5 Mistakes to Avoid When Extending Your Home

Extending your home is one of the best ways to add space and value, but a handful of avoidable mistakes cause most of the delays, overspends and disappointing results we see. Here are the five worth guarding against.

1. Losing sight of the whole house

An extension should improve how the entire house works, not just add a box on the back. Ask how the new space changes the flow, who will use it, and whether it leaves any existing room dark or awkward. A poorly planned extension can make the rest of the house worse.

2. Skipping planning approval

Starting work without confirming the planning position is a genuine risk — in the worst case you can be required to alter or remove what you have built. Confirm whether you need planning permission or can proceed under permitted development, and consider a Lawful Development Certificate either way. Building Regulations approval is always required.

3. Forgetting the neighbours

Whatever your relationship with them, neighbours should be kept informed. Where a shared wall or boundary is involved, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 usually applies and notice must be served correctly. Getting this right early prevents disputes that can halt construction.

4. Choosing the wrong designer or builder

Do your due diligence: ask for references, look at completed projects, and check experience with your type of house. Appointing a designer to administer the contract and oversee construction keeps quality and cost under control.

5. Getting materials wrong

Under permitted development, materials generally have to match the existing house. With planning permission there is more freedom, but the result should still sit comfortably with your home and the street. Take professional advice — the wrong choice can look cheap and cause maintenance problems later.

Get it right first time

Most of these mistakes come down to planning properly and working with people who know what they are doing. If you are considering an extension, book a free consultation with Studio MASS: email info@studio-mass.com, call 0208 638 6727, or use the Talk to Us button above.

About the author

Robert McBride BSc(Hons) MFPWS is an architectural technologist and director of Studio MASS, a London practice specialising in residential extensions, conversions and new-build homes.