When planning a home extension, you’ll realise that a lot goes into the project; from the costs to the rules and regulations. A professional home builder can help you understand all these aspects, as well as gauge the price upfront.
When you purchase or build your first home, it’s highly likely that you don’t think about the future, as you do your current situation. You are more focused on the location of your home, the budget, design, and condition (if you’re buying). If you are like most homeowners, you probably ignored the fact that you could need more space in the future for kids, aging parents, as well as other relatives who might move in.
Eventually, space becomes limited, that you need to share bedrooms and bathrooms, squeeze into a smaller home, and generally live with the discomfort. And when you cannot take it anymore, you are left with two options, either to move to a bigger home or to extend your home. Both options offer an incredible way to ensure a comfortable life. But when is moving an incredible idea, and when is extension the better one.
Well, your decision will depend on a couple of aspects; your budget, your personal preference, regulations, etc. If money is not a factor, and you don’t mind relocating to another area, or if the rules do not allow for the kind of extension you wanted, then moving is a great idea. However, if you are keen on saving, don’t feel like moving from your current location and there’s no hindrance to extending your home, then a home extension is the best way to accommodate your growing family.
Therefore, this begs the question, how much does an extension cost.
A range of factors will determine the cost of your home extension; number floors, the location of your home, the complexity of the project, tricky trees, up in the attic, finishing and fittings, windows, materials used and building site constraints. It will also depend on the type of extension, whether its single-storey extension, two storey extension, bathroom or kitchen extension or bungalow extension.
Storey extension
Extending the two-storey extension will cost double the price of a single storey extension – that is if they are of the same size.
Bathroom and kitchen
Things get a little bit complicated with bathrooms and kitchens extension since the permissions and plans need to account for electricity and plumbing. Other things that can add to the price include the finishes (bath, shower, toilet, cabinets).
Windows
If your extension is going to include a window, you should be ready to pay for that – bigger windows cost more. Also, slide doors, higher glazing levels, and enhanced insulation add to the cost.
Tricky trees
You’ll be surprised to learn that trees can be trickier than the expansion project because they are always protected. Be sure to factor in any tree as you request planning permission.
Constraints on the building site
Building site constraints will also add to the cost. For example, if you are moving pipework, drainage, gas meter, etc., or have a soil type that needs a particular material or building technique. How much does an extension cost is an incredible question to ask your homebuilder upfront, as it will help you in the decision making process.
Resource Box: If you are looking for a renovation company, the author of this article suggests Cameron Construction.