**Extending Your Home Made Simple**
If you're thinking of adding more space to your home, it might seem overwhelming. However, once you decide where to extend (e.g. ground floor, upstairs, or even adding a room in the basement), the process is relatively the same.
You have two options: hire a professional builder to handle everything or save money by doing it yourself. If you choose to save money, here's a simple step-by-step guide:
1. **Get help from an architect**: You can post a job on websites like " Trustatrader " by typing "Architectural Services" - it's free! You can read reviews from previous customers to find a reliable architect.
An architect will take care of:
* Checking if your extension complies with local planning rules
* Submitting the necessary paperwork
* Creating detailed drawings if needed
This can save you a significant amount of money. You might even save around £2,000 or more from the start, depending on your specific needs.
**Benefits of doing it this way:**
* Save money on hiring a builder to handle the planning and design
* Get a better understanding of the extension process
* Have more control over the design and plans
Keep in mind that while this approach can save you money, it's essential to ensure that your extension is safe and compliant with local regulations. Consult with an architect or seek professional advice if you're unsure about any aspect of the process.
.
Finding a builder can be challenging, especially if you don’t know anyone in the business. There are several ways to find one. You can ask friends or family for recommendations, or you can simply call a few builders to come by and give you quotes for your project.
Another option is to hire individual tradespeople directly, which could save you a lot of money. Websites like Trustatrader allow you to find skilled workers and read reviews about them.
If you're planning to build an extension, you'll need to hire different tradespeople in a specific order. First, you'll need groundworkers to dig the foundation and handle drainage and concrete work. After that, a bricklayer will build the walls, followed by a carpenter to construct the roof. Once the structure is up, you'll need a roof tiler to complete the outer layer. Then, a plasterer, plumber, and electrician will add the finishing touches, followed by a decorator.
Before starting any of this, it's important to create a rough plan of what you want your extension to look like. Make a list of everything you want to include and take precise measurements. This way, you can avoid the disappointment of finding out, for instance, that your bed doesn’t fit or that your dining table is too long for the space.