House prices all over the world have continued to increase since 2020, according to the IMF. Prices increased more in some countries than in others. This limited many people from buying more or bigger properties.
Construction costs have also been on the increase since last year, according to BusinessPlus Magazine. This isn’t doing house owners any favors either. Because of all these obstacles, many have stopped buying new properties completely. Instead, if they need some extra space, they opt to extend their house since it’s comparatively urdughr cheaper.
Extending your house with an outdoor extension is a great way to add more living space and enhance the functionality of your property. However, before making this significant investment, it’s important to consider a few key factors.
In this article, we’ll cover five things you should know before extending your house. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll cover the things you need to know for an outdoor office extension. However, a lot of these points are applicable to most types of extensions.
#1 Zoning and Building Regulations
Zoning regulations dictate the types of structures that can be built on a particular property, and building regulations determine the standards for construction and design. You’ll need to ensure that your outdoor office extension complies with these regulations, as failing to do so could result in fines or even the demolition of your new structure.
It’s best to consult with a professional contractor or architect who can help you understand the regulations and ensure that your extension meets all requirements. Ideally, you should get in touch with a local builder who provides house extension services and have them take over the project. They can also help you navigate the necessary building regulations.
For instance, let’s say you’ve moved to the city of Bristol in England, bought a house over there, and now want to extend it with an attached outdoor office. This will be a single-story rear extension. You might think that this needs permission, but it won’t as long as it’s between three to six meters. This is what’s called permitted development.
Working with the right extension builders in Bristol will easily help you navigate this confusion, and they can simply get on with the job. In cases where you will need permission, however, the builders will make sure that you get the paperwork ready as needed before they start working on the extension project.
#2 Budget
Building an outdoor office extension can be a significant investment, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of the costs involved. This includes materials, labor, permits, and any additional services, such as electrical and plumbing work.
To avoid overspending, it’s recommended that you create a detailed budget and stick to it as closely as possible. It’s also a good idea to set aside some extra funds for any unexpected expenses that may arise during the construction process.
#3 Design
When it comes to designing your outdoor office extension, the possibilities are endless. You can choose from a variety of materials, colors, and styles to create the perfect space for your needs. Consider factors such as the amount of natural light you want, the size of the structure, and the type of flooring you prefer.
It’s also important to think about the functionality of the space and what you’ll be using it for. For example, if you’ll be using the extension as a home office, you’ll need to ensure that it’s equipped with the necessary technology and equipment.
#4 Site Preparation
Before construction can begin, you’ll need to prepare the site for the new structure. This may involve leveling the ground, removing any trees or other obstacles, and installing a foundation. It’s important to ensure that the site is prepared properly, as this will help to prevent any issues during the construction process and ensure that the structure is safe and secure.
#5 Maintenance and Upkeep
Once your outdoor office extension is complete, it’s important to consider the ongoing maintenance and upkeep that will be required. This may include regular cleaning, painting, and any necessary repairs. You’ll also need to think about how you’ll protect the structure from the elements, such as wind, rain, and sun exposure.
Proper maintenance and upkeep will help to ensure that your new structure lasts for many years and provides the functional and aesthetic benefits you’re looking for.
According to the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), the number of new buildings in Ireland could fall in 2023 and 2024 because of rising construction costs. A similar situation is expected in many other parts of the world. In such situations, the best option you have, if you need some extra space, is to go and get a house extension.
House extension projects need not be that difficult. If anything, it’s something you can get excited about. For that to happen, however, you must make sure that you’re always on top of the project, and the above-mentioned points can help you do just that.