5 Things To Keep In Mind Before You Build An Extension

At Taylor’d Loft Conversions, we believe an extension can serve many purposes such as an office space, a reading nook or even a small room.

In this blog post, we have listed 5 things to consider before building an extension.

1. Building Regulations  

Some builders suggested to only submit a building notice. However, it does not cover all the necessary costs during construction. Therefore, you should submit a full plans application and get the plans and structural calculations rubber stamped by the building control department in advance which will save you time and costs. If you consider building up against a party wall or extending near a boundary, you may also require complying with the Party Wall Act 1996.

2. Will my plan impact on my neighbours?

It’s important to take into consideration of the effect your home extension will have on your neighbours, especially if you are planning a big project on your property.

If your wall is connected with your neighbours, you will need to consider if your home alterations may potentially damage their property.

3. Site Insurance

Many people don’t know that most home insurance providers will not cover the building if you are changing the structure of the build, i.e. extension, conversion or renovation. Therefore, you need to have site insurance with an A rated insurer to cover the existing structure and the new works until you complete the works.

Builders will often say they have insurance but it is vital to check their documents thoroughly, as most will have liability cover which will require you to prove fault in the event of a claim, which can mean a lengthy legal battles. This may not cover any natural events claims, such as fire, flood and storm damage.

4. Enough space to extend? 

It is crucial to know precisely what your home extension will be used for and the size/space of your property. This will help to reduce the stress and time for planning your new space.

5. Building materials

It is important to know which materials are best to use for your extension. Here are the main materials that are used:

• Glass – Expensive and it’s not a good insulating material. It is best use for a greenhouse to attract natural sunlight.
• Stone – Most expensive material. It’s weather and moss resistant.
• Brick – Cost effective, highly versatile and easy to get. It’s a good insulator, perfect for the winter.
• Wood – Easy to obtain and build as it was an original best building material.
• Block – Cheapest building material. Suitable for modern dual-layer walls.