House extensions are an easy and cost-effective way to increase the living space in your home. Proper planning is the key to a successful house extension. This extract details how you can plan for your house extension. 

Decide The Features Of The Extension

Why do you need to extend your home? It could be that you need a backroom, larger living room or a guest bedroom. Assess your current and future needs to determine what you should incorporate in the extension. Remember, it could be challenging to create another extension in the future. For instance, if you have a young family, it would be wise to include storage space to keep your family home decluttered as your family grows.  

Assess The Law

Local laws and the building code will significantly affect how you extend the property. It would be wise to examine these regulations to ensure the extension meets the required standards. For example, you could be prohibited from adding a storey, using a different design on the extension or exceeding a specified size. If the property bears historical significance, the law could restrict you from interfering with specific features. 

Work With An Experienced Architect

The extension must be structurally sound. Therefore, hire an experienced architect to draw its blueprints. Usually, the professional will examine your home to determine if it is possible to implement your ideas. For example, a shifting foundation or weak structural features could compel the architect to create an independent foundation for your extension. Besides, the architect could give ideas on how to improve the functionality of the new space. For example, you could integrate a kitchen extension with a deck. The deck will serve as an outdoor space where your family can spend valuable time together. 

Budget For Your Project

Although home extensions are cheaper than new builds, it is always wise to budget for your project. Otherwise, it could stall before completion. Your architect can create project estimates to ensure you know how much you need to complete the project. The architect can also help you cut the construction costs. For example, you could use different building materials or use prefabricated building blocks. 

Hire A Qualified Contractor 

When hiring an extension contractor, examine their experience to establish what work they can perform. For example, if you have a unique roof design, you may want to assess their expertise in roofing works.  Ask your contractor to draw a plan of how they will execute the works. It will allow you to determine your obligations and how long the project will take. 

For more information about house extension building, contact a local contractor.

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