How to make a house extension that works.
Do you feel content with your current home but want more space? It’s possible to extend your home. Each home is unique, and each person who lives in it is unique. Here are some tips to help you extend your home.
1: Finding the right designer or consultant.
This is the most crucial part. Choose a residential architect with years of experience to make your home stand out and give you the best home extension in auckland.
While you will be looking at many websites of designers, make sure to check out their portfolios. They are not only creative and experienced in their field, but they also have a high level of respect within the industry. This is a great advantage for you as the client.
You will get the best out of your interaction with the designer if you are open and honest. Your dreams will become a reality when they interpret your brief.
It can be very rewarding to expand your home. With a little knowledge and useful advice, you can soon live the life you want.
2: Choose the right builder.
It is essential to choose the right builder for your dream project. If you don’t, your dreams will quickly turn into a nightmare. You should research builders thoroughly, look at their past projects, and have many conversations with them. It is important to feel comfortable working with them. You can also look at reviews on the internet. To assist in this decision, some local council panels have created directories that only feature local builders. These are the ones who meet high standards and are recommended to you by others in your area.
3: Landscaping.
You may wonder why this is so high up on the list. But, a great architectural designer will consider the surrounding environment and incorporate it into their proposal. After all, we love the outdoors! Nature is a compliment to architecture, so if you have a view, use it. If not, create one in your outdoor space.
Do you really want to show your friends and family a neglected garden? Or would you prefer to showcase your entire home and be proud to call your home your own?
4: Think outside of the box.
A loft extension, an addition, or a basement extension can all be done upwards. You might add unique details to your design that set it apart from other extensions, such as the shape or hidden glazing panels. Keep pushing the boundaries and showing why residential architecture is so exciting!
5: Research different materials.
The design of extensions is influenced by the materials used. It is the finishes that make the structure come alive. There are many suppliers and manufacturers of extensions that can make your extension stand out or make subtle improvements to your existing structure.
Timber cladding has become a popular choice. If you want a rustic look to your extension, timber is the way to go! A mix of grey slate and white render would be a good choice for modern extensions that require large amounts of glazing.
6: Consider the setting and location.
The location of your home is crucial to the design and construction of your extension. The most successful extensions are ones that complement their surroundings and those that contrast with them. No extension can be built in the same way anywhere, from a small rural village to a large urban area. So why not take advantage of your surroundings to expand your construction technology and complement or contrast your unique designs? Are you near a babbling brook? Are you near a noisy train track? Are you a woodland wildlife? Is the urban street scene bustling?
7: What’s the purpose of the extension?
This is a question that most people believe they know the answer to. However, there are more answers than space and budget allow. A compromise or a good designer will help you achieve your dream extension. No matter if you are a couple just starting out together or a family with four members who have lived in the home for years, each member of your home will need a unique and different outcome. It may provide a peaceful environment for one person to relax after a long day at work, while another person may find it a place to meet friends and share a laugh. It is important to consider who, what, and when this space will be used. Are you looking for an additional bedroom or a larger, more open-plan kitchen/dining area?
8: Set a budget.
Although this may sound like a straightforward step to making your dreams come true, it is common for people to spend too much on small projects. A rule of thumb is to budget for PS1,000-PS2,000/square meter and then add 10-20% to your contingency fund. Better still, designers can send their drawings to Quantity Surveyor to get an exact cost.
Keep in mind that you will need to budget for the design and consulting fees, VAT, and fees from local authorities. Be realistic about your budget in order to build the perfect home. It is not just about the extension. Many factors work together to create a functional and beautiful space.
9: Talk to your neighbors.
Encourage your neighbors to support you! Sometimes, it is your neighbors who can make or break a planning request in the eyes of the council. An objection to your proposal will not be an easy hurdle to overcome. It’s worth having a chat with your neighbors to explain what you are planning, the design, and why it is important for you. This will help them to understand your proposal better, and hopefully, they will have fewer or no objections.
10: Get all approvals in.
Depending on the size, shape, and scale of your extension, you might need to apply for permission. But don’t panic! There is no one way to design extensions. Each local council is unique. This can only be understood by finding a designer who is open to going the extra mile and pushing the boundaries. Most council websites have a lot of information. These guides are meant to help you design your area.
