It is usually cheaper than moving (when you take into account moving costs etc..)
You can design your home to work better for your lifestyle and needs. As you have lived in the property for a while you know what you want better than anyone - so you have the opportunity to create your ideal home
It should add value to your home
No upheaval - no changes to schools, work etc...

STAGE TWO - HOW MUCH?

Most important - decide on your budget. It is very difficult to give a guide for costs of extensions until each project has been seen, as every project is different. However, having a budget in mind will help both you and your architect/builder with what is possible for that amount - so you end up with a realistic project. Always remember the following:-

VAT
Contingency fund - at least 10% of project
Additional cost of Fixtures and Fittings - especially if you want specialist items
Assess what other properties in your area selling for - you don't really want to spend more than the house will be worth

Best to work out everything up front and then you have no surprises.

STAGE THREE - WHAT?

Decide roughly what you want to achieve from your extension - and do some research on what is possible (i.e. creating a 2 storey house in the centre of a row of bungalows will probably not be possible, but if it is at the end of a row of bungalows then this will be more likely to be OK). One of the best ways to do this is to look at your road and see what else has been done on other similar properties - this will help you see whether a precedent has been set for the sort of work you would like to do.When you come to talk to the professionals about what you want, then the more detailed you can be, the better - it will help ensure that you get exactly what will work best for you.

STAGE FOUR - OUR PROFESSIONAL HELP

Bring us on board to turn the ideas into reality - An architect can draw your plans which will be required for planning permission and/or building regulations approval (and they can let you know which is required) - this can be the easiest way to ensure a professional approach to geting planning approved. If planning is required it usually takes around 8-12 weeks to turn around.

Cheshire Building Services can help with all aspects of extending your home, drawing from our extensive experience - so just call us for a consultation / estimate! We have all necessary links to professional organisations (please click here for more details)

It is also worth looking at timescales here - as you may require the build to be finished by a certain date - or not started for a while - either way you need to let your builder know this so that they can determine feasibility.

Speak to your neighbours about what you are planning to do - as you may need their agreement for works (especially if the work involves party walls etc...)

STAGE FIVE - THE BUILD

The stages of an extension are roughly as follows (but can depend on what exactly is being done)

Preparing the site - clearing the area where the extension is to be built, and protecting adjoining parts of the property that are staying the same
Excavating Foundations
Concreting foundations
Adding or altering drainage
External walls built to damp proof course level, and damp proof course added
Concrete base added
External walls added
Floor joists added if a two storey extension is being done
Scaffolding added to add first floor walls (if required)
Roof Timbers added
Fascias and Soffits added
Roof lights if required are added, and roof tiles go on
Windows and external doors added - now the extension will be secure enough to knock into the existing property
External finishes added such as rendering
Guttering and downpipes added
Internal walls added
First Fix services - electrics, plumbing and carpentry (first fix is prior to plastering)
Insulation and plasterboarding completed on walls
Plastering completed
Flooring completed (screeding if required to add a smooth surface)
Second fix for electrics, plumbing and heating - then carpentry
Decorating and tiling completed
Finishing touches - curtains etc.. added
EVERYTHINGS COMPLETED!

STAGE SIX

If your extension needs approval under building regulations, remember to keep the final certificate to confirm that the work is okay so you have it available for future purchasers of your property.

We will happily give you free advice using knowledge gained by considerable experience at any stage of your decision making - just give us a call.