While it’s tempting to start calling up contractors and architects after deciding to plan a home extension, there’s more to the process than you may think. Building your dream home involves extensive planning and making critical decisions. Here are some key considerations to factor in when building a home extension.
Plan a Home Extension With Purpose
Everything starts with a well-made plan. Discuss with your family what you will get before you plan a home extension. Aim for a functional and aesthetically pleasing room to add value to your home. Be deliberate and prioritize following the plan you make with your architect.
For example, if you want to make your kitchen easier to maintain, select materials that are more convenient to clean. Let your architect know what you’re thinking and be involved in the process. Planning with purpose will help you better visualize the outcome of your home improvement project.
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Work With Trusted Professionals
Ask any veteran homeowner for home improvement tips, and they’ll all give you a common answer — hire skilled professionals when you plan a home extension. You may have the skills of a DIY expert to do minor home projects, but it’s hard to beat a group of highly skilled professionals with decades of combined experience between them.
Check with your network, or consult with local real estate professionals. Find out if they have recommendations for professionals who can work on your home extension plans. Always do your due diligence and vet referrals as much as you can.
You can conduct interviews and see if the partnership feels right before hiring anyone. Building professional relationships with pros is a better long-term decision than dealing with contractors that offer below-market rates for subpar results. Treat your home like the investment that it is.
Create a Room Extension Design
If you know what you want your home to look like, put those ideas on a design board and show it to your architect. Clarifying your goal is a significant first step to a successful home extension project. Whether you want a more spacious kitchen or a grand entrance, having a vision to work with is essential.
Communicating your ideas to your architect will allow them to evaluate the viable options to meet your design goals. They can also give you better insight into what it will take to finish your project, like adhering to local building codes and regulations, making potential safety improvements to your home and providing accurate cost estimates.
Work Within Your Budget
Keep your working budget in mind when you plan a home extension. Building costs can quickly balloon when you get too excited about what you want to add during construction. Have a financial plan ready and create a buffer when possible. Preparing for unintended expenses is an excellent way to shield yourself from overextending your budget to the point of stressing yourself out.
Working with a fixed budget — or having a little wiggle room — will help you stay on track. Anticipate delays and circumstances affecting your budget, like fluctuating material prices and contractor-related costs. Tap into your network and ask for tips from friends who recently had similar home projects done.
Some might be hesitant to discuss financials initially, but you’ll be surprised that others are more than willing to help. They might even give you great leads on where you can source more affordable, high-quality materials.
Figure out Temporary Living Arrangements
Home extensions can range from quick and easy to lengthy and complicated. Although home extensions may be easier to deal with if you have fewer people in your household, it’s often better to move out when construction is ongoing. Vacating your home while your extension project is underway helps you avoid problems and speed up construction.
Many contractors find it challenging to work on still-occupied properties. Likewise, homeowners find living with all the disruptions of construction difficult. Look for rentals with flexible short-term plans so you can extend your stay if needed. You may think you can handle the noise and people walking in and out of your home, but you’ll likely find it a hassle when they turn off the water or power during critical stages in the build process.
Improvement Starts With ‘I’ for a Reason
It may sound cheesy, but it makes sense when you think about it. Your home improvement journey begins with asking yourself questions and finding the answers with the help of family members and trusted partners. Knowing why you want to take on a home improvement project and preparing for everything from start to finish will help you move toward completing your dream home.
