5 common issues to be aware of when building your house extension
For most people building an extension is a first-time experience which means there can easily be a number of common mistakes made along the way. Choosing the right architect can help you avoid many of these pitfalls, ensuring that the project runs smoothly and meets your initial expectations. Every architect has their specialties that you need to consider and various levels of service they can provide, all of which needs to be weighed up before you make a final decision. Hiring the right one will put you in a better position to avoid the 5 common mistakes we discuss below.
If you are building a new extension and need a local architect in Cambridge to guide you through the process, we offer expert advice to make the process as easy as possible. Call us today on 07984 760920 or send us a message here and let us know all about your project.
1 | Budget
In order to get an idea of the scale of the project and what can actually be built with the money you have available, you will need to inform the architect about your budget at an early stage. Whether you decide to employ your architect to oversee the construction phase or not, they will still play a key role in ensuring that your project is within budget.
It’s important to be realistic about how much things will cost (which may require you to make some sacrifices along the way). Therefore, have a contingency fund in place (at least 10% or more) to cover any unexpected costs.
2 | Neighbours
While you are focusing on building an extension and improving your home, try not to forget about the impact it could have on your neighbours during the construction phase. Good communication is key to ensuring your relationship remains on friendly terms. To avoid any issues, before making an application for planning permission you should have a Party Wall Agreement in place if the proposed work will affect a boundary, shared wall or outbuilding. Maintaining a good relationship could also help you in the long run, especially if your neighbours decide to have their own work done on the party wall or boundary.
3 | Builders
Building work should never be done on the cheap and cutting corners will only lead to more costly mistakes in the long run. It’s tempting to opt for the lowest quote offered by a contractor but the cheapest price doesn’t always equate to the best value.
There are plenty of builders who price the job at an extremely low rate just to win the job, so it pays to do some background research on the company before you sign any agreements and hand over your money. Look online to see if there are any reviews, ask for references and to speak with past clients. Your architect will likely have strong connections with an existing building firm and they should ideally be your first port of call.
4 | Home insurance
If you have home insurance you must remember to contact your provider before any alterations are made to your home. Building an extension increases the risk of damage being made to the property which is one of the main reasons why the insurance company has to be informed. Insurance policies typically aren’t intended to cover large-scale changes to your home and an extension is also likely to increase the value of the property. The provider may have to alter the existing policy or take out a new one entirely.
5| Time
You will need to be realistic about how long the entire project will take to complete. Not just during the building phase, but the design and planning stages too. Your planning application should never be rushed as this could lead to poor design work which will impact the quality of the build. Take time to discuss what you intend to use the space for and settle on a design that suits your ideas and budget constraints.
While your architect will be able to give you an initial idea of how long things will take, it is important to factor in the potential for any unforeseen situations that could impact the initial deadline. This can happen with construction projects as new issues may only come to light once groundwork begins. Being prepared for a short delay will enable you to handle the situation far better and manage your expectations.
