Planning an Extension

Aerial view showcasing the newly completed extension by Astrum Construction, featuring a spacious patio and well-maintained garden.

Preparing for an extension involves careful planning, research, and organisation to ensure a smooth process from start to finish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare effectively for an extension project:

1. Define your goals and needs

Start by clearly identifying what you want to achieve with your extension. Are you looking to create more living space, add another bedroom, improve your kitchen, or design a home office? Understanding your objectives will help you make decisions about layout, design, and materials later on.

2. Set a budget

Establishing a realistic budget is crucial. Consider not only the construction costs but also any additional expenses such as permits, professional fees (architects, surveyors, etc.), utilities, and potential unforeseen costs. Having a contingency fund (typically around 10-20% of your budget) can help cover unexpected expenses during the build.

3. Check Local Planning and Building Regulations

Before moving forward, it’s important to check whether your extension complies with local planning laws and building regulations. Depending on your location, you may need to apply for planning permission or building permits. It’s worth researching whether your project qualifies for permitted development (which may not require full planning permission). An architect or planning consultant can help guide you through this process.

4. Hire professionals

For a successful extension, you’ll likely need to hire professionals, such as:

• Architect: To design your extension and produce the necessary drawings and plans.

• Structural Engineer: To assess the structural integrity and ensure the extension meets safety standards.

• Contractor/Builder: To carry out the actual construction work.

• Surveyor: If necessary, to ensure the site is suitable for an extension.

Choosing the right professionals is key to ensuring the quality and success of your project, so take your time to vet and hire experienced, reputable individuals or companies. The Astrum Construction team can handle all of this for you, and take away some of the pressures of completing an extension.

5. Consider the impact on your daily life

An extension can be a disruptive process, so it’s important to plan for how the construction will affect your daily routine. Consider where you’ll be during the build (e.g., will you stay in the home, or relocate temporarily?). Discuss logistics such as access to the site, noise levels, and disruption with your builder ahead of time.

6. Think about the design and layout

Think about how your extension will integrate with your existing home and how the new space will function. Work with your architect to design a layout that complements your lifestyle. Consider factors such as:

• Flow and accessibility between rooms

• Natural light and ventilation

• How the extension will blend with the rest of your property in terms of materials, style, and proportions

• Future needs, such as possible expansion or multi-use spaces.

7. Check utilities and services

Assess how your extension will connect to essential services like electricity, water, gas, and sewage. You may need to upgrade some systems, such as electrical wiring or plumbing, to accommodate the new space. Discuss these details with your builder and utility companies in advance.

8. Prepare for disruption and delays

Even the best-laid plans can encounter delays. Weather conditions, supply chain issues, and other unexpected challenges can slow down the process. Be mentally prepared for the possibility of delays and keep communication lines open with your builder to stay updated on progress.

9. Think about energy efficiency and sustainability

Consider incorporating sustainable features into your extension, such as energy-efficient insulation, solar panels, and eco-friendly materials. Not only will this benefit the environment, but it can also reduce running costs in the long term. Discuss these options with your architect or builder.

10. Prepare for the final inspection and handover

Once the extension is complete, it will likely require an inspection by a building inspector to ensure it complies with building regulations. Be prepared to schedule this inspection and address any final tweaks or adjustments the inspector may require before signing off on the project.

11. Plan for landscaping and finishing touches

Finally, think about how the extension will affect your outdoor space. You might need to plan for new landscaping or garden design, especially if the extension impacts your yard or garden area. Adding finishing touches like new furniture, paint, or décor will complete the transformation.

Key takeaways for successful preparation:

• Thorough planning is essential, from setting a realistic budget to considering future needs.

• Hire professionals to help with design, structural considerations, and construction.

• Understand regulations to avoid delays due to permits or compliance issues.

• Prepare for disruption by planning for the impact the project will have on your daily life.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your extension project goes smoothly and delivers the results you want. Let me know if you’d like more details on any specific aspect of preparation.

When planning an extension to your property, it can be quite challenging to fully imagine how the project will come together. While architectural drawings can provide an idea of the measurements and layout, the true vision often remains abstract until the construction begins. The initial plans give you a sense of the space, but it's not until the walls start to rise and the rooms begin to take shape that you can really get a feel for the space you’ll soon be living in.

In this particular project photographed, we had the exciting opportunity to transform a modest 2-bedroom home into a spacious 4 bedroom semi-detached house. This extension was designed by Astrum Construction to provide the family with much-needed extra living space, improving both functionality and comfort. As the construction progresses, the rooms took form, and the clients could walk through the site and visualise the final outcome. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience for them, as they can now start to plan how each room will look, how they’ll flow, and how they’ll feel once fully completed.

The transformation was outstanding, and it’s great to see how the space is being used and better suit the family’s needs. When the client walks though, this is the moment when the design truly starts to make sense, and the possibilities become real.