6 Top Tips To Consider When Designing Your Dream Extension
There may come a time in the future when you need additional space within your home, whether that’s to expand the space you already have, or create an entirely new room as another element to your property. So, how do you get started? When designing your dream extension, there are a few factors that you are going to need to consider, like setting a budget, what you’d like to achieve with your extension, and the fixtures and fittings you’ll need to finish it off. Once you have these considerations in mind, you should choose the best architects in London to get your extension underway. Here are 6 tips to think about during the designing process.
1. Create a realistic budget
When designing your dream extension, the first, and arguably most important element that you are going to have to consider is the budget that you have to complete the project. It can be easy to become caught up in the excitement and get carried away, but making a budget means you can stay realistic and work with the funds you have.
There are a few factors to consider when putting together your budget – you will have to work out how much the building cost is going to be to create your new space, but as well as this, you will have to account for flooring, tiling, plastering, painting, as well as any fixtures and fittings that you may need.
You should create a budget and make sure you have some funds to fall back on, just in case there are errors, or you come across any other issues that need to be resolved.
2. Choose a building company
Making a budget is the first step, and then you can get the ball rolling. You could choose to hire an architect to help you through the process, that will design drawings for your extension, but you would also need to find builders, and designers to carry out the project.
If you choose a design and build company, this may be a good choice too, as they have everything under one roof, from extension specialists and builders to designers that can see the project through until the end.
3. Location
You should think about the location of your extension and the type that would suit your property best. For example, if you are looking to extend the ground floor of your house, a side return extension would work well for those that have an unused alley on the side of their property, or you could choose an L-shaped extension to wrap around the home. If you would like to extend onto the first floor, you could choose a double-storey extension.
4. Flooring
The first addition to your new extension is going to be the flooring. You should think about the design you are hoping to create, and the type of flooring that would be best to fit the room, for example, you could choose tiles in a new kitchen extension or wooden floors for a rustic look.
If you are creating an extension for an office, a carpet may be best. Choosing your flooring means you can create the look you want and build the rest of the room around it.
5. Fittings
Fittings are important as they make up the structure of your extension. If you have chosen to extend your kitchen, fittings are cabinets and cupboards, storage, and shelves. Think about the design that you would like to create in your new extension, are you going to need extra storage so that you can create a decluttered and minimalist look? And what type of aesthetic are you looking for, something rustic, or modern and sleek?
Asking yourself these questions can help you to create the extension that you’ve always wanted. You should think about windows and lighting too, as well as light switches and plugs. Once your fixtures and fittings are in place, you can start adding the finishing touches!
6. Finishing touches
The finishing touches of your dream extension are some of the most exciting, where you get to finally see your project coming together. You should think about the feel and look that you want to create, and how you can reflect that in the colours and textures that you choose.
If you are opting for a more minimal look, clean and crisp colours with plenty of light may be the best option for you. If you are creating a bold and bright room, you could add a statement wall in a contrasting colour or cushions and throws in bold hues. You can get as creative as you’d like with this, after all, it is your dream extension!