Upstairs and Downstairs: extensions and what to avoid

You may plan to extend your house for many reasons: you have more children than you originally planned for; your children are growing and need more space; you'd like to add a special area such as a bar or TV room or another bathroom; you need to extend your kitchen for convenience and modern effect; you've got grandma coming to stay. The list goes on.

An extension is usually seen as a solution to a space problem - and cheaper than buying a new home. However, there are many examples of extensions with awkward consequences when they have been undertaken in a hurry. When planning an extension, the intention should not only be to create more space, but also to add value to your home. Space should not come at the cost of tacky finishes and doorways in odd places. Whatever you do, make your extension both useful and beautiful.

Pay attention to the plan

Once a good plan has been set, stick to it, unless there is a major obstacle along the way - such as the discovery of massive rock right where you want to put your new dining room. Changing your mind halfway through the project will add more time to the duration of your project and substantially increase costs. Give yourself time to consider various options before choosing a final plan.  

Rushing through the paperwork

Ensure a well-designed plan - one that will work. Give time to this, as well as thorough research, because this is the point where so many people go wrong in their hurry to build. Secondly, make sure all the correct paperwork and permissions are in order - whether you're adding a bathroom or another floor, the processes are the same - somewhat arduous but very important. You don't want to end up taking down all your work. You can't just do as you please when building for very obvious safety and environmental reasons.

Pick people who know how to do it

Probably a key factor leading to disaster is choosing the wrong people to get the job done. That might include yourself. Get in professional people with a proven track record - and look for honesty and integrity. Often problems only arise after the builder has scarpered and there's no recourse. The cheapest operator may not be the best one to choose, and be aware of the builder who has too many projects on the go at the same time. Look for  personal attention as well as professional skills; do your research with diligence and always be suspicious; ask for references and speak to their past clients; ask to see their previous work to get an idea of their competence.

Budget - and a job half done

Before you let your ambitions fly away on a great plan, check the costs. You must know ahead of time how much this extension is going to cost, and check for hidden factors. The financial burdens of running over budget is well documented. Give this aspect a great deal of consideration, otherwise you may be left with a half-finished project. Beware of builders who cannot complete the work on time and on budget.

The neighbourly thing

There's nothing worse than attempting an extension if your neighbour objects. This can cause much disharmony and unpleasantness. Find a way to discuss your plans with your neighbour, value their input, and be ready to see things from their point of view. Be ready to present alternatives if they have legitimate concerns. Remember they have legal rights as well, especially with regard to lighting, privacy and inconvenience.

Considering the exterior 

Adding an extension to your house should fit with the design and appearance of the original building. If the extra piece looks 'tacked on' or completely different in design and construction, you will have achieved an extension fail. This means there must be careful planning by the architect, the builder, and yourself to ensure that materials match or blend in such a way that the final effect is pleasing to the eye and enhances the appearance of your house.

Lighting naturally

Lighting - both by day and night - is important. There's no point in building something and then finding that it is dark and dismal. Make sure you provide ample opportunity for natural light by day, and plenty of discreet but convenient plug fittings for lamps and electronic appliances, along with and cleverly set overhead lighting by night. Skylights are now very popular - and certainly helpful when an extension cannot provide enough lighting from windows alone.

The heart of the home

The kitchen still remains key in any house makeover. If it becomes an extension to your house, you have the opportunity to rearrange the location of the fridge, stove, dishwasher, etc. Make sure that an extended kitchen does not become a nightmare of inconvenience: fridge doors that can't open properly; a sink with taps that don't sit where they should; too few cupboards; poor design with regard to space for movement and operation; and no space for a laundry. Oddball kitchen extensions are probably the worst of all.

Leapfrog Property Group

Leapfrog Property Group offers a fresh and innovative approach to buying, selling, renting and property investments, ensuring the best property deals for clients across South Africa. Our agents are qualified, trained, experienced; our approach bold and spirited, driven by heart, generosity and honesty. It is our mission to advise, eliminate obstacles and save you unnecessary expense. Trust is our watchword. And value our motto. Armed with our combined credentials, we are the bright face of excellence in the South African market. 

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