With the housing market being in such decline during the current recession more and more people are choosing the cheaper option of increasing their living space by adding rooms to their current homes. This not only achieves adding more space but also potentially increases the value of your existing home in preparation for when the housing market improves.
One of the cheaper ways of adding space to your home is by creating a garden room. This can be achieved by simply installing a terraced area with an overhead canopy or awning or by having a more permanent veranda fitted using either wood or glass. A veranda can help to blur the boundary between the home and the garden providing an outside room perfect for relaxing and entertaining. This area could be maximised by having built in seats with hidden storage space.
Underground storage could prove a perfect place to store items such as a lawnmower removing the need for a shed. If cost is an issue a simple pergola can add extra seating whilst also providing shade and privacy from neighbours.
If a more permanent room is required then an extension or conservatory would provide an excellent extra room whilst linking the home to the garden. Glass walled extensions are becoming more popular and help you to enjoy the outdoor space all year round especially when the doors are left open. These extensions can be better than conservatories as it easier to regulate the temperature in them. They are warmer in the winter than conservatories especially if under floor heating is installed and can be cooler in the summer if a tiled or flat roof is used instead of glass. Having the appropriate window dressing such as venetian blinds can also help. It is also important to use lead flashing if the extension joins the main walls of the house in order to prevent leaks.
It is important to comply with the building regulations enforced by the council’s Building Control Department when planning such projects. It is also necessary to check with the planning department whether planning is required.
Another popular way of increasing living space at the moment is by extending the basement. This option can be more expensive but can maximise space .It is possible to build an entire new floor under your existing home creating up to as many as three extra rooms. These rooms could be insulated to provide a music room or utility room. The big advantage to this option is that you won’t have to witness the mess being made as all the work will be happening on a different level of your house while you continue to live as normal upstairs.
The important thing to remember if choosing this method of extending is to ensure that you hire a reputable basement company with lots of experience. It is also necessary to ensure that you have a party wall agreement with your neighbours prior to commencing works.
Loft conversions are another excellent means of creating extra space. This option is cheaper and quicker than building an extension or digging out the basement. Again it is necessary to check that a party wall agreement is in place especially if the work affects a wall shared with a neighbour. Most applications don’t now need planning but it is still advisable to check beforehand.
Most houses have lofts that can be converted and those built prior to 1960 especially Victorian properties are easier to convert as the roofs were constructed with a steep pitch with plenty of room between the rafters.
Loft conversions can be used for many uses. If it is being used as a hobby room or for storage a loft ladder is sufficient. However if the room is to be used for uses such as a bathroom or a bedroom then a permanent staircase is required. It is always advisable to try to match up the windows and brickwork with the existing as this will be more appealing if you decide to sell the property at a later date.
If you don’t want to extend your existing property then a summerhouse or chalet could be erected in the garden. These can be ideal for storage, a sitting room, playroom or an office to work from home.
A garden office constructed separate from the main property is a practical and cost effective way of working from home. This is particularly appropriate during the current credit crunch when there is g demand for ways to lower overheads by reducing office space and the need to commute to work.
This working space also has the advantage of separating family and working life.
Generally there is no planning permission required for this type of building provided that it is less than 4m tall, over 5m from the home and uses less than half the garden space. Again as with the other options it is always advisable to check with planning before carrying out any work.
All in all extending or adding any rooms to your home will provide extra space without the upheaval and expense of moving. It can also more importantly add value to your home which will prove beneficial should you decide to move home when the housing market improves.
The important thing to remember to make the experience a happy and stress free one is to always check planning requirements, ensure that you comply with building regulations and more importantly to hire a well established, experienced builder who should preferably be an associate of the Master Federation Of Builders and be able to offer testimonials of their work. This should all help to ensure that the experience is an enjoyable and successful one.