Building an annexe, extension, or conservatory is an exciting venture that unleashes new possibilities for homeowners. However, for first-timers, it can be complex and overwhelming, as one has to make plenty of decisions under pressure. Moreover, such projects have a steep learning curve and people often wish they knew a bit more at the beginning to avoid them.
Keeping everything in mind and knowing that it’s not plain sailing and a project that can spiral out of control, we have decided to expose the mishaps commonly committed when building house extensions in Chingford. Explore more in this blog post and give your project the best chance of success.
We commonly witness homeowners repeating the same mistakes during their Chingford home extensions. We thought we would share some of these common mistakes with you or they might be frustrations you have to end up living with too. So, without further ado, let’s view them one by one.
1. Proceeding without an open mind
While it’s easy to get lost in building the additional space of your dreams, one must consider the house as a whole. Think it through: will it add sufficient value to your living spaces? It’s important to have a clear vision and convey the same to your architect. Discuss with the expert team at your service. Who knows, they might recommend solutions you would never have thought of!
Do you have big dreams for your Epping house extension? Put some real thought into the matter early on. For instance, ensure the footings are deep enough to support single and two-storey extensions. Considering natural light is also suggested since a roof light is challenging to set up when planning to go ahead with a second storey above.
2. Going by an unrealistic schedule
The house extension timeline varies from one project to another. Some take longer to complete. It’s better to proceed with such an expectation to minimise chances of disappointment and establish a better relationship with a contractor. Also, unforeseen complications may arise at any moment. Experts advise you to stay prepared for a potential delay so that you can face it with a positive and relaxed attitude.
3. Rushing through the planning application
The best way to achieve planning permission is by seeking professional advice from house extension specialists. If you try to dodge their ideas and push yours, you may fail to get approval. Not only is it more sensible, but it also ensures you experience a smooth sale should you choose to sell your home further down the line.
4. Disappointing neighbours
Building works are often disruptive. Therefore, home extension builders in Chingford advise all clients to convey their plans to their neighbours. This way, they can gauge their feelings and reactions towards the project. The idea is to be respectful towards others to make the process easier for everyone around. Also, be aware of the Party Wall Act 1996, whereby you may have to obtain the written consent of your neighbours when constructing the extension astride the boundary.
5. Hiring an amateur house extension builder
We understand how tempting it is to accept cheap quotes for house extensions in Chingford. Have you ever tried questioning why? When working with a builder, make sure you demand a detailed quote and an explanation of the process the contractor plans to follow. Remember to seek reassurance that if anything unexpected emerges, your builder will take care of it within your budget.
Before proceeding to partner with a contractor, spare a few minutes to look at its past projects. This way, you will be undaunted to go ahead with your chosen group of approved craftsmen. Look for a contractor that offers a dedicated project manager and an on-site foreman to get in touch with if anything arises. Moreover, with the contact person experiencing the brunt of stress, you can be free of worries.
6. Not specifying budget
It’s foolish to approve a house extension design in Chingford without setting a budget. You can run out of money in the middle of the project and feel helpless about it. Therefore, get fixed quotes from building contractors and have a contingency fund ready. It’s a smart way to take the pressure off and establish a perfect sunroom, conservatory, or dormer extension.
7. Being indecisive
It’s common to witness cases where clients change their minds and request alterations in design elements. It’s no problem for house extension builders as long as the client has no issues paying for the extra cost. However, it can cause problems with planning permission applications. Therefore, contractors advise clients to take ample time to peruse the house extension materials, design, and timeline to save time and money effectively.
8. Building with the wrong materials
It’s crucial to have compatible materials to build an extension with a focus on energy efficiency, aesthetics, and budget-friendly options. Only an experienced group of craftsmen with adequate professional knowledge of building materials can build your extension with quality materials.
9. Installing the wrong window styles
While casement windows maximise ventilation and create unobstructed views from home extensions, awning windows hinged at the top prove ideal for locations above countertops. A reliable contractor helps clients research the options and pick a style that best matches their current property.
10. Failing to insure your home extension project
Existing home insurance policies invalidate the moment a client starts building an extension. Also, it’s easy to forget this particular detail when caught up in the process. It only takes a single mishap for the building project to derail. Why take the risk and later raise the question of who is legally and financially responsible? Contact an insurance provider to seek advice before the design process initiates.
This way, you will have plenty of time to think through all the policies and choose a competitive one for your project.
Having highlighted the mistakes committed most often by clients during a home extension project, it’s time to learn from them and never repeat them. With access to the right guidance and insights from a reputable architect who gained them over several years, you can avoid the pitfalls successfully.
A home renovation project generates a mixed bag of emotions. It’s an exciting venture but overwhelming at the same time when adding more room and value to living spaces. Why take all the pressure? Let Richway, a property development company, support you as you embark on this journey by completing your project to the highest standards. Here are a few perks of hiring our team of approved craftsmen:
We vouch for support throughout the project, from the beginning to the end.
Plenty of things need to be considered for a kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom extension in Chingford. It starts with budget, purpose, planning permission, choice of architect or builder, and budget and ends with insurance. It’s best to plan with an FMB-certified company for ultimate results.
In Chingford, house extension demands abidance to a few rules. For instance, single-storey buildings require planning permission when facing the highway. For rear extension, it should be limited to 4 m and within the existing rear wall. Likewise, two-storey extensions have a different set of rules, including planning permission for raised platforms, balconies and verandahs in the UK. It’s best to seek the guidance of a professional builder to ensure fruitful planning.
In London, house extensions have a size limit. A semi-detached house can be extended sideways up to half the width of the original house. Extension on the rear side can go up to three meters and four meters only if you have the approval of a local authority.
Two of the drawbacks of a house extension in Chingford or practically anywhere in London are mounting costs and excessive stress. However, with Richway, you can overcome both limitations. Not only is the consultation free of charge, but the cost of building is negotiable and stress-free with the team handling the entire process, from planning to completion.