collaborative post
Extending your home can be a great way to give your family the space they need to grow and thrive together. It can also be a great way to add value to your home, but only if you do it right. With that in mind, here are some simple tips to ensure that your new home extension project is a successful one…
Do You Really Need to Do It?
The key to a successful extension, as any Residential Architects will tell you, is need. If it does not make sense for you to extend your home, or if you do not have the right kind of space to do the job well, other options such as rejigging your current space or even moving home may be better. So, think carefully speak to a knowledgeable architect and only proceed if you’re absolutely sure it’s the right thing to do.
Work Out What It’s For
If you determine that a home extension is what you really need, next you’re going to want to work out what you’ll be using the space for and which of your problems it should solve. Once you can answer these questions, you can come up with a design that will really work for your family whether that involves lots of power outlets for gadgets, more lighting so you can do your hobby with easy or lots of cosy nooks for reading.
Choose Materials with Care
Choosing the right materials for your extension can be tough, but a good rule to work by is choosing materials that match your property if it’s particularly distinctive or distinguished or choosing materials that contrast with the existing space if it’s a bit boring or indistinct. Bespoke oak home extensions, for example, could be a lovely feature on an older property. You may also want to take the shape and style of other buildings in your neighbourhood into account too.
Bigger Isn’t Necessarily Better
It’s often tempting to make your home extension as big as it can possibly be to maximize available space, but unless you really need all that space, you may want to think again. Why? Because an extension that’s too dominant can ruin the look and feel of the original part of the home.
Think of the Neighbours
Although you can’t please everyone all of the time, it’s good to think about your neighbours and how your extension will impact them before going forward. They deserve to be able to enjoy their home as much as you do yours, so avoid creating a building that will take away all of their light or reduce their privacy significantly, for example.
Quality is the Most Important
It’s far better to build a quality extension using the best materials than it is to build a large one with inferior products, so if you can only afford one or the other, go for quality every time.
Enjoy It
Last but not least, have fun with your extension. Take your time choosing the perfect shade of paint, the prettiest flooring and the nicest furniture and make your new addition a space you can all truly enjoy.