Building an extension is expensive. Even the design stage can cost you hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds. If your budget is tight and you're desperate to save cash, you may think: 'I'll just do it myself - how hard can it be to design an extension to my house?' Sadly, many people who've gone down this route quickly learn that, without having the knowledge and experience of a professional architectural company, it's very easy to get things wrong. Even seemingly minor mistakes can have a major impact on the entire building project.
If you do want to design your own house extension, be aware of these common pitfalls:
1. Not Budgeting For All Materials
You may think that, because you're saving on design costs, you can afford to add some stunning design features. But before you commit to these, make sure you've taken into account the costs of other materials you'll need in order to incorporate these. If you're installing bi-fold doors, for example, you'll probably need a large lintel to provide support. It's also easy for amateur designers to underestimate the cost of materials. You don't want to get to the building stage and discover that you have to replace cheaper materials that are impractical or won't meet building regulations.2. Not Sticking To The Initial Design
It's understandable that you might have second thoughts about the design once building work has begun - after all, you'll have to live with the results. However, it's vital that you consider the consequences carefully before making any changes. This is especially true if you're building under permitted development regulations, as even a seemingly small change, like using render instead of matching bricks on the façade, might make the project subject to the lengthier, and costlier, planning permission process.3. Not Managing The Project Effectively
Even the best-managed projects can suffer delays, so you need to be realistic with your schedules. Rushing the process or hiring contractors to begin work before other parts have been signed off, can cause major complications. Think carefully about whether you have the time, and patience, to commit to managing the project yourself.
Once you've weighed up the potential cost of any mistakes, versus the initial outlay for professional plans, then it's easier to decide which option is best for you. If you choose to seek expert advice on how to design an extension to your house, then the team at BDS Architecture is happy to help.
Image source: Pixabay
