explore and assemble some great ideas about the designing of your house, refer to websites like - Google images, Pinterest, and Houzz. You may share your preferred pictures with the architect to give him an idea.

7) GETTING ALL THE INSURANCE WORK DONE 

Getting done with the insurance work right from the very beginning gives a huge relief. Get in touch with your existing home insurance agent and notify him about your plans. It will protect you against all the accidental accidents and the mishaps that might occur to the people on-sight.

8) KEEP IN MIND THE CONDITIONS OF THE SURROUNDINGS OF YOUR HOUSE

Before going ahead with the construction work, check for issues like soil erosion, surrounding trees, history of natural disasters that might be a setback, and all such concerning factors.

9) COPE UP WITH YOUR MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE ENTIRE PROCESS

It is common for things to go wrong during the process, keeping your cool at times like these is important. Being patient, not keeping communication gaps with the builders, and figuring out the solutions to flaws with a smile should be your chief priorities.

10) FINALLY - GET YOUR BUILDING CERTIFICATES!

At the end of the entire construction when you are good to go,  make sure you ask your contractor for all the necessary certifications that are legally required. For instance, building a control certificate, gas certificate, and electrical certificate.


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