15 EXTENSION MISTAKES TO AVOID

Planning on extending? Follow our 15 invaluable tips to ensure your build progresses without delays, extra costs, or other major hitches

- SARAH HARLEY

So you're considering extending rather than moving? When planning your extension, it's worth bearing in mind that while it can be easy to get carried away envisaging the end results, the path to completion is rarely one that's without the odd bump along the way. We can't claim to guarantee you an entirely smooth build, but we can offer expert advice on some of the pitfalls to avoid. After all, building an extension is a big deal and doesn't come without costs and an element of upheaval. Here's what the experts say are some of the most common extension mistakes and how you can avoid falling foul of them.

1 EXTENDING WHEN YOU DON'T NEED TO

Although it can be easy to assume an extension is your only option for increasing usable space in your home, it can help to take a step back first, says Steven George, partner and design lead at architectural practice, George & Co.

“One common mistake clients make is thinking an extension is the only solution to the lack of space,” says Steven. “Instead, it usually helps in the first instance to look at the house as a whole. While it's not always the case, often we can find wasted space and look to make the current floorplan work harder than it currently does. After all, extending a property is expensive as extension costs mount up and the end result might not always deal with the problems inside your home—it just allows you to forget about them.”

2 NOT CALLING ON THE PROFESSIONALS EARLY ENOUGH

When looking for inspiration for your house extension, don't assume that you need to have everything decided before you engage with professionals. Instead, allow their expertise to guide the decision-making process. After all, while your vision matters, knowing how to practically make it happen takes years of training and skills that you may not always have.