Getting Started with the Extension of your Dreams

Deciding to invest money in your home is a big decision, however with the current housing market it could be a wise choice. But where do you start? We've put together five helpful start points, if you are considering this smart investment.

• Decide on the location of your new addition. Is it to be to the side, to widen your living room? Or will it be to lengthen your kitchen into a breakfast room with a view? Whatever you decide on, the key thing is to research!!!! Look through magazines, trail the internet and talk to people. The aim here is to find out what your needs are and what you are trying to achieve with your new Home Extension.
• Take a look at the Planning Portal and talk to your local council to make sure you don't have any restrictions in your area. You will get a good idea about what is going to be possible without any further planning, or what further surveys you may need. Each extension is different but recent changes have seen planning rules significantly relaxed, so more and more Home Extensions need less intervention from the planning office. Don't forget to talk to your neighbours about your plans, paying attention to the fact that a work team may have to use their property for access. The last thing we all want is to see the excitement about your new investment, quickly spoilt with an ongoing feud with Derek and Cyril next door.
• Decide on your budget! Talk to estate agents and see how much your new Home Extension will increase your home value!! Don't be disheartened by quotes, further research may see these costs not being quite as scary as they first appeared.
• Decide on your design. Do you want to update your house architecturally with an eye catching contemporary extension? Or do you want to stay 'in keeping' with your traditional home? If you decide on lots of glass there may be further considerations, but other than that, dare to be brave and get creative!
• Updating your home is a great excuse to look into how you can improve its energy efficiency and save yourself money on future bills. Perhaps look at the inclusion of solar panels, under floor heating and use a highly insulated building system such as Structural Insulated Panel System (SIP) for the build. We all need to become that bit more energy conscious and start to reduce our carbon footprint. At Home Extension Company we will happily advise you in this area and can also offer you expert help with all things 'Extension' related.

Please feel free to contact us at Home Extension Company