Although plenty daunting and challenging, planning a house extension can be really special. It becomes an opportunity to tailor your living space to suit your needs, plus that of a growing family. All this while adding value to your property. However, there is much more involved than simply sketching ideas or hiring a builder. There are critical aspects of house extension that often go unmentioned or, worse, unnoticed. Yet, these can make all the difference. Here is what to keep in mind before planning your house extension.
#1 Understanding natural lighting
When we talk about house extensions, most people think about more rooms. But the right builder like Bennic Homes will incorporate the very best of functionality and practicality in its design. Especially for natural light. Although everyone talks about the importance of natural light in their homes, are they aware of how sunlight interacts with their space throughout the day? The sun is not fixed in one spot. So, the design must take into consideration the orientation of the property with the sun. This can dramatically change the way it feels.
Let’s take an example to better understand. North-facing extensions will be bathed in light for most of the day, making it ideal for communal spaces like living rooms and dining rooms. West-facing rooms may become uncomfortable and hot during the afternoon, which will need more cooling. By understanding how the sun moves across your property and working this into the extension design, you can create a space that is bright, warm, and energy-efficient.
#2 Factoring in privacy
It is super easy to get lost on what the extension will do for your lifestyle. So much so, that many homeowners overlook the impact on their neighbours and the unwanted friction that it can draw. Australian suburbs have homes that are built closer and having a towering extension or intrusive window placement can easily disrupt the neighbours’ view and privacy.
Talk with your neighbours before finalising the design for the house extension to mitigate any potential dispute. Also, working with a builder who understands how design for both privacy and aesthetic harmony is crucial. We suggest opting for screening options like strategically placed trees or frosted windows. This is a win-win situation for you and those living next door.
#3 The soil and site conditions
This might seem overly technical. However, the type of soil on your property has a significant influence on your extension plans. Diverse terrains mean that soil stability is not going to be constant and generalising this could result in unsolvable complications down the line. Before breaking ground, ensure that your builder has done all the necessary testing to determine the soil’s bearing capacity and stability.
For example, clay will have the ability to expand or contract based on the moisture content. Not incorporating the soil strength in the design can lead to cracking or shifting foundations. And no one wants that. Make sure that the builder understands soil mechanics and incorporates all the technicalities in the design for a successful house extension project that will serve you for decades to come.
#4 Preparing for the impact on daily life
Home extension projects can take weeks and will take a toll on your regular life. We suggest not to underestimate this disruption and arrange for alternatives. From noisy construction work to limited access to certain parts of the house, the entire process can turn your daily routine upside down. And you will need to plan ahead for this.
Talk with the builder to understand which areas will have limited access. Ask yourself: Are these critical to daily living? These include areas like the kitchen, bathroom, etc. How are you going to manage without these? Make sure to have contingencies for each of these scenarios. Having this foresight will help to minimise stress during construction. You can thank us later!
#5 Evaluating how the extension will fit into your long-term plans
A house extension should be more than just a short-term solution to a very pressing need. You will need to take your time to evaluate how the new space is going to serve your lifestyle in the years to come and how it is going to cater to the evolving needs of a growing family.
For instance, if you are planning to add a new bedroom for a new family member, consider how else the space can be used or repurposed after the kids have moved out. Similarly, all your decisions should consider if the extension can be really adapted to your future needs or if it is just going to be unused space later on. A flexible design will need to ensure that the time and money you are investing now are going to pay off well in the future.
Rundown of the key factors
Here is a quick refresher of the most important tips that should help you plan for a hassle-free house extension project.
- Understand natural lighting in your home and consider how the sun is moving across the property to maximise natural light.
- Privacy is key. Both for you and your neighbours. Talk it out with the neighbours about your upcoming extension project and ensure that no one has any objection.
- Ensure that the builder has done all the proper soil tests before the project to ensure that the designs are specific to the soil type on your property.
- Prepare for all the chaos and noise that comes bundled with any construction work. Make alternatives to ensure minimal impact on daily life.
- And finally, understand how the extension is going to serve future “you”.
A house extension or a small second home is much more than adding more space. Think of it as an opportunity to improve the way you live. The key is to approach the process with a blend of practicality and vision and seek advice from experienced professionals along the way. With careful planning and a keen eye for detail, your house extension can become a seamless and rewarding addition to your home.
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