In an uncertain housing market, an increasing number of people are choosing not to move home, but to stay put and extend their properties. JG Joiners and Builders are experts in this field and can help you design your house extension project from start to finish.
Designing your Extension
First of all, work out if you wish to extend a loft or garage, or simply enlarge an existing room with the addition of a dormer window, or build an extension from footings to roof. If at all possible have an informal chat with your neighbours to reassure them that your proposed extension won’t block their access to natural light, and that you’ll keep any disruption as a result of building work to a minimum.
If you’re going to need planning permission for your house extension, it’s always a good idea to keep the neighbours on side. Complaints and the redrawing of plans can be costly. If you use us for your project, we can guide you through the planning process right through to the completed product.
The Planning Permission Process
Most loft conversions and garage conversions won’t require planning permission, but if you’re in Scotland you will still need a building warranty for this work. Single storey extensions don’t need planning permission, but two storey house extensions do. In order to receive a warranty you must be able to provide architectural drawings showing proposed elevations and any other architectural details. In fact it’s a good idea to present your local planning office with as much information as possible.
If approved, it’s up to your builders to inform the council when the work will start and communicate with the council throughout the course of your extension build. A certificate of completion will only be issued if the building work is of suitably high quality
Planning a budget
All house extensions cost money, and you should work out a budget in order to ensure that you can finish your building project. Take into account the costs of drawing up plans, potential architect’s fees and the cost of a building warranty, or planning permission.
Costs for a building warranty are taken as a percentage of the cost of the whole build. If you can afford a contingency fund, this is a great idea in case you change your mind during the build and decide that you want some additional features in your extension.
JG Joiners and Builders is a firm of expert builders in West Lothian, committed to giving a free no obligation quotation in order to help you plan accordingly. We also offer a 12-month quality guarantee on all our workmanship
Picking the right builder
It’s always a good idea to get three separate quotes for any proposed building work. Just remember that the cheapest quote won’t necessarily be the best. You need to choose a building firm that’s experienced and has a reputation for a high standard of craftsmanship. Always ask if you can see any examples of the builders’ work, to give you an idea of the standard that you can expect on your property. If you like the firm’s examples, feel that you can talk to the easily and are confident in the firm’s abilities, then this will be the right builder for you.
So if your considering a house extension then contact us today to talk it through and take the first steps towards making your vision a reality.
