What Are Your Goals for the Extension?

Before anything else, be clear on why you want to extend your home. Are you looking to add more living space, improve functionality, increase natural light or add value to your property? Defining your goals will guide all your decisions and help you communicate effectively with your architect. If your main goal is to create a more comfortable home, it’s essential to ensure that every part of the design reflects that purpose.

How Much Can You Realistically Invest?

Setting a budget is crucial. Consider how much you can afford to invest and remember that unexpected costs can happen during any building project. A good rule of thumb is to have a contingency budget of around 15% to cover any surprises. Understanding your financial boundaries will help you, and your architect, make informed choices about the scope of your project, the materials used and whether or not you may need to phase the work. You really want to avoid getting all excited about a project that you ultimately can’t afford to build.

Tips for Budgeting Your Home Renovation

Do You Need Planning Permission?

Not all home extensions require planning permission, but many do. It’s essential to understand whether your project falls under permitted development rules or whether you need householder planning approval. Consulting with an architect can help you navigate the regulations and prepare for any challenges in obtaining planning permission.

Spoiler alert! Even if your project fits the permitted development rules, we will always advise you to submit a planning application to seek confirmation of this. This helps protect you and your home should the legality of the work ever be questioned in the future.

Will This Extension Add Value to Your Home?

Consider how the extension will affect the value of your home. If you’re planning to sell in the near future, you’ll want to ensure that the work you’re doing will result in a return on your investment. Features like larger kitchens, additional bedrooms or well-designed family spaces tend to add the most value. It’s also a good idea to look at similar properties in your area to see how an extension may impact your home’s worth.

How Will This Affect the Layout of Your Home?

Think about how the extension will interact with the rest of your house. Will it improve the flow between rooms or create an awkward layout? The design should integrate seamlessly with the original property and make the entire house work better. Sometimes, small internal adjustments can make a big difference in maximising the use of both the new and existing spaces.

Have You Considered the Impact on Neighbours?

It’s worth thinking about how your extension might affect your neighbours. Consider factors like privacy, views and light. While you may not be required to get their approval, maintaining a good relationship with neighbours can make the construction process much smoother and more pleasant. Plus, they may need to be informed if your plans will affect shared boundaries or if party wall agreements are necessary.

What Are Your Sustainability Goals?

Do you really need all that extra space, or could some funds be allocated to thermal improvements elsewhere? Think about how you can make your project as sustainable as possible. Could you use eco-friendly materials, install energy-efficient glazing or improve insulation? Building an energy-efficient extension can help reduce your home’s environmental footprint and lower your energy bills in the long run – but improving the existing house as well will make the biggest difference. Working with an architect who has experience in sustainable design can help you find cost-effective ways to make your project greener.

Will You Stay in the Property During Construction?

Endless people, constant noise, nerve-shattering vibrations, persistent dust, diesel fumes, wind and cold permeating all exposed ‘holes’. Living in your home during construction can be more than a challenge. Do you work from home? Do you have children or pets? Consider whether the disruption will be manageable or whether you’ll need to live elsewhere for either the whole project, or critical portions. Being prepared for the level of disruption will help you plan your project timeline and make decisions about how to organise your household during the works.

Do You Need Professional Help?

A home extension is a significant project, on your most expensive asset – experienced professional help for all stages of the project will be invaluable. Hiring a good architect can help you make the most of your space, stay within budget and avoid pitfalls that could lead to costly mistakes. Builders, structural engineers and other specialists will also be crucial for a successful project. Make sure you know the team you need, how each will help you to achieve your vision and how much involvement you need from each, and budget for their involvement for the best possible result.

What Is the Timeline for Your Project?

Extensions take time — from getting planning permission to working with builders and completing the final finishes. Be realistic about your timeline and understand that delays can happen due to weather, material availability or unforeseen issues. Creating a timeline with built-in flexibility can help reduce stress and ensure a smoother project overall.