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Thinking of Adding an Extension to Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Are you contemplating expanding your living space, enhancing your home’s functionality, or increasing its value? Adding an extension is the best way to stay in the location you love and make space for your changing lifestyle.
Whether you’re envisioning a new kitchen, extra bedrooms, or a luxurious living area, here’s a guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Determine What You Are Trying To Achieve
Start by clearly outlining your objectives for the extension. Are you aiming to create more living space for your family, increase the value of your property for a forthcoming sale, or accommodate specific needs such as future proofing your home for retirement. Understanding your goals will shape the design and scope of your project.
Know Your Finances
It is important to have a clear understanding of the finances available to you. Building is a big investment and often as your building journey progresses, your original budget will need to be adjusted or tweaked to match the scope of work. Knowing how far you can comfortably stretch yourself will allow you to easily draw a line in the sand and not lead to undue stress in the future.
Legalities & Regulations
Before proceeding with your extension plans, familiarise yourself with local building codes, zoning regulations, and permit requirements. Ensure that your proposed design complies with all legal restrictions and obtain necessary approvals from local authorities. You can find out more information from the Victorian Building Authority here.
Choose the Right Builder
To avoid mistakes, budget blow-outs and disputes, invest time in finding the builder that will work for you. Create a short list of 5-8 builders that you have heard about or seen around the area. Read through their website, check out their Instagram and read their Google reviews. A builder who has built similar projects to what you want done is always a good place to start. In addition, you want a builder who values communication, delivers high-quality projects and is approachable and honest.
Synergy in Design
Engaging a builder in the design phase fosters synergy between architects and construction experts, leading to feasible, budget-friendly designs. This collaboration streamlines the process, minimizing costly redesigns and ensuring a smooth transition from concept to reality.
Engage Your Builder Early
For many, finding a builder is not something they consider until after design plans are drawn up. However, involving your builder in the early discussions with your architect or designer, will provide valuable input into costs and buildability, better ensuring that your final designs fit within your budget constraints.
Design Considerations
Work closely with an architect or designer and your builder to develop a set of plans that aligns with your vision, budget, and functional requirements. Consider factors such as:
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- The architectural style of the extension and how it will blend with the existing home;
- Where the natural light will come from;
- How to maximise space such as innovative storage solutions, well thought out placement of power sockets and flexible design elements that adapt to your evolving needs over time.
Utilise Technology
Technology has allowed us to create smarter homes that are not only more cost-effective but also kinder to the environment. Consider solar panels, double glazing, how to optimise layout for heat retention, installation of automatic lighting and more.
Plan for Disruption
Recognise that home extensions inevitably involve some level of disruption to your daily life. It is important to have a conversation with your builder early on about the feasibility of living in the home while the extension is going on.
Future Proofing
Consider the long-term implications of your extension design and how it will accommodate your lifestyle needs as they evolve. Future-proofing your home ensures that your investment continues to deliver value and functionality for years to come.
By following these essential guidelines and working with trusted professionals like Eltcon, you can turn your dream of adding an extension into a reality that enhances your home’s comfort, functionality, and value for years to come.
Want to talk more about adding an extension? Chat with us today by contacting us here.
