| Adding an extension to your home is becoming more | | | | so on in your budget. Also consider whether you will |
| and more popular as an alternative to moving house. | | | | have to move into rented accommodation for a |
| Ever increasing house prices and the costs of moving | | | | short time and allow for that. Something unexpected |
| can make adapting your current home seem an | | | | will always happen so make sure you include a |
| attractive, more affordable option. However, you do | | | | contingency fund. |
| need to think carefully and do some research to | | | | Architects and planning permission |
| ensure your plans go smoothly. Although you will | | | | In order to decide whether your plans are feasible |
| save on agent's fees, stamp duty and removal | | | | you are likely to need advice from an architect. |
| expenses, there will be architect's costs and | | | | Contact the Royal Institute of British Architects for a |
| disruption to your home. | | | | list of those registered in your area. Choose several |
| Why build an extension? | | | | and make an appointment to discuss your ideas. This |
| Firstly think about the purpose of your extension. Do | | | | type of initial consultation is usually free but check |
| you need more space for a growing family, a home | | | | first. You can outline your requirements, look at their |
| office, a self-contained area for an elderly relative, or | | | | portfolio to see whether they have worked on similar |
| are you thinking of the extension as an investment | | | | projects before, and ask about their fee structure. |
| to increase the value of your property? The purpose | | | | You will then be in a position to select the most |
| of your building project will affect the planning | | | | appropriate for your situation. |
| permission you need and your budget. For example | | | | As a minimum an architect will draw up plans to |
| planning a large scale two storey extension will | | | | submit to the planning department. They can |
| require a different approach to a small conservatory, | | | | negotiate with the council and hopefully you will |
| and there is no point installing expensive, luxury | | | | obtain planning permission. However, be prepared for |
| fittings in your new kitchen if you are planning to | | | | a slow process, particularly if you are refused at first |
| move in a year or two. | | | | or there are objections. Once you have planning |
| Planning considerations | | | | permission you then have to submit detailed technical |
| You should have a good look around your local area. | | | | plans to cover building regulations. Some architects |
| In particular note whether any of your neighbours | | | | offer a further service to manage the whole project |
| have extended their property and if so how? Do you | | | | for you. This means they will get quotes from |
| wish to do something similar or do you have very | | | | builders and oversee the work in progress. This may |
| different ideas? Your planning application will have to | | | | save you some worry and hassle but will be an |
| be in keeping with the area and is more likely to be | | | | additional expense. |
| accepted if there is already something similar nearby. | | | | How do I find a reputable builder? |
| All areas have rules and regulations covering basics | | | | By far the best way of finding a builder is word of |
| such as how close to the house next door you can | | | | mouth recommendation. Have any of your friends, |
| build and potential use of the building. However, in | | | | neighbours or family used local builders and if so |
| some cases there will be other restrictions such as in | | | | would they recommend their services? Alternatively |
| green belt areas, national parks and for listed buildings. | | | | look out for builders working nearby. They often put |
| As long as they are done properly most extensions | | | | out company boards on site. Some builders specialise |
| will add some value to your home. However, the | | | | in particular types of work, for example loft or |
| cost of the build could be higher than the added | | | | garage conversions, which may be appropriate for |
| value. Remember there will be fees incurred and | | | | you. Think about whether you want a large company |
| there is likely to be a ceiling value for your particular | | | | to come in and get the job done as soon as possible. |
| type of property and neighbourhood. | | | | In that case you can expect a lot of different people |
| How to finance your extension | | | | coming and going all the time, depending on the stage |
| How you decide to finance your extension will | | | | of the work. Alternatively are you prepared to wait |
| depend on the costs involved and your | | | | for a two man set up which will be slower but may |
| circumstances. However, re-mortgaging could well be | | | | be less disruptive? It is a good idea to get at least |
| your best option. This means you will pay off your | | | | three quotes and ask for a fixed price, otherwise |
| current mortgage by taking out another. At the | | | | your budget could quickly disappear. Also ask for |
| same time you increase the amount you borrow to | | | | timescales and how they will go about the work. Will |
| cover the cost of your build. It is important to include | | | | they expect you to move out or will they work |
| all fees, internal fixtures and fittings, decorating and | | | | around you as far as possible? |