PPCo Guide: How to build a home extension #2 - design
Updated for 2021/22
This article is the second in our new PPCo Guide: How to build a home extension - a series which will take you step by step through the process of designing, planning and building your extension.
In the first edition of this series 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 is a firm favourite.
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
Our first job is to carry out a site visit to discuss ideas and 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 for the build itself.
We also know how hard it is to visualise space sometimes and unfortunately, a concept isn’t always possible. 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.
Our job is to suggest an alternative and create a design that still allows the homeowner to achieve their dream home.
Affordability
Next up is affordability. Many clients are surprised to hear just how much their new extension is going to cost - especially at the moment! We used to estimate build costs based on £1,500 per square metre (and £1,100psqm for additional floors). With the effects of the pandemic, and rising materials costs, though, that cost per square metre is more likely to be around £1,750. We are starting to see build quotes come in at a lower price so fingers crossed those average costs are on the way down.
So, with an idea of budget, we look at exactly what our clients are hoping to achieve and consider how much space they realistically need.
We start every design process from the most cost-effective option or space and then work up. We also make sure our clients know exactly what internal space they would achieve so we include basic layouts for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, etc. in our drawings 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. A higher end kitchen, for example, or bi folds rather than French doors.
Flat roofs tend to be cheaper than pitched but can still look the part if designed properly. And you might have planned on having your walls flush (as opposed to using nibs) but with the difference being around £6k, it is something many people reconsider.
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.
And 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.
Coming up…
How to build a home extension #3: planning permission
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If this is the first article you’ve seen in this guide, why not check out the first instalment here and catch up!).
No matter what stage you’re at in your project, our team is here to help. If you’re based in the East Midlands and you’d like to book in with our Nottingham team for a free, no obligation design consultation, please give us a call on 0115 874 8570 - or hit the button below.
If you’re not quite ready to get started, or you’re based elsewhere in the UK, please feel free to check out the rest of our Advice Centre - and connect with us on Instagram and Facebook for tips and inspiration.