The prospect of building an extension is an exciting time for homeowners. But going ahead with an extension is a big life decision that should be well thought out. 

In this blog, we’ve shared what homeowners should consider before proceeding with an extension, to help provide an insight into what the process will involve and things you need to do – to enable you to reap the rewards of a successful extension project. 

Step 1 – Figure out your key requirements 

Every extension project is unique and everyone that decides they want to add to their home has their own, personal reasons for doing so. 

It’s important to identify your reasons for wanting an extension, what you want from it, and also, what you don’t want, and assess whether it is financially worth it for what you will gain in terms of added value.

If you proceed, you will need to provide a full brief to your architect of your requirements, wants, and ‘don’t wants’ which will help them to accurately understand your needs.  This way they will be able to better guide you on the best way forward based on your requirements and more accurately bring your vision to life. 

Step 2 – Think about your budget

One of the first budget considerations you should bear in mind is whether your investment will pay off in the long term.  This may depend on how long you plan to stay in your home. If you’re planning to sell in the not-too-distant future, it’s probably best to avoid a big-budget extension project.  However, a major investment is more likely to pay off financially if you plan to stay in your home for a few years. 

It’s also a good idea to look at the market in your area and get a good feel for your home’s value. Find out what comparable homes are selling for because the last thing you want to do is price your home out of the area.

Once you’ve figured out why you want an extension, it’s important to establish what your budget is – as this really does determine what size extension, materials, etc. you can go for. 

Nearly everyone that takes on an extensive home renovation project like an extension ends up spending more than they expected to, so don’t get caught out.  Costs that are often overlooked include planning application fees, building regulations application fees, renovation insurance, etc.

Unplanned costs nearly always occur in construction projects too, due to things happening that even the most meticulous planner can’t anticipate – so a crucial part of planning your budget is to include a contingency fund. 

A general rule of thumb that many professionals in the industry recommend is a contingency fund of about 10-20%. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll use it – but it does mean you’ll be saved from the unnecessary stress of a project grinding to a halt if some unforeseen costs arise that you can’t afford.  

Step 3 – Identify the feasibility of your future extension 

It’s a good idea to learn more about your property and what is actually viable when planning an extension. 

A good place to start is by checking your title deeds to see whether there are any restrictive covenants in place which may prohibit the proposed development, or require third-party consent, such as from the original housing developer. 

It can also be valuable to speak with a builder and/or a planning consultant first to identify what sort of development is feasible. The information you gain can then be given to your architect, so they are armed with some key information that will help determine the plans they draw up. Another aspect worth looking into is if the extension will be on or near sewage pipes or manholes. If this is the case, you may need to speak to your local water authority, i.e. Yorkshire Water to obtain a Build Over Agreement.

Step 4 – Gain an understanding of what planning laws will be applicable to your project 

There are legalities that are often needed to be dealt with before the build can go ahead – so it’s a good idea to do your research and gain an understanding of what will apply to your project, before you proceed with having plans drawn up – to help the project run smoothly. 

For example, you may need to obtain planning permission if your extension doesn’t fall within permitted development rights or apply for a Lawful Development Certificate. Your property might be listed or located in a conservation area. You may also need to ensure you remain compliant with the Party Wall etc. Act (1996), if the extension is going to be built on or near a boundary. 

Step 5 – Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions

Making the decision to invest the time, money, and effort into building an extension shouldn’t be rushed. There are many aspects you need to consider throughout the process, beyond these initial steps. However, carefully considering what you want, doing your research, and asking for advice from professionals and even people who have gone through a similar project – will help you to plan ahead and ensure you make the right choices for each stage of the project.

If you’re looking for advice or assistance with a home extension project, contact our specialist team of residential architects who will be happy to help on angus.ellis@waltonhorsfall.co.uk or 01484 602377