Home extensions are a popular type of home renovation. They add space and style to your home, giving you some incredible possibilities. From extra bedrooms to entertainment spaces, extensions help you make the most of your property, while helping to give your home what it really needs.
As you may have already heard, an extension can be stressful. Many people find the process tough, especially when you’re living in the building works or finding it difficult to manage the budget. While you can expect some bumps along the way, there are some things you can do to make the process a little easier.
Take a look at these tips for making your home extension as stress-free as possible, for a process that’s almost as enjoyable as the end result.
Take your time to research and make decisions
Planning an extension presents numerous options, as well as some challenging decisions. It’s not something to be entered into lightly, so it’s important to do your research first. Consider your needs, how much space you have and what is in the realm of possibility. It can be helpful to look at some extension inspiration to give you some ideas, especially for property types that are similar to yours.
Once you’ve got a plan that you’re confident in, you can start finding designers and contractors to put your ideas into practice. Planning is an exciting part of the process, so make sure you soak up these moments.
Explore alternative solutions
Not all extensions are the same. There are different ways to extend your home, including adding conservatories, orangeries or full-build extensions. It’s worth exploring alternative options to see if you can make your project come to life quicker or more affordably. You can expand your home with a HUP! Conservatory, enjoying results much quicker than you would with other types of builds. Taking a look at alternative solutions can help you realise the different possibilities, perhaps even helping you enjoy a more affordable extension than you first planned for.
Get your budget and finances in order
One of the most stressful parts of planning an extension is the budget. Like most building works, things can soon run over, adding more time and money to your project. The best way to handle this is to get on top of things early. That means budgeting for much more than you think you’ll need, ensuring there’s some surplus ready to cover those extra costs.
Use a home extension calculator to give you some initial figures, and factor in as many costs as you can. It’s also a good idea to talk to people you know who’ve carried out extensions to their properties to help you factor in any unexpected costs and help you cover all bases in your planning.
If you plan to borrow money for your extension, make sure it’s done in a way you can afford. Borrowing more on your mortgage can be a simple choice, especially if you’ve got a decent interest rate, but be wary of any high-interest loans that could put strain on your finances.
Create a realistic timeline
Once you’ve got your designs in place and your finances in order, it’s time to put your project management skills to work. Use an extension planner to help you map out your project from start to finish. You may also want to look at things day by day or week to week so you can keep track of all the works taking place. Things may move, but at least you’ll have a solid plan in place that you can adjust as needed.
Work closely with your contractors to make sure works are booked in for the right time. Things can go wrong when deliveries arrive late or your contractors’ schedules clash. For the most part, it will be up to you to keep the schedule together, unless you appoint someone to project manage the extension on your behalf.
Enjoy deciding on the little details
Here’s where you can have some fun amongst the chaos! Deciding on the little details will be one of the best things about your extension. From deciding on flooring and fixtures to those smarter home upgrades, you’ll be able to make decisions about the things you’ll notice the most.
The finishing touches, like decor, are where you’ll really make the space your own, so enjoy browsing Pinterest, visiting showrooms and picking out the little things that will give you joy when your space is ready.
Develop good relationships with your contractors
An extension can become much less enjoyable if you and your contractors have negative relationships. Establish clear ground rules from the beginning, which you can use to set expectations and communication preferences.
Remember that these people will spend a significant amount of time in your home over the next few months, so it’s good to ask about their lives, offer cups of tea and create a nice working environment. Find ways to discuss any problems calmly, working towards solutions together.
Make sure you put a contract in place that both parties can refer to if there are major issues that could threaten the continuation of your project.
Document the process
If you want to make the home extension process less stressful, why not really throw yourself into it? Many people share their home renovation journeys on social media, and you could too! This is an excellent way to share your ideas, document your process, and even vent your frustrations, joining an online community of like-minded people going through the same challenges and triumphs. If you love interiors and home design, this can be a fantastic way to fuel your passion and feel much more connected to the process.
Planning a home extension means some big changes to your home, helping you create something that will add value in many ways. While the process can be stressful at times, the tips above can help make things easier to manage, helping you feel in control throughout the process, and excited about the end result.