When Home Extensions Really Make Sense — MELANIE LISSACK INTERIORS

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At some point in every homeowner's life, there comes a time when you have to make a decision between moving in order to gain more space or staying put and expanding your current home via an extension. Although home extensions can be built to meet evolving needs, when do they truly make sense?

modern panelled kitchen extension — *A bright and light home extension featuring a* *Searle & Taylor* *Kitchen.*

As Your Family Expands

If you increase in size as a family, you’ll immediately notice space will become scarce. An extension can provide those much-needed additional bedrooms or bathrooms required for privacy for each member of the household.

Working from Home

With more people taking up remote work from their own homes, creating a dedicated workspace has become a necessity. An extension can provide a peaceful area where focus and productivity can thrive without being interrupted by daily household life.

home extension floor tiles — *Image credit:* *Porcelain Superstore*

Lifestyle Upgrade

Most people add an extension onto their property in order to create a larger kitchen space which includes more storage, a kitchen unit and an integrated utility room. Home extensions allow for large, open-plan kitchen designs with increased natural lighting, skylight windows and bi-fold doors for a desirable indoor/outdoor lifestyle.

Making Financial Sense

Extensions can also be an intelligent financial move. In many instances, the value added to your home by an extension will surpass its costs over time, making an extension an excellent long-term investment decision. Of course, it's essential to evaluate this potential upside against current market dynamics and your personal circumstances before making a final decision. However, be mindful that modern energy-saving materials might also save money when selecting materials for use during construction.

dark kitchen cupboards — *Dark kitchens work well when there is lots of natural light, as per this extension. Image credit:* *Higham Furniture.*

Before You Take the Plunge

Here are a few helpful tips if you are considering a home extension:

Planning Permission: Before undertaking your home extension project, always consult local regulations and any homeowners' association restrictions, should there be any. A legal hiccup could derail even the most promising project if it is not planned accordingly.
Budget: It is important that you create and adhere to a realistic budget during the building process, as costs can quickly escalate without warning. Plan for any unexpected expenses and leave some room in your budget for these to occur.
Design Considerations: Work with an experienced architect or designer who can assist in making the most of the space available to you. Consider how the extension will complement and blend in with the existing layout and style of your home.
Select Quality Materials: Don't be tempted to cut costs by opting for inferior materials in order to save money, as this could end up leading to additional repairs or replacement expenses in the long run. Instead, invest in high-quality, long-lasting materials.

Conclusion

Extensions make the most sense when they enhance the quality of life at home rather than simply adding space. They provide an opportunity to personalise your living environment to reflect personal growth and life changes - whether accommodating growing family needs, adapting to work-from-home norms, or making room for hobbies and passions.

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