Do you want to add an extension to your home in Portsmouth? This can add space and value to your home, but it’s not a process you should rush into. It’s important to do your research first and choose the best builder, or contractor, in the area so that you can be sure they will work to your budget and timeline while still offering excellent service and quality of workmanship. Our guide on how to choose the best house extension in Portsmouth will help you find everything you need, so read on to learn more about this exciting process!
What are you looking for?
Before buying a house extension, it’s important that you know what you’re looking for. Do you just want more space? A place for extra storage? Or are you hoping to increase your home’s value and sell at a profit down the line? Before calling up an extension company or hiring a contractor, make sure your decision is informed by clear goals and expectations. Otherwise, you could end up paying a lot of money for something that doesn’t do much for you in return. For example, adding an extension with extra bedrooms might be a smart move if your family is growing, but having an empty guest room won’t add much value if no one ever uses it.
What kind of materials are you looking for?
Find out whether you’re looking for decking, roofing, flooring or some other type of material. Will you be looking for a new home or renovating your existing one? What kind of budget do you have? Asking these kinds of questions will help narrow down your options and point you toward materials that are best suited to your needs.
What services should they offer?
It’s always a good idea to ask potential contractors what they’ll do for you, but it’s just as important to know-how. Every contractor is different, so ensure that you’re comparing apples-to-apples before signing a contract. Some pros will give you general descriptions like we’ll lay patio stones, while others might offer more detail: We’ll remove existing materials, excavate and transport topsoil, and install patio pavers around your swimming pool. Look for these details as they can highlight whether or not a contractor knows what he/she is doing—and if they’re just guessing.
What exactly will they do?
Depending on their area of expertise, house extension companies will work with you from start to finish, even beyond that. If it’s just a simple I want a larger kitchen kind of job then you’ll probably do most of your own research and liaise directly with your contractor throughout; whereas if it’s something more complex like structural building changes or environmental improvements, you may need some outside advice. Do you want someone who can give that advice? Is it worth paying extra for their expertise? And how much are they really going to do on-site? The best way to find out is by asking—and asking directly.
How much will it cost you?
Add-ons can significantly increase your building costs, so be sure you know what is and isn’t included in your price. A team of professionals should be able to provide you with an estimate that includes all additional materials, fees, and labor. For example, if you want a home cinema room built into your new extension, it may not be included in your original quote and could add between £500 – £5,000 to your final bill. Any extras will need to be added on top of any groundworks (unless they are part of a single project) as well as decoration.
Is it worth paying more?
Many homeowners often get carried House Extension Portsmouth with their idea of a dream home only to find that installing an extension onto their property can have adverse consequences for them. When trying to decide whether or not an extension is worth paying more for, it’s best to think about things from a financial point of view rather than just what will make your ideal house. The last thing you want is for an extension that you are proud of and has enhanced your house dramatically, but now leaves you with such huge debts that it doesn’t seem like an improvement at all. Planning your home extension effectively and thinking about every detail beforehand is vital if you don’t want any nasty surprises further down the line.
