How to build a home extension #2: Design

In the first edition of our series, “How to build a home extension - PPCo’s Practical Guide”, we talked about the very initial stage of planning a home extension - who you need to speak to, what you need to consider and how to begin.

Now, we move on to the architectural design stage - our favourite stage! We are designers at heart and designing a new space that can change the lives of a homeowner and their family is our favourite thing to work on.

When we first start a project, our clients tend to have a general idea about what they’re looking for. A rear single storey extension to create a new kitchen diner, a porch to create an entrance to their home or a double storey side extension to create a master suite upstairs, are some of the most common examples we hear.

They know the rough size they would like it to be and maybe a few ideas about certain features they definitely want - bi fold doors, or a pitched roof, for example.

And then they have an idea of budget (and how much they’d be willing to go over budget!).

So where does an architectural designer come in?

From concept to reality

We have a practical (it really is in the name!) mindset when it comes to our work and feasibility is our primary concern.

Once our clients have told us what they want to achieve, we can then get stuck in and create the perfect space. On site, we will first check the viability of the project. We have to take into account boundaries, site access, demands on services (electrics, plumbing, heating), flood risk, soil conditions, surrounding trees and the location of major pipes among many other things. We also need to look at site access: how easy it is for deliveries to be made during the build, for example.

We also know how hard it is to visualise space sometimes and unfortunately, a concept isn’t always possible and it is our job to turn a concept into a reality. Many of the properties we work on are 1960s/70s semi-detached, traditional homes which tend to have just 2-2.5m on the side up to the boundary. A double storey side extension to create a new master suite might seem possible to clients first. But a double bedroom needs at least 3m to achieve a comfortable walking space around the bed.

We put this into perspective for our clients and suggest an alternative. We want to ensure that clients still achieve their dream and in this instance, it is still possible to create a master suite; the existing space can be reconfigured to establish the best layout, with internal walls and doors added or removed and the new extension integrated, getting the most value and use from it.

Is it the most cost-effective option?

Once we’ve looked at feasibility, we then look at affordability. Many clients are surprised to hear just how much their new extension is going to cost. For example, a 6x5m addition might be feasible but when it’s going to cost around £45k, some clients change their mind!

We look at exactly what they’re hoping to achieve and consider how much space they realistically need. Even though it’s possible to extend up to 6m on a semi-detached/terrace property (8m on a detached) and across the width of your property under permitted development (find out more in the next edition of this series - stage #3), if you’re looking for a new kitchen diner, it might make more sense to stick to something a bit smaller.

We start every design process from the most cost-effective option or space and then work up. We’ll make sure our clients know exactly what internal space they would achieve and make sure it works for them. So, we always look at basic layouts for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, etc. to ensure the best use of the space.

Once the client can see that, we then ask them to consider what’s worth spending the extra money on. For example, that £15k you save on the build itself by making the space slightly smaller could be spent on the next range up in the kitchen catalogue you’ve been trawling through for months.

Again, you might think that having your walls flush (as opposed to using nibs) is more desirable - and that’s absolutely fine - but with the difference being around £5-6k, it is something many people reconsider. Again, just think what that extra £5-6k could be spent on!

Bi folds tend to be the dream aesthetic, but you never know, in 10 years time they might end up as outdated as your 1970s conservatory! They’re expensive as well, coming in at around £3k, as opposed to half that for traditional French doors. And, flat roofs tend to be cheaper than pitched but can still look the part if designed properly.

We leave all of these decisions to our clients to make but we like to make sure they are aware of all rough costs and alternative options. That’s our job as designer.

The drawings

Once we’ve spoken to our client at length, we’ll draw up the first set of initial draft architectural drawings, incorporating everything we’ve talked about with basic layouts included and a couple of alternative, cost-saving ideas. The time we spend at the beginning talking to our clients proves invaluable at this stage as we’re able to get these drawings to the point where the client is happy fairly quickly.

Any designer you work with should be able to answer any question you have about space, layouts, rough costs and structural elements, equipping you with all the information you need to make a considered decision. It’s important that you feel comfortable throughout the design of your extension and that you truly understand the plans, and the space you’re going to end up with.

If you would like to speak to a Nottingham architectural designer about a project you’re planning, contact our team now on 01158748574 or email hello@practicalplanning.co.uk to pick our designers’ brains.

In our next blog we take you through everything there is to know about planning - whether or not you need it, and how to get it.