If you are thinking of extending your home, we have listed our top ten tips that will help to ensure a successful project.

1. Feasibility – make sure you have considered all of your options before you proceed with a final design. Investing in a feasibility study may add a small amount of cost but it will be invaluable in helping you to choose the best option open to you.
2. Budget Cost – get an indication of cost as early as possible in order to avoid proceeding with a detailed design for a project that may be more than your budget.
3. Design – use an experienced designer to complete the detailed design as they will know the Planning and Building Regulations requirements and deal with the council applications on your behalf.
4. Choosing a Builder – choose your builder carefully as they will have a major impact on the smooth running of your project. Make sure they are experienced in the type of work you are carrying out and speak to their previous customers.
5. Specification – many projects are undertaken without a written specification. This should be avoided as the specification will itemize the details of the work such as electrics, finishes, etc, many of which will be outside the requirements of the council’s building control department.
6. Agreement– ensure that a written agreement is made for the work being carried out. This should include the amount to be paid, payment terms, working hours and a start and completion date. Provide for a procedure for what happens if you have a dispute.
7. Contingency – allow a contingency sum for the unknown. We would normally recommend 10-20% of the contract sum.
8. Insurance – make sure you see a copy of the builders insurance policy before works commence.
9. Photographs – keep a photographic record of the works as they proceed. This will be of great benefit if there are any disputes.
10. Warranty – always ask your builder to provide you with a warranty for the works. This will cover you if you have problems in the future.