4 Things You Should Know When Creating A Home Extension
Posted on: 1 October 2021
Home extensions are an easy and convenient way to improve the floor space of your house. They are preferable for homeowners who wish to avoid the stresses and costs of moving to a larger house. Besides, a well-executed extension will significantly improve the value of your property. The extract below explains four things you should know before creating a home extension.
Commission An Inspection
Your immediate concern should be whether the existing structure can support an extension. Therefore, hire an accredited building surveyor to examine the structural condition of the property. For instance, a weak foundation and pillars could compromise the safety of the building as you build the extension. The inspection will also give insights into urgent repairs that the property could need. For example, you may need to repair your roof or install new insulation.
Assess Building and Strata Laws
There is a wide range of regulations that govern building extensions. For example, you may need a building permit from your local council. In this case, you need a building surveyor to assess the proposed works and give the go-ahead. The primary benefit of seeking a surveyor's approval is that most buyers will ask for an extension permit when buying the house. Besides, the surveyor will supervise your contractor to ensure that the extension complies with the building code standards. You should also check if strata bylaws allow building extensions. For example, they could prohibit you from creating an extension at the front of the house or building an extension that overlooks your neighbour's property.
Think About Functionality, Not Size
A mistake made by many homeowners is that they build extensions to increase the size of their homes and not the functionality of their spaces. Avoid this pitfall by conducting thorough assessments to justify the extension. Start by asking yourself how you will use the new space. Then, examine how the extension will blend into your existing floor design. The general rule is that the extension should complement the initial floor design. Besides, you may want to avoid an extension that compels you to pull down all your interior walls.
Timing Matters; So Does Your Contractor
When will you build the extension? Timing is a critical consideration when building an extension. Remember, your family might have to vacate the property for a while. Therefore, you should consider holiday months to avoid disrupting your child's school schedule or your work programs. Ask your contractor to prepare a construction timetable detailing how long it will take to complete the works. If you are in a rush, you should consider cost-saving mechanisms such as using precast building materials or increasing the labour force.
When building an extension, commission an inspection, assess building regulations, consider the functionality of the new space and vet your contractor. For more information, contact a home inspection service.
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