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Top tips for home extensions

Top tips for home extensions

Extending a kitchen-diner or converting the loft is a great way to create more space and value without the hassle of moving. But before you jump in and start knocking down walls, there is some important and even boring stuff you need to consider. We ask two experienced architects for their top tips for a successful home extension.

# 1 List your priorities

Start by deciding what your new space must have and what’s nice to have, said Natalie Skeete founder of Forest Architecture in Hampshire,  For example, if you are extending a kitchen is it important to have more work space or to sit and enjoy a view of the garden? It’s important to start thinking about your project priorities from the start

"The brief often evolves as projects progress, but I get my clients to list their main ambitions from the very beginning"  - Natalie Skeete founder of Forest Architecture in Hampshire

extension_priorites

Image supplied by Forest Architecture - small, rear extension to Gothic gamekeeper’s cottage providing new dining/living area

# 2 Be realistic about your budget

The cost of a home extension will vary considerably.  A simple garage conversion may cost just a few thousand pounds whereas a two-storey side or rear extension will run into tens of thousands.  Many people think their budget will allow them to achieve more than is possible.

Natalie said: “I often give clients a list of kitchen manufacturers, glazing companies and bathroom companies to look at during the planning stages, so they can start to acquire prices of the ‘big ticket’ items early on and see how they fit within their budget. It can be the difference between a client thinking they would like a mid-to high-end kitchen and actually only being able to afford a budget kitchen instead.”

"Have your architect liaise with a structural engineer at planning stage to be confident that the proposals can be constructed efficiently and to budget" -  Scot Masker, Masker Architects

#3 Get value for money

Before forking out for a two-storey extension or loft conversion, it’s worth considering how much value it will add to your property. It is possible to over-extend your home.

"Take further advice from a local estate agent before design work goes too far, to be sure you are not spending too much on the property in terms of what it would be worth on the open market after the alterations. If the sums don’t add up, it may be better to move." - Scot Masker

# 4 Go up, down or out?

Consider all the options. Converting the loft is often the quickest and cheapest way but it can cause more disruption than a rear or side extension that could be built in isolation only breaking through at later stages of work. If you have a cellar, you can convert it into living space, providing there is enough headroom. Digging down to create a new basement beneath a building is also an option

"Basements can a be a useful way of adding extra floor space. Although relatively costly, the added square footage can sometimes outweigh construction costs, especially in high value areas such as central London." - Scot Masker

#5 Don’t skimp on quality of building materials

Choosing the cheapest bricks or roof tiles is a false economy.  Kitchens can be fitted out later with high-tech gadgets.

"I advise clients to invest in the building fabric - spend a decent amount on the external walls, ground floor and roof. The improvement to the building’s energy performance will help to reduce heating costs, saving money in the long-term."  - Natalie Skeete

#6 Choose materials carefully

While builder merchants’ brochures may be a bit boring, it’s vital to choose materials carefully. Scot said: “Brick is best. It is low/no maintenance and fire proof.  Render and timber can be good quality finishes too,but should only be used in a considered way taking account of trees and orientation as both tend to stain and discolour due to dampness or sun exposure.”

"Always get samples of materials and fittings if possible, so you can start to see how things are likely to look and get a feel for the quality" - Natalie Skeete

#7 Let there be light

Think about daylight, sunlight and orientation – what spaces face which direction. Do you want the extension to be sunny and south-facing? Where do you sit in the evenings? How can you capture the best light? Is a roof light or bigger windows an option? Also think about where you want to put light fittings and fixtures.

light in an extension

Image supplied by Pro Vision -  Interior of remodelled & extended 1960s property with LED lights

# 8 Size 

When it comes to home extensions, size really does matter. Too big and it can be too dominant and out of proportion to the rest of the house or too small and it’s cramped and a wasted opportunity.  Flowing open-place spaces that contain living/dining/kitchen/study are popular.

" Consider the flexibility of spaces. Maybe some spaces can have more than one function or can be multi-functional" - Natalie Skeete

#9 Connected to the outside

Think about how your new extension will connect to the garden and if you want it to incorporate key views or make it easy for children or pets to run in and out.

"Don’t skimp on the extent of the design brief; the work doesn’t have to end at the building line. Consider hard landscaping, such as patios and walls, and how these can enhance the project" - Scot Masker

#10 Architectural style

Consider employing an architect to design a bespoke home extension. It could be the difference between a standard builder extension and one tailored to your requirements and location with real wow factor.

"Engage a RIBA Chartered architect for the best professional advice to achieve the most from your added living space and get best value for money from the proposed work" - Scot Masker