Extending To Create The Home That Is Right For You
Making a home that works for you and your family isn’t simply a question of applying a lick of paint and scattering some new cushions.
If you have outgrown your existing home and need more space, or if you have found a new house that has great potential, how do you make the home that is right for you?
Making The Most Of Your Space
If you are struggling for space you need to ask yourself, “Do I need to move or can I extend?” Moving house is fraught with difficulties, not least the expense. However, if your house is full to overflowing you may have no alternative. Remodelling your existing house can also be problematic but may simply be your only viable alternative to create the extra space you so badly need. So if you are staying put and increasing your space, or moving and improving, you will need the help of experts to realise your dream. What better start could your project have than the advice and expertise of an architect company? With so many individual components to consider, from the exact nature of the proposed work to your choice of building materials and all the inherent bureaucracy in between, the advice and guidance that you will receive from a professional firm will be invaluable and will start your project properly.
Stage By Stage
The first thing to consider is exactly what you want. Do you have an attic that could be converted to a master bedroom suite or an office? Is there an under-used cellar in your home which could be made into a bright and beautiful playroom? What about a single storey extension to provide a larger kitchen/dining room? Only you can answer these questions but an experienced and inspiring architect company can challenge you to think about options you hadn’t considered before.
How Much Do You Want To Spend?
Your next step is to work out your budget. Think about how little you would like to spend and how much you are prepared to go up to, inclusive of all materials and fees. You should also work out how much contingency budget you have in case things go wrong. It is important to think long and hard about items such as fixtures and fittings because if you change your mind during the construction process, expenses will inevitably mount.
Planning Ahead
Getting plans drawn up for your project is an exciting time as you begin to realise your thoughts on paper. It os at this stage you can adjust your ideas, perhaps you would like bigger windows or see the need to reposition certain things. Your architect will be able to advise you in accordance with your wishes.
Once the plans are finalised they must be presented for planning permission. Again your architect company will be able to assist you in this daunting process and make any changes required by the planning authorities. Make sure your project gets off to the best possible start by enlisting the help of experts.
AUTHOR BIO: Kathryn Hodge writes regularly on architecture for a range of interior design and home improvement websites and blogs. Her current focus is how architectural practices such as Manser interact with clients to best determine their precise and individual needs.
Category: Home Renovation
