No matter how large your luxury home happens to be, there’s always something that could be done with a little extra space. From games rooms to home gyms, cinemas to music rooms, the possibilities are endless – and each could elevate your home to whole new heights when it comes to glamour, sophistication, luxury and functionality.
If you like to entertain guests, then you won’t be able to keep them away once you’ve transformed your abode, but before taking the leap and having that longed for extension finally built, there are some important points to consider beforehand.
So, if you’re considering getting that project underway in 2020, then here’s everything you need to think about first.
Compliance with building regulations
Whether planning permission is required to carry out the relevant work or not, your project will still need to have building regulations approval. These are strict regulations that ensure the development is safe and that it meets all other criteria, which relate to energy efficiency, fire safety, structural integrity, damp-proofing and ventilation – as well as a range of other vital aspects pertaining to building safety.
The building regulations will omit most repair work, although replacement windows, rewiring, and underpinning are all included. All new building work, including modifications, will need to comply with the regulations – although sheds and outbuildings are exempt.
Residential noise survey
The residential noise survey is designed to gain an understanding of the baseline measurement of the noise environment, within close proximity of the development site. Once this has been assessed, a further assessment can be carried out in relation to the impact of noise on residential dwellings. This is analysed by following British Standards and guidelines from the World Health Organisation, ensuring that any future occupants will not have to suffer from excessive levels of noise. There are a number of experts in the UK specialising in these type of surveys, such as Nova Acoustics.
Selecting the right designer
You have several options when it comes to designing your extension; you may wish to consult with an architect or an architectural technician, or instead opt for a specialist designer, or a building company that can provide an in-house design team.
As with all things, it is important that you make sure you do your research and speak to people who have been through the process before you to get advice and word-of-mouth recommendations on what they found worked best. Chat with friends and family who have had similar works undertaken and that will give you an idea of what to expect and what to ask.
Project management
In its simplest form, keeping control of the entire project yourself is the best option to take as you can oversee everything. What’s more, it, can even be quite enjoyable! After all, you know the property, you know what you want and you can actively discuss and refine the project with builders as work progresses.
However, if you have a busy home life or work life then time could be an issue, so you may choose to bring in a project manager or allow the main contractor to handle things for you instead. A build like this requires plenty of patience, as there will almost always be some unexpected issues that arise along the way – and great organisational and problem-solving skills, too. So, if this doesn’t sound like you, then let go of the stress and allow someone else to do the hard work for you.
Extending your home can be an exciting and rewarding project that will transform your living space for the better, creating brand new facets and functionalities that will inject a little extra luxury into your life. Taking into account these key considerations before you start will ensure a smooth and seamless process from start to finish, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy watching it all unfold.