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Remodelling your home

With the recession taking hold it’s no newsflash that homeowners are looking to remodel, redesign and rejuvenate their homes rather than make the next step up the property ladder - often a wise decision in uncertain times. This approach to home investment is not to be sniffed at; you can really add value to your property, improve your environment and get creative in the process.

Building an extension

At Butler Silcock we’ve seen a leap in the number of clients coming to us to looking for extensions of all sizes where families are simply outgrowing their properties but aren’t yet ready to move house. Extensions are the quickest way to improve your living space, fully utilising the land that you own and adding tangible value to your property.
Embarking on your first building project can be a daunting task so we’ve compiled a list of quick tips to point you in the right direction:

1. Enlist the help of a good architects or consultant (We were always going to say that weren’t we?)

In all seriousness there are a lot of considerations that you need to take into account when developing your ideas (i.e. Do I need planning permission? Is the building listed? Are we located in a Conservation area?) often the biggest problems are the ones that you never predicted would arise and a good local consultancy should be able to pick up on these issues straight away.

2. Preparing your design

It’s really important to think about how you will use a space, which means more than where your stuff is going to go. If it’s a dining room is it close enough to the kitchen? Will you always eat in the dining room or do you need access to the family room as well?
Your extension will not only have an impact on the internal space of your house, it’s important to understand how the work will affect the surrounding environment. For example will you block out the sun to yours or your neighbour’s land? Will the foundations affect surrounding trees? Will neighbours be able to see into your windows? Will you be able to see into theirs? These considerations are important not only to attain planning permission but also to ensure that you know exactly what you will be left with after your investment.

3. Finalising your design

Things change, that’s one thing you can be sure of. Think about whether your new extension will continue to be of value as time marches on.
The kids won’t need a playroom forever, how will that space change? If in a few years it turns into a homework room / office will it be quiet enough? Will there be enough light?

A gym may feel essential now but if you put the house on market will that be as important to the potential buyer? What could they use that room for instead?

4. Dealing with local authorities

Planning and Conservation policy varies from location to location and your architect or consultant should have a comprehensive understanding of the ‘rule of thumb’ in their local area. Not all remodelling projects are the same. Some will even need planning permission, while others will require planning and listed building consent along with archaeological, structural, environmental and historical reports.
Wading your way through the red tape can be difficult and time consuming but it is essential to get it right, if this phase is mismanaged it can cause long and painful delays to your project. Make sure you fully understand the planning requirements of your project and that all applications are managed properly.

5. Finding your builder

Any building work that you undertake on your home should be of the highest quality. It is no surprise that using recommended builders and suppliers and allowing plenty of time for your project is essential in ensuring that expectations are met.
If your project is extensive it makes sense to look at tendering the work and setting up contracts (these can be managed by construction consultants). This way both the client and the builder have a full and rounded appreciation of the practicalities and expectations involved in the project.

At Butler Silcock our team includes Architects, Interior Designers, Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers and Structural Engineers. We are fully equipped to help you every step of the way.