Building an extension to your home is a significant decision requiring much planning and consideration. It can add valuable living space to your home, increase its value, and enhance your quality of life. However, several factors must be considered when building an extension to ensure it meets your needs and fits seamlessly with your existing home.
Purpose and Functionality
The first feature to consider when building an extension is its purpose and functionality. What do you want the extension to achieve? Do you need additional living space, a bedroom, or a larger kitchen? It is essential to consider your needs and priorities and how the extension will improve your lifestyle.
Design and Style
The design and style of the extension are also crucial considerations. The extension should blend seamlessly with your existing home’s architectural style and design to maintain its aesthetic appeal. You may need to hire an architect or designer to create a design that complements your home and meets your specific needs.
Planning Permission
Before you begin building an extension, it is important to determine whether you need planning permission. In the UK, planning permission is required for most extensions, depending on their size, location, and design. You can check with your local council to determine whether you need planning permission and the requirements.
Lighting
Lighting is another important feature to consider when building an extension. You want to ensure that the extension is well-lit during the day and night and that there is sufficient natural light. An excellent way to increase the natural light in your extension is by including bi-folding doors from bifoldshop.co.uk in the design. When adding electrical lighting, ensure you use energy-efficient LED lights, which can help you reduce your energy consumption.
Electrical & Plumbing Systems
The extension will require additional electrical and plumbing systems, which you must integrate into your existing systems. You must hire an electrician and plumber to install the wiring, outlets, switches, and plumbing fixtures.
Flooring & Finishing
The flooring and finishing of the extension are also important considerations. You want to ensure that the flooring is durable, easy to clean and complements your home’s existing flooring. The finishing, such as paint, wallpaper, and tiles, should also match your home’s existing finishes to maintain consistency.
Storage & Organisation
Storage and organisation are crucial considerations when building an extension. You want to ensure adequate storage space for your belongings and that the extension is organised efficiently. You may need to install built-in storage systems or consider customised storage solutions to maximise space.
Budget
Finally, the budget is a crucial consideration when building an extension. You need to consider the cost of the materials, labour, and additional services such as planning permission, architects, and engineers. It is essential to create and stick to a budget to avoid any unexpected costs or delays. However, it is also prudent to have a contingency should delays or other problems occur that will increase the cost of your extension build.
Consider the above factors when you want to build an extension to your home, and they can help ensure you do the job right and to a high standard. For more considerations on a home extension project, click here.