Every city has a number of period homes in different styles which are part of our rich history. Living in such homes can be interesting but requires good care and maintenance. Extending the homes can add space and can also add further interest becoming a part of the history of the home. A lot of benefits can be achieved with proper period home extensions. But the whole process of extending the period home is not an easy job. It requires a lot of consideration and planning to take necessary steps for a perfect extension of your home.
Period Home Extensions
Benefits of Home Extensions
People might think that it is better to get a new place than to go through the stress of renovation. But considering the many advantages of period home extensions, you will understand it is a way better option than moving into a new home.
- The main reason for extending the existing home is to add more space. With extensions, you get to have the control on the design aspect which was not possible when you moved to the new place. You can decide the size and shape of the rooms and every other detail when you extend the space.
- The cost of the extension is always less than buying a new place to live in. The cost of extending is in your hands and by doing so you add value to the period property. So, you can buy an old property at a cheap price and renovate and extend it as per your requirement.
- A well-built extension over the period of time can add value to the existing property. So, the extension can bring good resale value.
- If your home is near the school, office, shops and other local amenities, so by extending you get better space to live and continue enjoying the amenities you had.
Period Home Extensions
Things to Look for Before Extending A Property
There are lots of things that you need to consider before you plan your period home extensions. Proper planning and careful consideration can help you build a strong extension that will stay for a longer period and increase the value of the property.
- Design approach: Planning the extension should be compliant of style and proportion of the actual structure. It has been a practice till now that extension built in modern style contrast to the heritage look. It is up to you whether you want to retain the actual style or plan contemporary approach.
- Technical aspect: Older houses were built as per the traditional methods which can be sensitive to any renovation. Materials used in those times were soft and delicate and adding new hard extensions could be risky. Plan and design new building such that older structure faces no loads and have no bad consequences.
- Conservatory: Heritage homes usually have some items that can be used in the extensions as these are no longer found these days.
- Materials: While extending the new part of the building, choose materials that don’t hamper the existing period homes. Make sure the materials are eco-friendly and cope with the older homes.
- Rules and regulations: Before building the new extension make sure it is as per the permission and building regulations of the area. Make sure it is within the conservatory area and if needed get the building consent for extending.
- Reversibility: Plan the extension such that it can be removed when you find it is damaging the historic home.
Historic homes are sensitive to modern building method and materials. Choosing methods that are flexible and lightweight with natural materials can help create beautiful extension without damaging the original structure. Understand the specialty of your home and plan the extension that can enhance the character of the house and value of the property.