by Paul Lines

Created on: July 30, 2006   Last Updated: June 24, 2010

Before even considering making an addition to your home you need to ask the following questions.

1) Is this a short term solution? If you are considering the extension because the children have become teenagers and are pressing for more space for themselves, you need to consider whether the extension is only being considered to solve a short term problem. For example, in a few years they may leave home and you will find yourself with more room than you need, plus the additional cleaning and decorating this involves.

2) How long will do I intend to stay in the house? If you only intend to be staying in the existing property for a few months or years, then you need to consider whether you will actually get the full benefit from the proposed extension and if it will be worth the disruption, effort and cost.

3) Will the value added to the property more than compensate for the cost involved? If the cost of an extension is say, $50,000 and the value it adds to the property is only $25,000 then you need to consider whether it is worth it financially, or whether it might be better to look for another property which has the additional space you require at less cost.

4) Costings and Budgets. All too often people start with the idea of building a $50,000 extension, only to find at the end of it that the cost escalates to a total of $75,000. Detailed costs, firm quotes (at least 3) and proper budgets are a must before you commence the project. Equally important is to keep to them.

5) Legal permissions. You must ensure that you acquire all of the necessary legal and building permissions prior to undertaking an extension project. This includes permission from any of the service providers that may be involved as well as local authority and planning departments. Failure to do this at best will involve you in extra cost and, at worst, possibly mean that you will have to demolish the extension.

6) Neighbours permission. You need to talk to the neighbours to ensure that they are happy with your proposed extension and that it will not interfere with any of their rights, such as right of way, light etc. In this respect it is also important to speak to the local environmental agency.

7) Family support. It is important to ensure that all of the family are totally happy with the disruption that will be caused during the construction process. Some important family members (wives/husbands) might prefer moving to living in such conditions. Therefore it is important to take their views into account.

In conclusion therefore, it is important to consider all the benefits and disadvantages before you embark upon a home extension.

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