You’ve been saving and dreaming of that home extension for so long, and finally the time has come for you to begin planning. The excitement is next level, but then the list of things you need to consider before the work can actually begin sinks in and before you know it, you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Understanding the different rules and regulations you need to follow with extensions has become more complex over the years, but our team of experts at ACE can help you out. In the meantime, here’s some handy tips on things to consider when you’re planning an extension.

Factor in timescales and allow for delays

We’re all familiar with hold ups, and there’s a chance delays may happen on your extension. Whether it is a delay in planning application approval, or a materials sourcing problem, allow additional time for your project and set a realistic timeframe for completion

Consider issues with materials sourcing

Carefully plan out your materials and where you want to source these materials from. Enquire in advance to make sure you don’t get a shock when looking at lead times.

Consider who will project manage

Will you be project managing the build yourself or contracting a building firm to do this? Project management of a home extension can be incredibly time consuming, so make sure you read up on it before you commit to running a project yourself.

Do you need planning permission

Not all extensions require planning permission, but if your extension is over 6m in a terraced or semi-detached property, and over 8m in a detached house, you will need to obtain planning permission before you can proceed with your extension. Getting planning permission granted can take around 8 weeks, but may be longer if there are objections or complexities with the build that require further investigation.

It’s easy to go over budget

We all know what it’s like to get carried away with spending, and adding finishing touches to extensions can be an expensive game! From worktops to windows, selecting your finish and materials can easily add on a few 00s to the overall budget. Shop smart and ask your building team if they can recommend alternative materials or suppliers.

Talk to a builder early on

It’s always best to speak to an expert early on to know if your plans are feasible and will cost what you think they will. Speaking to a builder can help you expand your vision and make adjustments earlier on to avoid any teething issues once the project is underway.

If you’re planning an extension in 2022, get in touch with our team today to see how we can help you make your dreams a reality!