5 things to consider when extending your property

The idea of adding extra space to your property is a good one, especially if you want to increase the value of your property for future selling or leasing purposes. Choosing to extend your home is also ideal if your basement or attic simply won’t do for the room or home office space you have in mind.

For one thing, basements are prone to moisture and may be in need of basement dewatering systems if you live in a flood-prone area. Attics may be too small for conversion and you’ll also have to worry about what to do with all the ductwork, storage boxes, and other items strewn inside it.

Extending your property is a great project, but before you go on a shopping spree for materials and breaking down your walls, you have to think about several factors first. Before extending your property, take these five things into consideration.

Financial capacity

If you’re extending your home to create an office, rec room, or additional living space, ask yourself first if you can afford it. Many contractors offer obligation-free quotes, so it’s recommended that you shop around and see if your budget and contingency fund for renovations are enough, or whether it’s time to apply for a loan.

If you’re planning to sell your property, then the first thing to do is to do some research, identify the current value of your property, and get estimates of what it will be worth after the extension is done so that you can determine if the extension is a good investment or not.

Building regulations

As you are building a structure, it should meet the minimum requirements for fire safety, damp proofing, ventilation, structural integrity, and energy efficiency, along with other safety regulations. Drawing up a plan entails complying with these building regulations.

Extension location

The ease of adding extensions depends on which part of the house you’ll be renovating. Increasing the space on the upper levels of a house may be what you require, but it may be more economical to extend at the ground level as well.

Keep in mind that adding a whole level can cost a lot more, and require more work as the roof would have to be removed and the ground level has to be weatherproofed. If you would like to keep the façade of your home, extending from the back into the yard is ideal. You may have to change the configuration of your home, such as the location of the kitchen, so plan carefully.

Access to the extension

One of the most overlooked design aspects of building extensions is how it will be accessed. You have to work out a practical and efficient way to access the extension. The cardinal rule is not to sacrifice more than what you’ll be gaining. This means that it is not recommended to slice up or use an existing room. Again, it is necessary rethink your floor plan.

Finding a good contractor

It is important to find a reliable and trustworthy builder for your extension, preferably one who is well aware of the regulations that have to be met and also understands your budget limitations. Consult local building companies in your area so you can discuss your project, get quotes, and compare the prices and services they offer. Give yourself time to decide and don’t settle for the first contractor that comes your way. Make sure that the builder you choose understands you needs and can also cut costs without sacrificing building integrity.

Extending your property is a major decision, so plan well. Take these considerations in mind when planning and you’re sure to get your money’s worth.