Top 10 tips for building an extension

Many of us have tried to sell our houses, failed, and decided to add on or improve our homes instead. An extension is often less hassle and much cheaper than moving – as long as you follow our golden rules.

Here are the Risk Collective’s top 10 tips for getting the most value from your build.

Add value to your home

Make sure the build will add value to your home when you come to sell. It is all very well spending money on a new conservatory, but would you add more value by extending your kitchen or adding a utility room and downstairs toilet instead? Although you will have to live with whatever build you decide, it is a good idea to keep one eye on the property market to make sure that however you improve your home, it will still appeal to a new buyer.

Invest in an architect

However simple you think your job may be, an architect can draw up proper plans and will understand the building rules and regulations - so you don’t waste your time submitting plans, which will be rejected straight away. An architect will also be able to tell you what is feasible and what will be too expensive - and offer alternatives. Did you know, for example, that if you add on a downstairs toilet to your property it has to be large enough to accommodate someone in a wheelchair (even if access to your house itself is up several steps, which a wheelchair cannot get up! Bonkers, but true).

Get three builder’s quotes

Even if someone you know and trust has recommended the best builder in the world, make sure you get at least three quotes from three different builders - and quotes that break down the work they will do for you, so you can compare prices and make an informed decision of whom to use. Get recommendations from friends, neighbours and family and drive round for a couple of weeks and check out whose vans keep appearing at people’s homes - builders with plenty of work are often the best. It may be worth going for a more expensive quote if you know you can trust that the job will be done well.

Get planning permission

It may seem obvious, but so may people come a cropper for the lack of planning permission – and it isn’t that expensive to get. Laws have changed and you may not need planning permission at all - your architect will be able to tell you if you do, but if you go ahead and build without checking, you may have to demolish what you started! You can often follow the progress of your plans through the local council on its website.

Certified gas and electric

Make sure that the contractors your builders use for the plumbing, gas and electrics in your new extension are members of the appropriate bodies and know all the latest safety rules and regulations - Gas Safe for gas, for example. And make sure they use a professional plasterer!

Building inspectors

With or without planning permission, you will also need building inspections where officials come round to check the work is being done to the correct standard. Make sure that you get every stage checked - from foundations to finished build. The inspectors often have useful advice and tips too and may suggest easier ways to do things, or new products available. If you don‘t have the appropriate certificate of approval from the building inspectors, you will find your home difficult to sell.

Shop around for bargains

It is often worth shopping around for building materials - don’t necessarily trust that the builders will get you the best price for everything. You can often find builders’ merchants and timber yards with special deals and offers. This applies from the flooring to the lighting and tiles.

Pay your builder in stages

Never pay for the job up front. Divide payment into at least three stages - beginning, middle and end. A deposit of a third is a fair start as the builder will need to order materials and pay for them. Agree the payments with the builder and do not deviate from them unless you are perfectly satisfied with the work done. Even then think twice - will your builder come back and finish your job before starting someone else’s if you have paid him all the money? Get them to sign for every instalment so you have a record of what has been spent so far. Keep all receipts so you can keep track of the money you have spent.

Keep an eye on the build

Make sure you are happy with the work being done at every stage of the build. Ask about materials used, how tough they will be, how long guarantees last, and so on. Check the standard of work and don’t be afraid to ask your builders to do something again if you feel they have cut corners or made a mistake. You will have to live with the finished product and should expect a decent standard of work, whatever the price you are paying. Check the build at every stage.

Snagging list

Before you hand over the final payment, make a snagging list of everything that has not yet been finished to your satisfaction and which you expect the builders to have done. Make sure you are happy with everything before you hand over the rest of the money.

Photo copyright Digital Vision.

Tags: Finance & property, RC top 10s