The Bayside Architect for Home Extensions

A house extension involves expanding the footprint of your existing home to create additional living space. An extension can be single level or can involve adding a second storey, particularly if you have limited land to build on and want to keep some garden area. This can include adding extra rooms, expanding existing ones, or even constructing a new section to accommodate changing needs, such as a larger kitchen, an extra bedroom, or a home office.

When selecting an architect for your house extension, consider their experience in residential projects, review their portfolio, and check for relevant qualifications. We would always recommend meeting in person with a few architects so that you can determine if their personality is a good fit as well as their professional skills. You will be working with them for quite a long period and need to make sure that you will get along. Personal recommendations and reviews can be valuable. Ensure the architect understands your vision, communicates effectively, and has a track record of successful extensions

House extensions offer an efficient way to meet changing lifestyle needs without the upheaval of moving. Whether you need more space for a growing family, your current house doesn’t meet your needs, or you desire a home office, a well-designed house extension can not only provide a cost-effective solution but also has the potential to significantly enhance the value of your property. Additionally, the personalised nature of a house extension allows you to tailor your living space to your unique preferences and requirements, making it a versatile and practical choice for homeowners.

The need for planning permission varies based on factors such as size, location, and local regulations. You don’t usually need planning permission to alter or extend a single dwelling, but there are exceptions to this rule. A reputable architect can help determine whether your project requires planning permission and guide you through the application process if necessary.

The duration of a house extension project depends on its complexity and size. A typical extension may take anywhere from a few months to over a year. A detailed project timeline, including design, approvals, and construction phases, will be established during the planning stages.

In many cases, residents can continue living in their homes during a house extension, especially if the extension is not affecting essential living spaces. However, we usually recommend that homeowners find alternative accommodation for the duration of the build so that the builders can progress without impediment. This will result in a much quicker build timeframe, and you will be back in your newly improved home a lot sooner. A well-coordinated construction plan can minimize disruption and inconvenience, ensuring a smoother and more efficient construction process.

In addition to your architect, you will need a structural engineer, a building surveyor, and an energy rater at minimum. Depending on the complexity of your project, you could also require a land surveyor, civil engineer, arborist, interior designer, and more. A comprehensive team ensures all aspects of the extension are handled professionally. At JDA Lammin, we go a step further by coordinating and managing the entire team on your behalf, streamlining the process and ensuring seamless collaboration among professionals to bring your vision to life.

Ensure your architect and other consultants have professional liability insurance, and confirm that your homeowner's insurance is updated to cover the ongoing construction. Additionally, the builder is required to take out cover during construction, including Home Warranty insurance, which should be in place before any contracts are signed. This comprehensive approach helps protect you from potential liabilities and unforeseen events during the project, providing a layer of security throughout the construction process.

Selecting a reliable contractor involves researching their reputation, checking references, and ensuring they have the necessary licenses and insurance. We have a network of trusted building contractors who we can recommend for your project, but it is important that you do your own research as well to ensure they are the right fit for your build. Obtain detailed quotes, review contracts thoroughly, and choose a contractor with a proven track record in completing similar projects successfully.

This collaborative approach ensures that you have a well-vetted and reliable team working on your house extension project.