How do I build a house extension?
First, you need to decide on the type of extension you want to build. You need to choose a build route that suits you, define what your budget is, and how you need your extension to integrate with the rest of your home.
Hiring an architect or professional designer to draw up plans for your scheme, navigate the planning process on your behalf and guide you through the process until the build stage of your project, can take away some of these initial headaches to ensure you are on track to building an extension that works for your needs.
Planning and preparation are key stages to building an extension and will help increase the success of the project. Single-storey, multi-storey and link are all different types of extension.
Designing an extension doesn’t just cover how the extension’s interior will look when completed; it also encompasses details such as the roof’s structure and height; the exterior materials used; door and window construction; and the extension’s footprint.
What are the risks?
Price hikes for materials, caused by the construction material shortage, and labour are occurring across the UK and will affect most bottom lines. Size, shape, and glazing will also impact the cost of building an extension.
Attempting to build any elements of an extension yourself may cause more problems than you solve. Building regulations are required for most extension projects, and as such, short term savings by undertaking the work yourself may result in costing you extra when you need to call in the professionals to rectify issues. This not only messes up your build timeline but can result in significantly increasing the costs.
By taking on a significant building project yourself, like an extension, you could invalidate your existing home insurance policy. Check before you begin. The safest option is using professionals with the appropriate professional insurances in place.
How can I avoid the risks?
You need to consider your house as a whole when designing any extension or alteration. Having an unrealistic schedule and rushing into your planning application can cause delays and problems. Hiring a professional Architectural Designer will ensure all the potential issues are addressed, and they have the experience to ensure that you get the result you want from your project.
Embarking on the build yourself, may seem like the most affordable way to get your extension, but mess up a key element, especially anything relating to structure, and the cost of repairs will likely cancel out any savings you have made. Therefore, unless you’re qualified, it is recommended that you seek advice from a reputable builder.
Develop a project plan to minimize the risks to the build, timeline, and budget. Then outline what you will do should the risk arise. Regularly assess your project and hold regular project meetings with your design team and builders.
What are the common problems that arise during an extension project?
Delays in planning permission.
Poor workmanship.
Disputes with neighbours.
Unrealistic expectations of what you can achieve for your budget.
Time – building projects often take longer than initially expected.
How can I avoid these problems?
Understanding what the necessary regulations are when embarking on any house extension project. It is advisable to seek help from professionals when embarking on getting building regulation approval – this is after you have secured planning approval.
Budget, Budget, Budget!!!! Keep your budget in mind and have a contingency fund!
Communication - Ask your builders questions and make sure that you are aware of what is happening on site and in what order, having a good relationship with your builder is key to a successful project.
Stick to your approved plans and avoid changing them once the project has begun, minor changes may be absorbed through minor amendments to the planning approval, but major changes may involve having to go through the whole planning process again, costing you time and money.
Taking the time to get at least three quotes from builders, ask them to provide a clear breakdown of what is included within their quote and ask for references.
Get a plan of works for your project, this will give you a good guide as to what will be happening on your site during the progression of the project, but please bear in mind that delays do and will happen, so have a contingency for this.
What are some risks associated with building a house extension?
Attempting to build any elements of an extension yourself may cause more problems than you solve, which causes delays and costs to skyrocket.
Not having a project plan.
It is your home, for most people it is a long-term investment, you know how you live, don’t follow trends, or spend more that you can afford to keep up with the “Joneses”.
It is advisable to run your plans past an estate agent, as they are the best people to advise on what an areas ceiling price is. You don’t want to spend £80k building your extension to find it only increases your house value by £25k. If it is your forever home, this doesn’t always matter, but if you are thinking of extending to add value, always check before you commit to the build as it may not be worth the cost.
Instagram and magazines, show images of homes that are immaculate, and although minimalistic living may be your dream, we all have “stuff”, ensure clever storage solutions are integrated into your design.
Don’t underestimate what it is like living on a building site. In an ideal world being able to pack up and move out until the extension is completed would be the dream, but unfortunately, the reality for most people is they must live in their home whilst the building works are ongoing….be prepared for dust, noise and people working in your home. If you work from home or have a young family, it may be worth considering how you will cope with the disruption.
Tips on how to avoid the risks of building a house extension -
Keep an open mind when working with your chosen designer.
Be realistic about timescales, the design process, planning and your builder’s availability, all these things take time.
Use the skills of your chosen designer, making alterations on a drawing is significantly cheaper than changing things as they are getting built.
Do your homework on your builder, ask for recommendations and references.
Work out what you can afford before you start the process, many designers will ask what your budget for the project is, they are not asking to be nosey, they want to ensure that they deliver you a design that you can afford to build.
Choose the right materials, you live in your home, and you want to be happy with the end result.
What will it cost?
The cost of building a house extension depends on the size of the extension and the type of work involved. The basic price of building an extension is £1,400 to £1,750 per square metre. The average cost of a house extension is around £30,000 to £125,000. For a basic single-storey addition that’s fully integrated into the main house, the cost might begin at around £1,400 per m2. But there are always additional costs, heating, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, lighting, flooring, decorating, and furnishings are just some examples of costs that are on top of the build.
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