Residential drafting design service in Penshurst tells you: Tips with residential extensions projects in Sydney

Building an extension to your current home can be a great way to get the "extra" space that you've always wanted without having the expenses and hassles of selling your home and finding a new one. Mant smart home owners even considered building an extension as a way to add value to their home. Here at Go Design Solutions, we'll share with you the tips you'll need to be handy when considering building an extension. 

Tip #1: Make it practical
Before you even start engaging anyone or make any financial adjustments, make sure you know what you want to do for your home extensions. This includes practicalities; what extra space do you need, is the ideas you're thinking a need or simply luxury, where you are going to live during the building work, do you have a budget in mind? Is what you do feasible? 

Tip #2: Design within a design
The design of any extension should be considered as an integral part of your existing home’s structure. This means it should seamlessly blend in to maintain continuity and consistency (unless you are looking for a "new" vs "old" design). Know what you need; whether it is a rear extension or a second floor additions, remember the cost are quite significant of one or the other. 

Tip #3: Don’t Take Shortcuts
There is a plethora of regulation around building design and codes; the most common ones would be the Building Code of Australia and your local councils' DCP and LEP. Before you start thinking too big, make sure your idea is feasible and that a proper building permit (whether it's a DA, or CDC) is grant approved before you start building. Prior to applying, it is always a good idea to get a feasibility studies report to know more about your land, and the potentials and restrictions to what you can and cannot do. Talk to a design consultant/designer for this. Remember to always use licensed, registered professionals and trades. They are likely to do a better job and crucially, the work will meet regulatory standards.

Tip #4: Don’t Take The Cheapest Price
When it concerns a home, the option with the lowest price tag is rarely an ideal solution. Labour, materials and time all cost money especially in construction. Always talk to your drafting design team/architect when you have a budget in mind; so that they do not design something too 'fancy' which blows out your budget expectations. Pay a fair amount of money for the peace of mind that quality products and builders will save you lots more for faulty maintenance work.

Tip #5: Consider architect or drafting design team
Architects and building drafting designers are tasked with drawing up detailed plans for home extensions. Both have an intimate knowledge of the structural issues involved as well as the relevant regulatory requirements. These professionals are well placed to give you practical advice on the configuration of your extension. However, the big question that comes in mind is; whether you seek an architect or a drafting design designer? If you are planning to build a penthouse facing over the water, an architect is recommended. On the other side, if it is a standard extension, a well-trained drafting designer will do the job; and that they will cost much lesser compared to an architect.  

Tip #6: Know your land well

Understand your land is very important; whether it is a sloped land, a rectangular or angular shaped land or whether it is in a conservation/heritage zones also affect what you can/cannot do to your land. Talk to a professional designer to know more about what you can do with the land.

Tip #7: Know your budget
Know your true financial position is critical. Building is not cheap job, and it isharder to secure finance nowadays. Don't dream big if you cannot afford it. Only start a house extension if you are confident that it won't over-stretch you financially. Ensure that you have the funding available not only for the construction, but the building permits as well.

Tip #8: Use a company that offers build as well

There's nothing wrong with picking a designer who knows how to design well, however it is always recommended that you ask the designer whether they have a builder that can also do the build.g Designers are generally good at the form of the structure and how to make design looks appealing whilst builders are more concerned with the construction and feasibility of structural works. Therefore a design company that offers build as well genearlly give you a 'one-stop' service without stressing your builder not knowing the design well enough.