There are many ways to build an extension on a budget, but planning your project is the best way to save money. Planning your project will help you stay on budget and comply with local planning and building regulations. If you share a wall with another property, you must adhere to the Party Wall Act. You may also need to pay attention to timings and planning before starting work. Below are some tips for building an extension on a budget.
Material choice
The most obvious material choice for building an extension on a budget is brick. However, alternatives, including timber, glass, copper, and other materials, have their unique characteristics and visual effects and are available for a wide range of budgets. For example, a dark metal cladding complements the brick of the original building, and glass looks great.
Bricks offer the most significant aesthetic flexibility and design freedom, allowing homeowners and architects to create something perfectly suited to their property. They are available in various colours and can be shaped to blend with the existing property and complement the extension plan. Another major benefit of bricks is their durability – they are very durable and require minimal maintenance over the years. Moreover, they are incredibly flexible, which allows you to create an extension that reflects your style while avoiding high costs.
Many design and build companies take care of the entire project, but you need to find a contractor to carry out the build in many cases. Word-of-mouth is still the best way to find a quality contractor. Check online reviews and recommendations and ask people who have recently done similar projects.
Site preparation
Proper site preparation will set your crews up for success and smooth project completion. It also helps to consider the location of obstructions, hazards, and local regulations. Proper site preparation will also ensure that the construction process doesn’t take longer than you planned. To avoid such delays, you should carefully plan the excavation process. To do this, consult a landscape architect or a geotechnical engineer.
If you are building a new extension, site preparation includes clearing the site of existing structures and completing drainage projects. Site preparation includes all activities on the land before construction.
Timings of deliveries
To manage a project and save money, the timings of deliveries are crucial. Having workers arrive on a site that is not ready is expensive. Also, materials need to arrive on time. Most extension work attracts 20 per cent VAT on materials and labour. In contrast, second-hand materials will not be subject to this tax. If you can arrange to buy your materials from second-hand sellers, the cost will be lower.
Planning properly
If you’re considering building an extension, it is essential to plan well and make sure your budget allows for the job. Adding a second storey to your home extension can cost as little as half as much as a single-storey extension. While building contractors dispute this myth, it’s still essential to determine how much space you need and whether you will use the extra space.
Once you know these two factors, you can determine how much your extension will cost.
Creating a good plan is essential when building a house extension, and you should always check with your neighbours to see if they have any objections to the addition. You don’t want your new room to interfere with natural lighting or infringe on their property. It can be expensive to deal with these issues later on, so it’s worth doing a little research beforehand.
One of the first steps in planning your extension is to look for materials and consult meadanhomes.com.au/renovations-and-extensions/. The materials you choose will affect the quality of the finished product, so be sure to find materials that will last and look good. Get accurate measurements, as a wrong measurement can mean a large bill or incorrect materials. Also, consider if you need to move out of your home during the build. If so, it’s vital to get accurate measurements before you start shopping.
The planning stage of your extension is a crucial part of a successful extension project. A new addition does not need to be stressful and long, so a plan is essential for the project. So get planning! Don’t let your dreams slip away! You’ll be glad you did!
