Thinking about extending your home? More and more people are turning to Essex house extensions rather than moving, and it’s easy to see why.
Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash
You get to stay in the home that you love, with the extra space that makes the property work better for you. Here’s everything you should know before proceeding.
Permission to proceed
One of the first things you should consider before going ahead with a house extension is planning permission. A lot of the time, extending your home can fall within something called permitted development rights. This is when, providing the plans for your extension meet a certain set of criteria, you don’t have to apply for planning permission. If they do not, you will need to obtain that permission from your local authority.
You should also make sure you have all the necessary consent from your neighbours.
What kind of extension do you want?
Next, think about what style of extension you would like. Some want a seamless addition to their home, while others want an extension that is a direct contrast to the rest of the property. There’s no right or wrong answer – there’s something beautiful about an extension that has been built in the same style as the existing home, or a very modern extension to an older property. There’s plenty of inspiration online if you are struggling to decide.
How far can your budget go?
It’s important to think about what your budget can get you. While extending your home is an investment that often pays off, thanks to the value it can add to the property, it is a large initial outlay. You should be realistic when it comes to the funds that you have available and be prepared to have to spend a little extra in the event of some unexpected problems or a change of plans. So make sure that you know how far your money can go and give yourself some on top to work with if needed.
Making your home greener
You should also think about how extending your home could give you the opportunity to make it more energy efficient and sustainable too. Depending on which are applicable, you could include cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, energy efficient windows and doors, a new boiler and radiators, or solar panels in your build. You are already going to be transforming your home – so why not make it greener too?
Who should carry out the work?
Last but not least, you should think about who is going to carry out the work. If you are going to extend your home, it’s so important that you work with a builder who has plenty of experience in the field. Make sure that your builder has a proven track record working on properties similar to yours, building extensions in the style you like, and delivering on time and on budget. Mistakes can be costly, so choose your builder wisely.
What now?
Now that you know what to consider before extending your home, why not start making some enquiries today? Once work is underway, you will be one step closer to having the extra space that you have been dreaming of.