Extending your property either outwards or up or even both can be a momentous undertaking. If done right it can also add great value to your property and give your home a new lease of life. Regardless of scope it should be planned out thoroughly with everyone involved, and done so with someone that can guide you and the project past a minefeild of potentially expensive mistakes.

Whether you decide to manage your own extention project or hire a contractor to do so is a choice you will need to evaluate. A good contractor will not only manage the whole process with you, they will also ensure you are kept well informed of progress and momentum. They will also ensure all changes to the plan are implemented as smoothly as possible (believe me there will always be changes as the project unfolds!).

A good architect is a close second in terms of resources for your project. They will help you conceptualise your dream home with structure and design. As well as providing the blueprints for the build their imput and direction will ensure your build is to code, adheres to the correct construction methods, and provide you or your contractor with a roadmap to successful completion. To get the appropriate permits from the City you will need to ensure the construction is sound, fire code is followed, the foundation is correctly poured, and many other considerations. They will come to inspect the work at regular intervals, so the experience of both your contractor and your architect will help the project meet all criteria set by the City. Each contractor working on the project will have his or her set of legal codes to follow whether its the plumbing, excavator, carpenter, electrician, truss supplier, brick layer, and so on.

Each trade should be registered, insured and experienced in the work they are carrying out for you. Their work should be inspected and checked, and warranties submitted for their work. Due dilligence is critical on projects of this scale as budget, both time and money, can spiral out of control if not managed properly and thoroughly.

Building an extension is an exciting process, its not all stress and worrying. Seeing your home literally changing into another building is a personal experience that can be vastly enjoyable and satisfying. Increasing the value of your home is also satisfying, knowing the money you spent on the renovation is invested for the future. At least this type of inveting can be enjoyed by you and your family everyday you are living in it…

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