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