Top Tips When Conducting Home Extensions
Posted on: 29 October 2020
Home extensions are a viable solution for people that need to increase the floor space in their homes. More often than not, it is a cheaper and less stressful experience compared to moving into a larger house. So, how do you create a home extension? Below are some tips.
Understand The Law
There are strict regulations on home extensions in Australia. Typically, you will need a permit from your local council if the extension affects structural features such as the slabs or pillars. In most territories, you will not need a licence to install a deck or pull down one wall in your home. Strata developments and character residential zones could also prohibit home extensions. For instance, you could be restricted from extending the front end of your home in order to ensure uniformity or to maintain the cultural heritage of the area.
Check The Blueprints
Check the blueprints of your house to know the effect of the home extension works on the structural integrity of the house. For instance, you will need braces to support the house if a pillar supports a significant portion of the house. There are cases where you would opt to build a separate structure that shares a wall with the original house. This may be a good idea if you think that it would be risky to demolish the original support elements.
Preferably, you should engage an interior designer and a draftsman to help you design the project. Typically, the extension works should improve the appeal of your property. As such, the draftsman should ensure the extension blends in with the original structure. The interior designer will propose how the extension will look form the inside. For instance, if you want a kitchen extension, the designer could suggest an open living plan to make the kitchen and living room look spacious. Besides, you could include a small counter with seats that will serve as a kitchen lounge.
Planning
Below are some tips to help you plan home extension works.
Check property boundaries to make sure that the extension does not encroach your neighbour's property.
If you intend to live in the house during the extension works, rearrange the home to ensure you vacate rooms that are close to the proposed extension.
If you need to conduct earthmoving works to build a foundation or basement, determine how the earthmovers will access the property.
Initiate safety measures at the site. For instance, it should be barricaded to prevent children from accessing the site. Besides, check the location of water and gas lines.
Home extension works should be conducted by experienced contractors. Assess the contractor's previous projects, professionalism, terms of hire and pricing before enlisting his or her services.
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