With property prices on the rise, and a real demand for houses in many areas, the thought of moving can fill anyone with dread. However, you may have simply outgrown your current home. If you have a new baby, find your home is getting smaller as the kids grow, or want more space for relaxing, then you may be considering extending rather than buying a new place. There are all sorts of extensions available, from small rooms to large additions to a home, but before you decide to build here are a few things to consider.
Without the right planning permission your project won't get off the ground, and because the process is long it's worth applying as soon as possible before construction starts. You might be wondering, do I need planning permission? While some smaller extensions may not require permission, it's always worth checking with the council, as if your extension doesn't meet requirements you could be ordered to tear it down.
While building an extension can be cheaper than moving, it's still a major project and can be expensive. Make sure you get quotes for your extension, ideally from a few different people, and compare what they are offering. Remember, the cheapest quote isn't always the best. Do a little research into the building firm you are thinking of hiring and read some reviews.
Some of the things you'll need to budget for include:
Once you know how much you need, you can start looking at your options for funding. Some people dip into their savings, or use a work bonus to build their dream home. Others might look at options such as extending their mortgage, and it's important to consider how to fund your extension before you give the go ahead to your builders. If you are thinking of remortgaging or taking a loan out, then make sure you get proper financial advice to discuss whether this is a good investment.
Before you sign up for a costly extension, it's worth exploring some alternatives. Could you convert a garage or loft? Are there cheaper ways to reclaim some space? By spending some time thinking things over you can ensure you don't make a rash decision.
Once you've got the plans to build in place you can start thinking about how to use the space. This is the fun part, and you can really let your imagination run free. You might build a teenager's hangout, a playroom, or a self-contained flat for visitors or an au pair. The choice really is yours.
An extension is a big commitment, and it can be difficult to tear down if you don't like the final look. That's why it's so important to do your research first, look at all your options, and decide whether it's appropriate for your property. You can then start to get quotes and enjoy planning what to do with the extra rooms.
1. Planning permission
Without the right planning permission your project won't get off the ground, and because the process is long it's worth applying as soon as possible before construction starts. You might be wondering, do I need planning permission? While some smaller extensions may not require permission, it's always worth checking with the council, as if your extension doesn't meet requirements you could be ordered to tear it down.
2. Your budget
While building an extension can be cheaper than moving, it's still a major project and can be expensive. Make sure you get quotes for your extension, ideally from a few different people, and compare what they are offering. Remember, the cheapest quote isn't always the best. Do a little research into the building firm you are thinking of hiring and read some reviews.
Some of the things you'll need to budget for include:
- Design
- Planning application fees
- Construction materials
- Labour costs
- Decorating
- Extra funds for unforeseen circumstances
3. Funding
Once you know how much you need, you can start looking at your options for funding. Some people dip into their savings, or use a work bonus to build their dream home. Others might look at options such as extending their mortgage, and it's important to consider how to fund your extension before you give the go ahead to your builders. If you are thinking of remortgaging or taking a loan out, then make sure you get proper financial advice to discuss whether this is a good investment.
4. Alternatives
Before you sign up for a costly extension, it's worth exploring some alternatives. Could you convert a garage or loft? Are there cheaper ways to reclaim some space? By spending some time thinking things over you can ensure you don't make a rash decision.
5. How to use the space
Once you've got the plans to build in place you can start thinking about how to use the space. This is the fun part, and you can really let your imagination run free. You might build a teenager's hangout, a playroom, or a self-contained flat for visitors or an au pair. The choice really is yours.
An extension is a big commitment, and it can be difficult to tear down if you don't like the final look. That's why it's so important to do your research first, look at all your options, and decide whether it's appropriate for your property. You can then start to get quotes and enjoy planning what to do with the extra rooms.
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