EXTENSION MASTERCLASS
When you’re thinking about adding space to your existing home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the early design phase as you visualise knocking down walls, creating bright, open spaces and kitting them out with high-spec fixtures and fittings. However, before getting carried away by fantasies of your dream, top-of-the-range kitchen and coordinating accessories, it’s important to plan a comprehensive budget that covers all aspects of your scheme.
Of course, construction costs and the sum you pay for new furniture will take up a significant portion of your project fund — but the outgoings won’t end there. There are various other costs you’ll need to factor in from the start of your project to avoid nasty surprises and spiralling costs later on. For instance, the cost of submitting a planning application and any associated surveys you need to conduct as part of your submission should be included in your calculations, as should the professional fees of your designer, engineer and any other specialists you need to bring on board.
You may also need to factor in additional structural work to the existing building, landscaping works, and upgrades to your home’s heating and electrics, to name a
