Home extensions - what to know before you commit

So, you have some extra backyard space, but are wanting more room inside your house. With a big block but small house structure, you’re in luck! House extensions aren’t overly hard to action (given you have picked the right company for the job), but we thought we’d pass on some handy considerations before you make that call to give your house a nice makeover.

Consider what you want changed

Your first point of consideration should be determining all the places you want changed - what are the sections of the house you struggle with? Bathroom? Small living space? Lack of sunlight? An extra room, like a study? Jot down the things you’d ideally like, making note that your construction company will give you their honest opinion of what will work nicely, and what might be a little costlier or less feasible for your ideas.

Consistency is key

Your construction company will want to work to complement your original house design and structure. If you have an older house, surrounded by other older houses, having a modern extension could stick out like a sore thumb, and some design materials might have to be added into your extension to help create cohesion. But if you want a whole new look, you might want to consider a renovation of each room.

TIP: For an addition of new elements to your traditional home style, the beauty of modern advancements in building and design mean that some of these materials might have new comparisons that can be more cost-effective and mirror what you already have in your home!

Working through council approvals

After sourcing a company and finalising your desired design elements, it’s time to get that council approval. Your construction and project management company can assist with the legalities, but you’ll always have to get your approval signed off before bringing your construction team fully onboard. Here at SSR Projects, we offer end-to-end renovation and extensions, from the design process to the fit outs. Keep in mind that some homes might have heritage stipulations, which means that the extension might have to be in keeping with the precinct's character, which limits the design, layout, materials and colour palette.

TIP: Show your plans to neighbours to avoid issues early on. Some neighbours might be nervous about losing some privacy, loss of views or overshadowing. It’s important to be transparent during this process.

Seasons matter

When you’re planning to start your extension build, bear in mind the seasonal elements of Sydney. Summers are great for weather (sans the arvo storms!), but it’s also important to note that most construction companies will have a short break around Christmas time, and this could cause a shortage of materials early in the new year due to the rush after Christmas. Speak to your chosen company for the best info surrounding this. 

TIP: If it’s us, we’ll let you know the plan from beginning to end, so you won’t be in for any surprises. 

And there you have it. Of course, more details go into this whole process, but your construction company should be able to handle that alongside what you’re after and give you the dream extension you’re after.