Home Extensions
To avoid the expense and hassle of moving house, many people opt to stay put, extending the existing home.
House extensions form the main bulk of our work at Eznat. We have built upwards and outwards to provide many families with more space. After all, experiencing the benefits of more space as a child in Zambia, Joe really wants to help others afford the same luxury.
What is the extra space for?
What do you want to use your extension for and what do you want to do in it? This will determine the kind of alterations we can make to your home.
Whatever the reason for needing more space, we tailor designs to ensure we take in everything you require. From creating an open-plan kitchen diner, to a double extension, we need to understand how you plan to live in the space we are creating for you.
Budget
This is usually the first thing we ask our clients and we will always aim to create as much extra room as possible for the funds you have available.
Up, down, or out to the sides?
Where you put your house extension is the next decision. Loft conversions are increasingly popular – so if you have the option of converting your attic space into a new room, without any external signs of extending the property, it’s definitely worth considering.
Number of storeys?
The most common option for simply gaining extra space is a single storey or two storey extension to the rear of your property, building out into the garden or to the side of the home.
If you are planning to extend your home, talk to us and we may be able to recommend more than you had imagined possible.
Conservation area
If your home is in a designated conservation area or is a listed building, there may be very strict controls governing what alterations you can or, cannot make.
How long can you expect it to take?
Extensions don’t happen overnight. Getting planning permission and building regulations approval can sometimes take months. We never promise to do anything in a hurry and request that clients are patient.
Upheaval
There is usually some upheaval and interruption to normal family life while the building is going on. However, with Eznat as your Project Management team, we take on all of the hassle, managing the construction team to streamline the changes to your property.
Time of year
You may want to factor in things like holidays, family events and other occasions for which you want full use of your house, without the builders being there.
Once you do decide the best time of year for your property extension to be built, the secret is to plan ahead as far as possible.
Planning permission
For some property alterations such as loft conversions, single storey extensions and certain types of sun rooms, you may not need planning permission. However this depends on a variety of factors. It is always better to seek expert advice to avoid disappointment further down the line.
Neighbours
It’s particularly important to consider your neighbours, especially if you are making major alterations to your party wall.
It’s best-practice to keep your neighbours informed. If your plans impact on their quality of life during the construction period, good communication will help you to keep them on side.
The construction team
Unless you’re an experienced builder yourself, the likelihood is that you will need to get a professional building firm in to do the work.
Choose a builder who has been recommended by a friend or family member. Always ask to see their work and ask the builder for testimonials. We can also recommend excellent builders, people we already know and who will do an excellent job for you.