If you are looking to add a home extension there are a few things you need to know. Here are some of the top things to think about…
So, you’ve decided to build an extension, but there’s a long way to go before project completion. How can you make things easier on yourself here? What kind of approach should you adopt? Adding to your home is a big undertaking, with many logistics to iron out and get in order. How you deal with things moving forward can ensure a smooth build, or a highly chaotic one. Therefore, here’s what you need to know when pondering a home extension.
Drain Surveys
Unfortunately, you can’t just erect an extension at the side of your house on a whim. There are many considerations to take stock off first. One of them is the drainage in the area, as the roots of any nearby trees can cause damage to them. If your extending your home into the garden area, and thereby introducing new draining measures also, this may be an obstacle that you need to overcome. Instead of digging up the grass and hacking down trees, it’s best to acquire some expert guidance here.
Consult the Drain Detectives, seasoned veterans in CCTV drain surveys. They assess how likely damage to drains might be in regards to root ingress. They can also examine structural damage, incorrect installation, blockages, and displaced joints, so their expertise is a valuable resource for you to use. You can call or email them for free expert advice, and ultimately, these kinds of pre-build surveys are a vital part of the process, so don’t waste this opportunity for quality consultation.
Reputable Builders
It is vital to find the right building services because they are certainly not interchangeable.
When it comes to homes, there are rising complaints throughout the country regarding the quality of new-build houses, with one homeowner claiming that “you can find one problem that escalates into another problem”, likening these issues to opening a can of worms. The same problems can occur with extensions, so you need to get things right here the first time, every time.
The best builders will negotiate the build with you and supply fairer quotes for the work. They’ll be open to your ideas and have your best interests at heart, refraining from pushy salesman tactics. Consult credible trading associations and ask trusted friends and family for recommendations. This will greatly increase the chances of you dealing with the right builders.
Time Of Year
The time of year can play an important role in your home extension work.
For example, many people carry out their work in the summer. The days are longer and the weather is warmer, which means the builders can stick around for longer each day, but ultimately see the project through faster. Of course, this advantage often effects their availability, so the sooner you can schedule them in the better.
It’s not only the builders who are busy at this time too. You and any family members might be also, as this is typically the time where exam periods are carried out. Nobody wants to study with a great deal of banging going on, so the level of disruption is worth thinking about too. Can the homework or revision be done at a friend’s house, or can the extension wait until the holidays?
In 2019, it was reported by BBC News that homeowners in England could temporarily build larger extensions, even without going through all the channels of acquiring planning permission. Of course, you shouldn’t wait around for beneficial rules to take effect, but there is a logic to timing your extension when the climate for doing so is highly agreeable. For a big project like an extension, the stars sometimes need to align first, so consider all the timing influences that can occur during your build.
Finer Details
It’s not just the inclusion of doors that are important, as there are many finer details that can effect how much you love your new extension.
For example, flat roofs can cause some issues. A newly laid flat roof shouldn’t be pooling water at all, but they sometimes do after enough time has passed or because of shoddier builds. If the standing water from rainfall is left to accumulate for a long time up there, then repairs and replacements do become necessary over the years. Alternatively, a pitched roof more ably drains any rainwater that falls upon it, eliminating the threat of standing water and thereby preserving the integrity of the roof.
Skylights also are a worthy addition to the roof of an extension, providing you with a stellar a few at wonderful clouds or starry night skies. If the addition to your home is built for relaxation, then you that extra viewpoint can be add a whole new dynamic to the space. Skylights also bring in more light during the day also, so if window space is limited, a skylight can compensate.
Another consideration could be the way your home extension is facing, also. A south facing extension could bring in lots of light, but if it’s comprised of a lot of glass, then it can also get a good deal warmer in the summer due to the position of the sun. North facing extensions are typically darker, and require more things like lamps to keep them well-lit. In the end, these finer details will help you refine the experience your extension will offer, so do mull them over.
