What to consider before starting your house extension

House extensions are a great investment for families that need more space. Before you dive into the project, there are many things to consider, such as how much it will cost and what your lifestyle needs may be. This article is meant to provide an overview of considerations for those who would like to learn more about extending their home or building a new one altogether.
Have you got the time?
Before you start looking into house extensions, consider how much time you have. Extensions are major projects that can take up to a year to complete. If building your extension in stages is an option for your project, then the length of time may not matter as much – it’s always better than having no space at all!
If you don’t have time to spare, hiring a contractor can help speed up the process but will come at a cost.
What are your needs?
When it comes to house extensions, there’s no “one size fits all” solution. You need to ask yourself what you need and want from your home before deciding on an extension. For example, if you like to host dinner parties for friends and family, then you might want a kitchen extension.
If your children are of school age, don’t forget that extensions can increase the value of your home significantly. Think about ways in which your house could be modernized if it is currently lacking certain amenities.
A garage can also be an excellent addition to a property, particularly for those who own more than one car.
Have you got the money?
One of the important things to consider when extending your home is how much it will cost. This will be dependant on the size and complexity of the extension, as well as the materials that are used. It’s always best to conduct extensive research before starting the project.
There are many financing options available if you need help with expenses. If your extension will increase the value of your home, taking out a home equity loan might be the better financial option for you. This way, once you’ve completed your extension and sold your property, you’ll have already earned back what you initially spent.
Have you got the right materials?
You’ll need different materials depending on how big your extension is and what you’re planning. You may need things like coach bolts, which are mainly used to join wood to wood or wood to metal. Or, you might need things like wall ties, which are used to fix brickwork to timber frames.
Make sure you take accurate measurements and have a realistic idea of what you need before going to the hardware store. It’s crucial to get a few quotes from suppliers before choosing the materials you want to use for your extension.
Have you hired the correct people for the job?
Before you start building your house extension, you need to hire a contractor. Here are some things to consider when doing so: – Are they registered? – Do they have the necessary qualifications and experience for the job? – Do they have any customer references?
You can find contractors on sites like Rated People. Keep in mind that it’s always best to get multiple quotes before choosing one.