Extending your home can be a great way to give yourself some extra space without having to move!
Many people choose to extend their homes to add value to the property or to provide extra space so that an older family member can move in with them.
Whatever your reason for getting an extension, there are a few things to consider before getting started.
They don’t always add value
Much of the time, extensions will add value to your property. They add value because they create extra space, and people will usually pay more for that.
However, it’s important to seek the advice of an estate agent if your sole goal is to add value to your property. Properties have what is known as a ceiling price, which is the value that the property won’t exceed, no matter how much extra work you do to it.
The ceiling price happens because buyers usually won’t spend much more than the average house value of the other properties of the same type on the same road. So, if your property is already at that value, adding an extension isn’t likely to add any more.
It’s also important to calculate how much you plan to spend on the extension versus how much value you are realistically likely to add.
You will need building regulations approval
When you’re building an extension in the UK, you need to get planning permission, and the work you do will also require building regulations approval.
All new building work must comply with building regulations to ensure that it meets safety standards. Some of the things that building regulations check for are:
- Structural integrity
- Ventilation
- Damp-proofing
- Energy efficiency
- Fire safety
It’s essential to work with builders who understand building regulations and ensure that your build is compliant.
Building work gets messy
People quite often enter into building work, unaware of how messy and disruptive it can be.
If you can, it can be a good idea to live elsewhere while building work is underway, as you may find it difficult to relax in a home where work is taking place.
It’s also a good idea to plan for a thorough clean to get rid of dust, dirt and debris once the work is complete. The most efficient way to do this is to factor the cost of a professional cleaning service in with the cost of the build. You can get a good idea of how much this might cost at best-clean-direct.co.uk.
You may need a bigger boiler
If you’re making your home bigger, your current heating system may not be powerful enough to heat it. It’s common for people to need to install a new, bigger boiler when they have an extension done to cope with the extra demand.
You’ll need to consider access
What kind of extension you can get isn’t just about what will fit in the available space; it’s also about how your builders and other tradespeople can access the property.
If you live in a property with no rear access, for example, then carrying out building work at the back of the home will need some extra planning.
It’s also important to consider things like where a skip for any waste would go.