Building an extension is a favorite home improvement project that helps add the much needed value and space. Moving costs money and time to find the right fit for your growing family and lifestyle. Affordable home improvements are possible with building a decent extension while adding both value and space to your existing home. There are a lot of factors to consider while handling a home extension including the design, costs, finance and planning permission.
Here are basics that can guide while building a home extension.
Get Insurance
Notifying your insurer on the extension is essential. Although some may not provide a cover during the extension process, there are others who give dedicated extension insurance products.
Site access
Before embarking on the building a home extension, you have to plan on how lorries, trucks, and deliveries will access the property and unload the heavy and bulky items and materials. You will also need to plan on where the company will park and keep their tools and materials.
Building regulations
Ensure that you are complying with the building regulations whether you need planning permission or not. Make sure that whoever is handling the home extension can self-certify their work or are liaising with the local building control officers.
Work with a contractor
When briefing the contractor or home remodeling company, provide as much information as possible so that they can have a clear understanding of your project. Explain in detail what you want from the project, timings, when and how you intend to make their payments and the possible penalties in case they fail to meet the deadlines.
GAMCO Remodeling takes care of coordinating all plans and permits. Your project is worry free.
Shared walls
You will need to comply with the Party Wall Act if building your extension will involve digging or building foundations within 3 meters of the party wall structure or digging within 6 meters of a boundary.
Design
It is vital to choose the right design for your extension that will fit perfectly with the existing house. Engage the right designer for the job. You want to work with home remodeling specialists’ interior designers, architects, package build firms’ in-house design teams, or with architectural technicians. Ask for recommendations from family and friends or look out for reviews online.
Temporary accommodation
Although you can live on site during the home extension, you will find the mess and dust uncomfortable. You are also likely to slow down the process as builders try to work around your life. If you don’t want that discomfort, you should consider getting temporary accommodation such as staying with friends or family, short term rental or staying in a hotel.
In addition to the considerations mentioned above, other vital factors to consider before starting a home extension process will include rights of way, surrounding trees, services, soil conditions on the site, and any history of flooding.
For additional information on home extensions or if you would like to start your home extension project, contact GAMCO Remodeling at (631) 587-2266
