If you want to expand the square footage available to you and your family, you’ve undoubtedly considered building an extension. But what are the steps involved in such a project? Let’s take a look.
Step 1: Calculate The Likely Cost
Extensions are major investments. You’ll need to consider the full cost before going ahead to ensure that you can finance the project to completion.
Step 2: Consider Financing
If you discover that you can’t meet the cost of the extension through savings, then you may have to consider financing. Financing can help you make ends meet and accommodate cost-overruns.
Step 3: Visit The Planning Office
Once you’ve had the architectural plans drawn up, you’ll need to get permission for them from the local planning office. Choose plans that are similar to those that have been granted permission before, if possible.
Step 4: Contract A Builder
Unless you’re hiring a project manager, you’ll need to contract a builder to carry out the work. Check out review and comparison sites to see which are the best firms in your area.
Step 5: Get A Quote
Ask your builder for a quote for the extension. Cross-check their quote with the architect’s estimate.
Step 6: Decide If You Need To Move Elsewhere During Construction
Some extensions don’t require you to move out of your house, but many do. You’ll need to make arrangements for where you want to live in advance to ensure that you have somewhere to go.
Step 7: Review Progress
Finally, make sure that you review progress during the build, checking that things go to schedule.
