If you have ever embarked on home improvement projects, you probably already know that you first need to figure out what factors can help you get good results. This is sensible because you will be using your own money for such projects, and you wouldn’t want to waste money on projects that need to be done all over again.
If that sounds like you, then you have to plan well before you hire anyone to help you with the job so that there are no costly mistakes or waste of money. Here are the factors you need to consider when you want to put an extension onto your home.
Your Checklist
It is always a good idea to write everything down on paper before you embark on your home extension project. This is because you won’t be doing the job on your own, ideally you need to have something on paper that you can show to an architect or builders that you hire to do this job. Make sure you list down the following:
1. Sketch Your Home Extension
You probably already know how you want the home extension to look as a finished project. Sketch it out on paper so that the builder and the architect will also have a clear idea of the appearance. It would help to give a floor plan as well so that the builder and the architect will be able to tell you if there are parts that need to be adjusted.
Some parts of your home extension generally cost more. For instance, a kitchen or bathroom tends to cost more even before the cost of appliances (as compared to a living room or bedroom) because you need to factor in the plumbing of the water supply and the drainage and sewage system beneath, of course, higher quality pipes will cost more, but a copper pipe can provide unbeatable corrosion-resistance.
If the extension is supposed to be two stories high (or higher), that should also be factored into the sketch and floor plan.
2. Estimate the Costs for the Project
You really need to have a clear idea in your head of how much you are willing to shell out for the project costs and whether it is enough. You will have to jot down the cost of every single item, no matter how small, such as the cost of nails and screws. The quality of your home extension depends a lot on what you are willing to pay for.
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of labor, other materials, and for more than a small simple extension, the cost of hiring an architect to help you, that is, if you want to pay their professional fee. Be sure to show this list to the builders and ask for their input. They may have a clearer idea of how many items will be required for your project.
Be sure to have a buffer fund, too, in case there are items that cost a bit more than what you were ready to pay for or if there are items that were not included in the initial list. You can expect to set aside 50% for the actual construction and another 50% for the interiors of your home extension.
Research Prices and Professional Fees
Some builders may cost more than others, so it is necessary to look for a range of offers before settling on one. You may have to contact at least four builders before you choose a particular team, such as Watara Homes.
This is good because you won’t be settling for a builder who will render shoddy workmanship in exchange for a very low contract price. Your architect will probably charge you a minimum of 3% and up to 7% of the total construction costs.
Factor in Other Possible Fees as Well
This will depend a lot on what kind of home extension you are thinking of doing. If you are doing a one-storey home extension, that would not be such a big deal, but if you’re trying to have a two-storey home extension built, you can expect the construction requirements to be stricter. Try to budget for the fees of structural engineers, surveyors, and any other professionals that might need to be contacted in your location.
3. Consider the Seasons in Your Location
There may be times in the year when it is more conducive to do a home extension. For instance, you can expect builders to be in demand during the spring and summer, when projects can be done freely without fear of rain or snow, though they might charge more due to the high demand for their services. You may want to hire an architect during autumn or winter so that you can flesh out the details in those months before you look for a builder, so that the professional fees from your architect may be lower.
Final Thoughts
A home extension may become necessary at times, even if you already have a lot of rooms in your home to live in. This could be because you may be expecting an additional member of the family, or you might want to construct a nice guest room where your friends can crash for the weekend.
If you plan to start a home extension project, you must write down your plans on paper. This will help you when you are looking for a builder and an architect so that they know what you are aiming for. Don’t forget other fees that might come into play, even when you think you’ve covered all the bases - this is why you need to have a buffer fund as well.
It is best to schedule your home extension in the spring or summer when there won’t be any rain or snow to hinder construction activities, and you will end up with better results. In addition, it would also be ideal to hire an architect in the fall or winter so that you can be ready to hire a builder by spring or summer.
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