Questions You Must Ask Yourself Before Building An Extension

Building an extension can be a great way to boost the value of your home. Plus, it can improve your quality of life. With extra space, you can get more comfortable living arrangements. It also makes it easier for people to stay.

Before you break ground, though, you need to ask yourself some essential questions first.

Does The Extension Meet Building Regulations?

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When it comes to extending your property, building regulations matter. If you get it wrong, the local authorities could order you to make changes. They can even tell you to rip down the entire development.

Building regulations vary from state to state. They include things like damp proofing, ventilation, and energy efficiency. You’ll need approval whether you’re planning a house extension, loft conversion, or even your home’s internal structure.

How Big Should My Extension Be?

You’ll also want to consider the size of your extension – how big it should be.

Before you break ground, check the size with the architect. Then ask them if they think it’s fit for its purpose. For instance, if you’re building a utility room, you don’t need a huge amount of space. But if you want a pool room, you need enough room for the table and people using cues around it.

The extension’s size will also relate to the local area. Adding a massive modern extension to your home in a quaint village might look a little odd. It may also make your neighbors angry.

How Will I Live During The Construction?

Some extensions require significant work on your property. And, in some cases, you have to find alternative accommodation.

Before beginning your extension, therefore, think hard about where you’ll live and put all your stuff. If you are worried about various items getting damaged during work, you can put them into storage. You can also ask family or friends if you can temporarily stay with them while builders carry out the most disruptive of the work.

Is The Extension Near A Sewer?

Putting an extension over an existing sewer comes with a host of dangers. Get a surveyor to check the draining in the area. Listen carefully to what they say.

Usually, you can build over a sewer. But it requires careful building and planning. Without the right approach, waste fumes can build up.

How Will I Restrict Access To My Home During The Extension?

During an extension, builders usually have to make a physical hole between the new set of rooms, and the existing ones. And that, unfortunately, is an opportunity for criminals.

During the build, make sure that there is always somebody on-site day and night. That’s easy if you’re going to stay in your home, but a little trickier if you’re moving somewhere else.

One option is to get a house sitter. This is somebody who can look after the property during the works, and doesn’t mind the noise and clutter. Another option is to get your neighbors to keep an eye on things for you. However, this might be a little more challenging.

Should I Take Charge Of My Extension?

Extension builders have two options. They can either hire somebody to manage the project for them or do it themselves.

Extension managers are expensive, but they also make sure that everything goes to plan. Doing it yourself is much cheaper, but there it comes with a far greater chance of things going wrong.

Do I Need Site Insurance?

The last thing you want is for a contractor to launch a lawsuit against you. However, it can happen during the course of the build. Workers can injure themselves and you can be on the hook.

It is critical, therefore, that you get site insurance. These special policies provide public liability cover while people operate on your property. It means that you won’t have to pay out of pocket if someone injures themselves at your home.

Do You Live In A Protected Area?

Your extension plans might comply with generic planning laws. But if you live in a protected area, authorities may not permit work to go ahead.

Before you begin, check that you do not live in a park or conservation area. Make sure, because boundaries can change.

Is It Private Enough?

Lastly, consider whether your extension is private enough. Designs can look great on paper. But what matters is how they actually transpire in reality. Large windows look stunning. But will they make it too easy for neighbors to see what you’re doing indoors? You need to be sure before you go ahead.

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