Deciding whether to renovate or extend your home
Are you frustrated by the lack of space in your home? Determining whether to renovate using your existing footprint or to create more space by extending is a big decision, so we’ve put together a few handy tips on what you need to consider when choosing between the two.
First assess your goals
If you’re happy with your layout and it just needs a refresh or minor adjustment, then renovating your existing space will be more cost effective and often quicker. However, if you need more space overall or an additional room and don’t want to impact e.g. your living room by having a larger kitchen, then extending is likely to be the best option.
You don’t want to get through a renovation only to find you’re just as frustrated with the lack of space or have created a new problem area by compromising on your layout.
Extensions create the opportunity to make your home just the way you want it, be it an extra room for a home office or playroom, an additional bathroom, or a large kitchen diner with a utility.
Internal layout
It sounds obvious but take an objective look at your home’s configuration and the space available. Take into consideration the flow from room to room and the outside space too and how this may be adapted to extend your property. At this stage you should consult with a builder like Stubbs Homes, using their experience to understand what’s feasible.
Budget
Renovations will likely cost less overall but be mindful that they are not without problems as you may start uncovering hidden issues that blow your budget out of the water, so you always need a contingency whatever kind of renovation you’re planning! It may also be more disruptive overall if internal configuration changes impact multiple rooms in your home.
Maximising your property value
It’s useful to research how much value your planned project could add to your home as extending to add a larger kitchen or an additional bedroom often boosts property value more than a cosmetic renovation.
Space and layout
Single storey extensions are most popular as they maximise your living space and are an investment that almost always boosts property value. Older properties in particular are prone to having a smaller kitchen than most people want in modern-day living and so that’s one area that’s key to get right. Using the opportunity to add an extra bathroom or a separate utility is also highly desirable for families but often not possible within the existing footprint of an older home.
Think long term
Having building work undertaken is stressful, there’s no denying it, so it’s important to think long term. If a quick fix is all you need then a simple refresh of your home is probably all that’s required. But if you dream of more space for your household then you’ll likely want to look into something more transformative and an extension is a great way to achieve your goal.
Before you start any work…Appoint a building contractor that has good reviews and you can trust, make sure the planning of your project is tip-top to cover eventualities and explore all the options available for your home and circumstances. To help get the ball rolling, book in for a free consultation with Stubbs Homes.