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Search: Building an extension:
Building an extension
When looking at building an extension there are many aspects you need to consider, such as planning permission and building regulations. Finding the right builder and building supplies...
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Article: Building an extension
 
When looking at building an extension there are many aspects you need to consider, such as planning permission and building regulations. Finding the right builder and building supplies.
There are builders that will specialise in building an extension whether this is for a domestic property or an extension for a commercial purpose. If the extension is for a commercial purpose, you may wish to also consider modular buildings.
The starting point when considering building an extension is whether there is sufficient land to build the type of extension that you require. To aid you to do this it would be beneficial for you to contact a qualified architect. An architect can give you good pointers on what is and is not feasible for building an extension on to your property. The architect can also draw up your extension requirements and can help you in submitting these for planning permission, the architect will also give you guidance on your requirements to conform with building regulations.
Planning permission is usually required for the majority of extensions and information regarding planning permission can be obtained via your local authority or by visiting the planning portal website. If you fail to apply for planning permission before erecting your extension you may be required to demolish all or part of your extension.
Another important step in building an extension is finding the right builder. The Building Services Guide can put you in touch with companies that specialise in extensions. You should always contact more than one builder and ask the builder to give you quotes on building an extension. It is also a good idea to view work carried out by the builders and if possible speak to past clients of the builder, the Building Services Guide tries to encourage the builders on our site to display work they have previously carried out.. Make sure all the building supplies and your requirements are included in the quote. You may wish to select your own building supplies, for example, if you are building an extension in a particular kind of stone, however, it may be worth discussing this with your builder as he may be able to obtain discounts on building supplies.
If you do not wish to go through this process yourself the architect may deal with builders and supplies for you. If they do offer this service the architect would usually charge a fee for this of around 10% of the building costs. If you want to go down this road make sure you have budgeted for the extra cost.
Once your builder has been selected and price agreed, agree some payment criteria with the builder. You shouldn't have to pay a deposit as most builders have a cashflow and credit at building suppliers, on the other hand though the builder should not have to wait until completion to be paid any money. Agree staged payments with the builder, depending on the size of the extension you are building, if small maybe two stages (above the damp course and then on completion), if larger three stages. Agree the stages that the payments will be made but generally for three stages you could look at damp course level, above second storey windows and then at final completion.
When the extension has been completed inspect all of the work that has been carried out by the builder and make a list of any defects or queries you may have (commonly known as a snagging list). Make sure the builder puts the defects right before making the final payment, then make sure you agree a defects period, commonly 6 months, where your builder agrees to put these right at no cost to you (unless these have been caused by you).
If you have paid the architect to manage the building works they should look after this on your behalf, however, make sure that you are kept informed of what is happening and any agreements that have been made.