Key Steps to Follow When Designing a Rear Extension in Your Home
Posted on: 16 February 2017
Building a rear extension in your home can be a great way of improving the quality of life and increasing the value of your property. It is more efficient and affordable to create additional space for a new bathroom, bedroom or guest room rather than buying a new home that will meet your current and future space requirements. Just like any other construction project, building a rear extension requires careful planning to come up with a functional structure that matches the style of your home. Here are three essential steps to planning a rear extension in your home.
Define your boundary lines
Before building a rear extension in your home, you need to determine your boundary lines so that every part of your structure is contained within the property. Property lines are outlined in the site plan that was given by your surveyor when you bought the property. The plan also indicates landscaping features, and the location of underground plumbing pipes, drains and electrical wiring in the property. The site plan will determine where you can build an extension depending on the available space. It will also help you adhere to any regulation regarding the proximity of structures to streets and neighboring properties.
Assess your current floor plan
A floor plan is a scaled drawing of a room or a building as seen from above. It is used to show how a room or building will look like after completion. It also helps in designing furniture layouts, HVAC and wiring systems. Your current floor plan should act as a guideline when designing a rear extension. Work with a professional designer who can interpret the current plans and help come up with a structure that flows smoothly from your main house. Whether you are building a new bathroom, bedroom or guest house, the floor plans for the extension should reflect your home's design and layout to create uniformity.
Document the plans in detail
Details are important when planning a rear extension. Before beginning any construction work, you should figure out important details of the design, including all the materials needed. Document every aspect of the plans from the simplest things such as the types of nails to be used, door locks and tile designs to complex issues such as the electrical wiring and insulation. When it comes to materials, have various choices so that you can prepare for any cost constraints or availability challenges. If you are on a tight budget, determine the things that you can compromise without affecting the appearance of the structure.
Planning a rear extension for your home requires careful consideration. Work with a professional designer who can offer useful insight and criticism to help you come up with an extension that reflects your personal style.
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