When your home seems to be lacking something, sometimes the only thing you can do is something major. Yes, you could move into a new home, but that means a lot of hassle that nobody enjoys. One alternative can be to extend the home. This adds more space and new possibilities to your existing home. Here’s how to maneuver your way through the process.

Step 1: Weigh Up the Pros and Cons

Everyone is in a situation that is unique to them. The time might not be right for you to take on a project like this. But for other people, it could be the best option out there. Think about why you want to extend the home and what it would do for you and your family. If you feel like the pros would outweigh the cons when all is said and done, then this just might be the move for you. Make sure that it’s something that you consult your family over before making any final decisions though.

 

Step 2: Find the Money for the Project

Next, you should draw up a likely budget of how much you’re willing to spend on the project. This stage is very important because the amount you have to spend will dictate what work can be carried out. Money will have to be spent on gaining planning permission, paying builders, drawing up plans and paying for materials. So, you will need to find the money to cover all that. If you’re short of funds, one good option can be a lifetime mortgage, which offers equity release. A Lifetime Mortgage Calculator can help you out.

Step 3: Finalise the Extension Plans

When the money is secured, and you’re ready to get going, you need to decide on the plans. This is something that will be applicable to your situation. Finalising the plans might be pretty simple if you are only taking on a small extension. But you will definitely need to hire someone who really know about this kind of thing. A good architect will be able to draw up the plans alongside you and translate your ideas into solid, professional plans. That’s what you want, and it’s what the builders you hire will want too.

The Steps To Take When Planning Home Extension

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Step 4: Plan How or Where You Will Live

Depending on the kind of home extension you undertake, you might need to rethink your living arrangements. For some people, it might be possible to live in the home safely. If that’s what you want to do, and you think you can handle the building noise, speak to the builders. They will be able to tell whether or not it’s safe and feasible to do this. It’s best to take their advice when they give it to you because they are the ones who know what they’re talking about.

Step 5: Let the Builders Get the Work Done

Hiring the builders is an important stage. Make sure that you survey all the options and get quotes from various building firms. Once you have found the best deal for you, you should let them start the work as soon as possible. The quicker it gets underway, the quicker the work will be completed. Stay in contact with them throughout the process to make sure that everything is going to plan. But don’t be one of those people who gets in the way. They are the professionals, so they don’t need you watching over their shoulders.

Step 6: Decorate It and Add Furnishings

When the work has been completed, it will just be a blank canvas. You can then do what you like to change how it looks and put your stamp on it. This part could be just as time-consuming as the actual building process. You will have to sort out the floors, the walls and everything that you want to put in the room or rooms. You can go at a leisurely pace if there is no rush to do the work. And you could even hire decorators if you don’t want to get your hands dirty by doing the work yourself.

 

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

When the main decorating work is done, all that’s left to do is make the rooms look like an organic part of your home. That means adding those finishing touches and personal mementos to the space. Once that has been done, you will be free to enjoy the extra space that you have created in your home. And, in the future, you will reap the financial rewards because the home will now be more valuable too.