House Extension Project: What You Need to Know

As time passes, the same house that you bought a few years ago can become too small to fill your needs. While some people choose to move out, others prefer to extend their property. This article explains what you need to know about building a house extension: 

Planning a house extension project:

Adding an extension to your house is a great way to add more space to your property. There are many different ways to create a house extension but most people tend to add extra living space above the garage or at the back of the building. Whatever  you decide, it all depends on what you're looking to achieve. In some cases, preexisting spaces such as a porch can be converted into a house extension.

This type of renovation project is quite major and involves a lot of planning. Before anything else, try to identify your needs. Why do you want to extend your house? Is it because you need new rooms or because you don’t have enough space in the kitchen? Knowing what you want is the most important part of the planning process.

Next, think about how much money you want to invest in this project. Setting a fixed budget will help you find ways to finance your renovations and prevent you from a experiencing a financial crisis. Usually, this type of renovation project costs at least $40 000.

Once you're past the first step, contact an architect or an engineer who will create the plans for your house extension project. You’ll be able to talk about your project with them and see if your ideas are feasible. If not the case, they will give their own point of view and help you find the best alternatives.

The third step is to contact your municipality to obtain a construction permit. Based on the drawings made by the architect or the engineer, they will decide if you can go on with your project and if so, will give out the construction permit. Generally, municipal staff do not accept house extensions that are added to the front of a building. You’ll probably have to create an extension from the sides or from the back.

Another option is to add a new floor. However, this way off adding space will be more expensive since you’ll have to remove the roof and knock down a few walls. Make sure you plan enough space on the first floor for the staircase that will lead to the new floor.

Last but not least, look for a qualified contractor who has knowledge and expertise about the general structure of a house. Meet different contractors and ask them to give you quotes.

Get 3 renovation quotes for your house extension project

RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your house extension project. If you submit your project to us, we’ll put you in contact with contractors that are the most suitable for you. Fill in the form on the homepage ( it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from companies that are specialized in house extension projects.