Home extensions: how do I start?
When it comes to building a home extension one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is to employ an architect. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to any building project and play a vital role in achieving a high quality build. If you’re not sure where to start with an architect we’ve put together a short guide to help get you started.
Hire an architect - your first point of contact
Meeting with an architect
Before meeting with an architect you should have a good idea of your vision and what you want to achieve with the build. Essentially it is the architect’s job to translate your ideas into reality (within reason). Once you provide your wish-list (project ‘brief’) they can put together an initial quote (‘fee proposal’) outlining their fees and what this entails.
Before speaking with an architect you should establish the upper limits of your budget. This will give an immediate focus to your discussion and help establish what is and isn’t achievable with the available funds. Whether it’s a side extension, single storey extension or even a loft conversion, architect fees will usually be anywhere between 6-12% of the total construction cost depending on the scale of the project and the level of service they provide.
A good architect will be interested in what you intend to use the space for just as much as what it is you want to build. This helps them to find a balance between the practicalities and aesthetic aspects of the property. When it comes to meeting with an architect you should arrange a consultation to discuss your ideas in more detail. At this stage they can provide guidance on the design aspects and how achievable your ideal build will be within the budget. Hiring a local architect also ensures you benefit from their experience and knowledge of working with the local planning authority.
Narrow down your options to a maximum of three architects and compare the quotes. Although, bear in mind that the lowest cost doesn’t always equate to the highest value.
Before making a financial commitment with an architect you should also check their credentials. By law all architects have to be registered with the ARB (Architects Registration Board) and you can perform a search on their website to verify that your chosen architect is on their database.
Get help with your extension today
If you are looking for a RIBA architect in Cambridge, get in touch with us today. We’ve helped countless homeowners in the region add value to their properties, giving advice on how to build an extension and ensuring they receive all the appropriate statutory approvals. Call us today on 07984 760920 or send us a message here and let us know all about your project.
What to consider before you start
Before you start there are some key questions to ask that will give you some clarity before you start, this includes:
Will an extension add value to my house?
Whether you are planning on selling your property in the near future or not, it’s a good idea to see how much value building an extension could add to your property. Local estate agents can help you calculate a rough estimation, which could help you decide on how much money you want to invest in the extension. Research conducted by Nationwide in the past has suggested that it could increase the value of your home by as much as 23% in some cases.
How much does it cost to build an extension?
In general terms, you can expect to pay a build cost of around £1,250-£2,250 per m² depending on your location, project size, and build specification. There are other costs that have to be accounted for, with architects fees and other consultancy fees (such as engineers, building surveys, tree surveys etc.) all contributing to the final bill.
Do I need insurance for a house extension?
If you already have home insurance you should inform your insurance provider about the planned extension, otherwise your policy could be invalidated. This is because the extension will raise the value of your home and the building work itself heightens the level of risk posed to the provider.
Once you provide details of the extension the insurance company will tell you if your current policy has to change and if the premiums will be higher. The builder working on the extension should also have professional indemnity insurance which provides cover for any issues caused by their labour.
How long does it take to build an extension?
The length of time it takes to build an extension varies depending on the scale of the project and the details of the build. What also needs to be taken into consideration is the time it will take to complete the planning and building regulation processes (typically 5-6 months) which are almost always required before you can start to build.
The architect will go through a number of design stages, including pre-design (learning about the project and the land it is being built on), schematic (the translation of the client’s ideas using various design tools) and development (which leads to the submission of the final set of drawings for authorisation).
All building work must comply with building regulations which means the architect will also need to ensure the work is certified by local Building Control Officers. If the extension is built without authorisation you could be served a notice to pull it down completely.
Your chosen architect will be able to guide you through all of this and give you a clear indication of the timescales as things progress.
