If you’re keen to add more space to your home in 2024, our team would love to work with you to make your dream a reality. 

Having an extension built is usually much more affordable and convenient than moving home. There are many expenses involved in selling a property (like agent fees, legal fees, moving costs) which means they often exceed the costs of extending your current home.

A family-run company with over twenty years of experience, ACR Build regularly works with clients across St Albans, Harpenden and surrounding locations in Hertfordshire to carry out quality renovations and extensions. We’re able to work on projects of all sizes, with our team having recently transformed a 350 square metre home in Hertfordshire, where we are based.

When an extension is well designed and attractive, it can add significant value to your property. However, extending your home is a significant project that requires careful consideration. Here are seven things to think about when planning this type project:

1. Make sure you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and how much it will cost. Before starting any home project, it always helps to clearly define the purpose of the extension. Are you adding more bedrooms, expanding your living space, creating a home office or something else? Understanding your needs helps shape the design, and it also helps you to set a realistic budget. You need to consider not just the construction costs but also additional expenses like permits, design fees, and potential unexpected costs.
2. Make sure you have planning permission. It’s important to check local regulations and acquire the necessary permits before starting any construction. Certain extensions might need planning permission or building regulation approvals.
3. Consider working with a designer for detailed plans for your extension. ACR Build can work with you to ensure your plans align with your vision, comply with regulations and are feasible within your budget.
4. Research different contractors or builders for your home extension. Research and choose reputable contractors or builders with experience in home extensions. Many people like to get multiple quotes, check references and review past projects before making a decision. Why not check out our portfolio to see what we can achieve?
5. Think about what the timeline of your project will be. Understand the timeline for the project from start to finish. It always helps to discuss this with your contractor to ensure realistic expectations and minimise disruptions to your daily life.
6. Consider what upgrades will be needed for your home extension.  Check how the extension will affect existing utilities like plumbing, electricity, and HVAC systems. Determine if upgrades or adjustments are needed. ACR Build is able to cover the design and coordination of all building and roofing work, electrical, plumbing, tiling, windows, doors, flooring and fitments.
7. Make sure the extension blends seamlessly into your existing home. Ensure that the extension seamlessly integrates with the existing structure both internally and externally. Consider architectural styles, materials, and finishes that complement your home.
8. Consider making your property more environmentally friendly. Nowadays, many people also like to consider the environmental impact of having an extension. In order to make it more sustainable, you might want to include energy-efficient windows, sustainable materials, or renewable energy sources.

Remember, planning is crucial. Take your time to consider these aspects thoroughly before initiating the project. Consulting with professionals and being clear about your goals will help ensure a successful home extension.

There are many ways a home extension can be used. 

You might want to create a new bedroom to accommodate a growing family or to provide a guest room for visitors. Or perhaps you wish to create a granny flat, with a separate living space for guests, extended family members, or to rent out to tenants.

Alternatively, you may wish to extend your living space so there’s more places to entertain, relax or enjoy time with family and friends. 

Or perhaps you need a home gym or yoga studio to improve your physical fitness. Many people like to transform a garage into a living space, home office, gym, or additional bedroom.

One of the most popular rooms to enlarge is the kitchen, with many people keen to add an open-plan kitchen-dining area, or add a kitchen island for more space to prepare meals. Above is one of the stunning designs we’ve worked on for our clients. Others want to introduce a laundry room, pantry, or additional storage space.

Bathrooms are also a popular room to enlarge as they can make your home more convenient for everyone. 

Thanks to the rise of remote working, increasing numbers of people also want their own private office. 

We can create a dedicated office space with natural light and a quiet environment to enhance productivity while working from home.

Other popular usages for home extensions include conservatories for relaxing, growing plants and enjoying the garden all year round. Others want a creative space for hobbies like painting, crafting, or woodworking.

Alternatively you might want to have a flexible space that can be adapted for various needs, such as a combined guest room and home office. 

If you’re thinking about having a home extension, simply contact our friendly team for more information.