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By: Sue Barnard
Adding an extension to your home is becoming more and more
popular as an alternative to moving house. Ever increasing
house prices and the costs of moving can make adapting your
current home seem an attractive, more affordable option. However,
you do need to think carefully and do some research to ensure
your plans go smoothly. Although you will save on agent’s
fees, stamp duty and removal expenses, there will be architect’s
costs and disruption to your home.
Why build an extension?
Firstly think about the purpose of your extension. Do you
need more space for a growing family, a home office, a self-contained
area for an elderly relative, or are you thinking of the extension
as an investment to increase the value of your property? The
purpose of your building project will affect the planning
permission you need and your budget. For example planning
a large scale two storey extension will require a different
approach to a small conservatory, and there is no point installing
expensive, luxury fittings in your new kitchen if you are
planning to move in a year or two.
Planning considerations
You should have a good look around your local area. In particular
note whether any of your neighbours have extended their property
and if so how? Do you wish to do something similar or do you
have very different ideas? Your planning application will
have to be in keeping with the area and is more likely to
be accepted if there is already something similar nearby.
All areas have rules and regulations covering basics such
as how close to the house next door you can build and potential
use of the building. However, in some cases there will be
other restrictions such as in green belt areas, national parks
and for listed buildings.
As long as they are done properly most extensions will add
some value to your home. However, the cost of the build could
be higher than the added value. Remember there will be fees
incurred and there is likely to be a ceiling value for your
particular type of property and neighbourhood.
How to finance your extension
How you decide to finance your extension will depend on the
costs involved and your circumstances. However, re-mortgaging
could well be your best option. This means you will pay off
your current mortgage by taking out another. At the same time
you increase the amount you borrow to cover the cost of your
build. It is important to include all fees, internal fixtures
and fittings, decorating and so on in your budget. Also consider
whether you will have to move into rented accommodation for
a short time and allow for that. Something unexpected will
always happen so make sure you include a contingency fund.
Architects and planning permission
In order to decide whether your plans are feasible you are
likely to need advice from an architect. Contact the Royal
Institute of British Architects for a list of those registered
in your area. Choose several and make an appointment to discuss
your ideas. This type of initial consultation is usually free
but check first. You can outline your requirements, look at
their portfolio to see whether they have worked on similar
projects before, and ask about their fee structure. You will
then be in a position to select the most appropriate for your
situation.
As a minimum an architect will draw up plans to submit to
the planning department. They can negotiate with the council
and hopefully you will obtain planning permission. However,
be prepared for a slow process, particularly if you are refused
at first or there are objections. Once you have planning permission
you then have to submit detailed technical plans to cover
building regulations. Some architects offer a further service
to manage the whole project for you. This means they will
get quotes from builders and oversee the work in progress.
This may save you some worry and hassle but will be an additional
expense.
How do I find a reputable builder?
By far the best way of finding a builder is word of mouth
recommendation. Have any of your friends, neighbours or family
used local builders and if so would they recommend their services?
Alternatively look out for builders working nearby. They often
put out company boards on site. Some builders specialise in
particular types of work, for example loft or garage conversions,
which may be appropriate for you. Think about whether you
want a large company to come in and get the job done as soon
as possible. In that case you can expect a lot of different
people coming and going all the time, depending on the stage
of the work. Alternatively are you prepared to wait for a
two man set up which will be slower but may be less disruptive?
It is a good idea to get at least three quotes and ask for
a fixed price, otherwise your budget could quickly disappear.
Also ask for timescales and how they will go about the work.
Will they expect you to move out or will they work around
you as far as possible?
About The Author
Sue Barnard writes and publishes guides on managing your home
and running your personal finances. More of her work can be
seen on these http://www.improve-your-home.co.uk and http://www.homefinance.org.uk
websites.
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