The extendables
It’ll be pricey, stressful and may take over your life – but being prepared is key to having an extension done smoothly, says up, you’ll need the sign-off of a Some small alterations fall under because if you do need planning structural engineer – which is ‘permitted development rights’ and permission, they’ll be officially “required for your building control shouldn’t require consultation, but consulted. application”, says Rebecca – and, of the only way to know for sure is to No one enjoys trudging through course, a good builder to make your check. Do not assume that a) no one mountains of admin, but you really plans a reality. will notice, b) no one will mind, or c) don’t want to realise you’ve left a box
For larger projects there’s a whole you can deal with it later. unchecked after knocking down walls, range of case-by-case specialists you so do all your homework first. might want to call on, from interior designers to electrical consultants and landscape architects. This may feel like extravagant cash-splashing, but you can’t put a price on peace of mind, and if they can pre-empt any potential problems you’re probably saving money down the line. EVEN if planning permission is unnecessary, you’ll still need to abide by building regulations – industry minimums for fire safety, structural integrity, ventilation, energyefficiency and more. Check your builders can either self-certify with a trade organisation, or have cleared their work with the council.
If you own a leasehold – as opposed to a freehold – you may need to check your lease and notify your freeholder.
Don’t forget to notify your home insurance provider as well.
Consult your neighbours too, partly as simple courtesy, but also IF YOU’VE ever seen the TV show Grand Designs, you’ll know that making – and sticking to – a budget on a construction project is about as easy as building the thing yourself.
As ever, you’ll want to shop around. Prepare an itemised list and get quotes from at least three different companies to help you compare and contrast.
Remember to check that VAT is included, and beware of overly optimistic builders offering up numbers too good to be true.
Be liberal in your estimations, and make sure your architect understands in detail your budgetary constraints.
If you can, keep a contingency fund in reserve for hidden costs. HOME extensions are 1% inspiration, 99% preparation, and the more time you devote to the planning process, the smoother your project will be.
“As a project progresses, there can be many bumps in the road,” says Rebecca, “and the speed at which decisions need to be made when the building work begins often catches people by surprise.
“As a consequence, decisions are often made in a rush, due to timescale or product availability.
“We always advise people to have a range of ideas for all finishes, and one back-up for each product to cover the possibility of an item going out of stock.”