Even though building an extension is one of the best improvements that families can make, there are a lot of potential pitfalls that come with this type of home renovation. From blown budgets to shoddy construction work, here are seven extension mistakes you want to avoid.
Going over budget
One of the top mistakes people make when building an extension is going over budget. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to end up paying twice as much as they originally planned. But how do you avoid blowing a hole in your finances?
It’s important to cost your extension up beforehand, so you know what budget you need. If you don’t have enough money available, be realistic. Keep saving, borrow more money or scale down your plans, otherwise you will go over budget.
If you are looking for ways to save money on your extension, using an architect can help. But before you even get that far, it’s best to check up-to-date cost guides on websites like HomeHow.
Not having a contingency
No amount of careful planning can foresee every eventuality. A problem may only come to light after building work has started. Any time you start taking down walls and digging up ground, there’s the potential for issues to crop up. And even if everything does go to plan and there are no hiccups, material costs can often fluctuate. So, it’s a mistake not to have a contingency fund in place.
How much of your total budget should you set aside as a contingency? Well, this depends a little on how big an extension you’re planning but aiming for around 20% should cover you for most eventualities.
Hiring a cowboy
One of the biggest risks of rushing into an extension is you could end up with a shoddy build. If you fail to do your research before hiring builders and other trades, you could end up wasting your money on cowboys.
So, take your time. Select local tradespeople, read reviews and check qualifications before you hire anyone. What skills and experience do prospective trades have? Are they registered with recognised trade bodies and associations or competent person schemes such as the FMB, Gas Safe register or HETAS?
Avoiding planning permission
Although building an extension within permitted development rules can save you time and money, you need to be careful that you’re not compromising your future happiness in the process.
Sticking within permitted development rules will limit your options. For instance, you may not be able to build as big an extension as you’d like. Therefore, you could find that you’re still short of space after you extend. And there are limits to where you can build. So, you may have to extend to the rear rather than to the side – meaning you lose more of your garden.
Skimping on architects
As already mentioned, architects can be useful when you want to find a way to achieve something on a set budget. They’re often best placed to find a solution to your home’s current problems. A good architect will take the time to understand what you need from an extension and turn that into a winning set of plans.
Architects have a wealth of design knowledge and will be aware of different materials that can be used. This can be the key to achieving the best-looking and most energy-efficient build as well as making the best use of a small space. So, it’s often a mistake not to engage an architect.
Putting windows and doors in the wrong place
No matter what type of extension you’re building, it’s going to feature some windows and doors. But where you put them can make a huge difference to the function and appeal of your home.
Doors need to be in the right place to ensure your extension connects to the garden and works with the layout of your home. Windows need similar thought, to make sure they’re making the most of natural light and the views outside. This is another area of your extension that an architect can help with. After all, the last thing you want is an extension that feels claustrophobic and detached from the rest of the house.
Overlooking the finishing touches
We all know how important it is to make sure that the foundation and structure of an extension are built properly. But while you’re busy focusing on the construction, it’s easy to overlook the finishing touches.
However, it’s the fixtures and fittings, including the lighting and floor coverings, that will determine how the completed extension looks. Do you want a high-end or basic level of finish? Is your décor going to be contemporary or traditional? These details count and will affect your budget. So, you need to be thinking about the finishing touches right from the start.
