Experts have revealed the hidden costs of a home extension

• Steve Bromberg, managing director at Express Bi-Folding Doors has shared his best advice if you’re considering a home extension in 2024.
• Searches for ‘how much is a house extension UK’ have risen by a staggering 457% in the last year, as many wonder how they can finance the job – and any unexpected costs they may have to consider.

Adding an extension to your home can have a drastic impact on the space in your home, and how it looks, and can be a great option if you feel like you need or want more space but you don’t want to move house.

However, when planning an extension – it can feel like there’s a never-ending list of questions like; What do I want it to look like? How much will it cost? Do I need to get planning permission?

Taking this into account, managing director at Express Bi-Folding Doors, Steve Bromberg, has revealed his best tips and advice when considering and planning for a home extension.

“Consider the hidden costs”

The overall costs of your home extension will obviously depend on the type and style of your home extension. However, as you can expect – it’s not as easy as deciding what you want, buying the materials and makings a start. A few ‘hidden’ costs could be:

• Planning permission: Whilst this might not be as much as you expect it can vary council by council, a planning permission application or lawful development certificate can cost up to around £250.
• Party wall agreements & surveyors: Party wall agreements themselves can usually be drafted up yourself, and if your neighbours give consent – you won’t have to pay anything. However, if that isn’t the case you’ll need a surveyor to come out – a party wall surveyor can be anything from an architect, an engineer or a professional surveyor so costs can vary quite a bit.
• Surveys: You’ll need to submit both existing plans and proposed plans to the council, getting these drafted up can cost up to around £2000.
• Drainage Plans: This is something you may or may not need – from the beginning it’s recommended that you conduct a water and drainage search which can cost upto around £100, if drainage is required, it can cost up to around £2000 – but this is all dependent on your water provider.
• Structural Issues: If you want to rip out parts of your home and replace with new, it will mean your home will also need structural work doing to it, this can lead to increased costs from your structural engineer.

Steve explains “Giving an estimated cost for an extension without knowing what the home looks like, or the plans is almost impossible – my advice would be to have what you suspect you’ll need, then extra. There are so many factors to take into account – such as the type of house you live in, where you live – some homes near woodland might even require a “bat survey” your neighbours, if you might have to stay somewhere whilst work is done, and importantly – insurance in case anything does go wrong during the build”

“There’s no need to rush”

A home extension is a massive investment and when done right can significantly increase the value of your home and improve the way you use it. Especially if starting it at the beginning of the year, it can be tempted to want it completed in time for Summer but in reality, it is best to take your time to make sure it is designed to its maximum potential around you, and then built to the highest standard and using the best materials.

“Do your due diligence”

There Is no doubt that it’s a big investment, which is why it’s key to make sure to you use the right companies and people. Go from direct recommendations and ask to see previous work and products first hand. It is better to pay more to get a job done properly than buy cheaply but gain a lot of problems.

“Get some inspiration”

Inspiration can be found everywhere, this can be gained online and through social media and online publication, but your own experiences such as travel, hotel stays and eating out are also great for interior and exterior home inspiration to. If your budget is restricted because of carrying out a home project then there are lots of exhibitions throughout the year such as the Ideal Home Show, Homebuilding & Renovating and Grand Designs Live that showcase designed room sets and free seminars from industry experts on interior design, home extensions and more.

“Visit showrooms to see all products first hand”

When investing in high ticket items you should never buy online, always make a point of seeing the products and the people that you’re buying from.

“Bear in mind the adjacent properties before carrying out your own work”

If your neighbour’s extension has a pitched roof extension, you might want to follow the same theme so there’s a consistent look across the two buildings. If you’re fortunate enough to live in a detached property, then you can be more ambitious and unique with the design.

“Make the most of natural light”

This brings health benefits but also makes the home feel bigger and lighter, plus will make the home more desirable if you look to sell it.

“Increase your sell on value”  

By keeping up with modern trends like a clear connection to the garden and an open plan interior space. Don’t be afraid to keep things simple, trends can come and go but timeless styles like a light kitchen combined with skylights and large glass doors.

Think about raising the external patio so it’s flush with your new extension or existing home – this brings the potential to make your space even bigger and the outdoor area can become an extension of your interior space if you then install bi-fold or sliding doors.

“Think about keeping warm in the winter and keeping cool in the summer“

This is another reason not to skimp on quality materials as insulation products, solar reflective glass and blinds are key in this.

For more information, please visit: https://www.expressbifolds.co.uk/