With an extension to your home you can easily make your living room bigger. For less than a ton (depending on size and materials), it is a good and affordable alternative to moving. Can you already see yourself sitting in the sun in the new, larger living room?
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Extension
Most living rooms eventually become too small and then you can move or place an extension. This immediately provides more living space and it also adds value to your home in the future. Can you already see yourself sitting in the sun in a new, larger living room? View the construction quote
Benefits of the extra space
Building an extension is often done to increase an existing space. You also create added value for every square meter you add to your home. The top 3 advantages of an extension for each species are:
- Larger living room and/or kitchen
- More beautiful view of the house thanks to construction
- Added value in case of sale
You can have your specific wishes built with a custom extension. Do you want a beautiful kitchen with space for a cooking island and a large dining table? Or expand your living room to even more surface, for example by means of a bay window ? There are many options when building an extension / extension.
Even more benefits
In addition, there are some advantages of an extension :
- Possibility to realize a spacious bright kitchen / living room thanks to an extension
- You don’t have to move if you’re in doubt between renovating or moving (it will get much bigger)
- Better passage to garden do
- Bringing more light into your home, for the construction with a floor
- Construction is largely done outside and only when the construction breaks through do you have a short nuisance in the house
- Permit exemption for the extension has been extended to a depth of 4 meters (compared to 2.5 meters before). So for example 5 meters wide, 4 meters deep and 4 meters high is permit-free
What to consider when building?
Unfortunately, there are also drawbacks
- Investment construction
- Preparation and implementation takes time (and sometimes you have to wait for the chosen finish of, for example, the floor)
- Permit if depth becomes more than 4 meters (so for example for 5 by 5 you need a permit)
- Attaching can -just as any other of rebuilding stressful are
- Placing an extension causes temporary clutter in the house
Space construction
An extension serves more than just an enlargement of a room. If you ever sell the house, this will also increase the resale value. Until then, the extension is completely focused on your wishes. An appraiser also looks at the wishes of the following potential buyers. For example, if the construction has a good foundation with central underfloor heating, you will already get the most out of the construction costs. The right type of glass also immediately provides good insulation.
Per m² that you build, the more space you get and the higher the added value.
How much does an extension cost?
A tailor-made extension ensures that you can express your wishes. A skylight, stained glass windows, patio doors, a classic modern look, all your specific wishes ensure the extension of your dreams. It is wise to compare construction prices in advance. Receive quotes without obligation and take a good look at all costs including VAT. If you have it done, most of the costs will be in the materials needed for the construction. The various parts can be prefab or custom-made.
Budget
The required budget of construction costs is already high for even a small variant. The construction price is higher per square meter. In addition, it depends on foundation needs, materialization and permit-free or not. Of course you will also receive all prices for the extension options and the rest of the renovation in our Renovation Help .
To make
Building an extension is a job that can take 1 to several weeks. Allow 1 week for signing and agreeing to the design and another 2 months if a permit is required for the desired extension.
How long does it take?
Request a quote to get a better idea of how long it will take to build the extension you want. Or use the Renovation Help for this. You will then receive an accurate answer and you may also be able to save time and money.
3 ways
You can build an extension in 3 ways. You can:
- Self build. The extension must at all times comply with the (safety) regulations set by the government for construction. It doesn’t matter who or what did it.+ Inexpensive
– People often overestimate themselves in skill and planning - Hiring a contractor : You arrange the contractor and the contractor then arranges the entire construction from start to finish. The advantage of this is that you can reach agreement with only one person or company and you don’t have to deal with a dozen different parties. The disadvantage, however, lies in the specialization of the construction. You can of course count on quality and referral if the chosen company does not think it can meet your specific demand. The extension should be as you wish.+ 1 company needed
– If it doesn’t click, the problem is big - Engaging a specialist for each part: You look for the right specialist for each part of the construction job. Each specialist then only carries out the part of the construction job for which you have hired him or her. The result will look great, but you’re not making it any easier on yourself in terms of organization. It may take some extra time to build.+ Very nice result
– Takes a lot of time
Prefab construction
The extension is realized extra quickly and at an affordable price, by opting for a (partially) prefabricated extension. Prefab means that the model has already been fully assembled before installation. Prefab models have standard dimensions and the factory that makes them produces an endless amount of them. Different sizes, types and colors are available. However, if you are dealing with special dimensions and exceptional specific color requirements, then prefab is not the right choice. Prefab is often, but not always, cheaper than custom work. The quality is excellent.
Connection with home
You can also save on construction costs if there are already patio doors or if there is a large facade that can be used as a passage. A new steel beam is then not necessary. Also keep in mind that many people use an extension to refresh the rest of the living room and kitchen (new stucco and floor).
My opinion is that you should always base the extension on foundation piles. Even if the construction price is higher. That may sound strange if the contractor, the architect or even the structural engineer says it’s not necessary. Unfortunately, I come in too many homes with such new extensions that show cracks and crevices, which also keep coming back after repair. Prevent this, because otherwise the prices of your extension will quickly rise.
License free
Building an extension without a permit is not allowed just like that. It is very important that you check in advance whether you need a permit. It would be a shame if the extension has been built and it has to be demolished again because you do not meet the right requirements. Then the construction price will be very high.
These are the new permit-free provisions for the extension:
1. Extending the boundary from 2.5 to 4 meters in order to add to the original rear facade.
2. The height of the construction boundary has been increased from 4 meters to 5 meters high;
3. The total surface area to be erected for permit-free construction parts/small buildings up to a maximum of 100 m² (provided that 50% of the plot still remains undeveloped).
Nowadays, a larger extension can be built without a permit than in the past. Where previously a maximum depth of 2.5 meters was not subject to a permit, this has now become 4 meters. It has therefore become easier to extend or expand or erect small structures without a permit . The only conditions are that it must concern the rear of the house and that it is not a monument. Make sure you’ve checked this out in advance before you start an extension.
Neighbors law
The neighbors right exists so residents who live directly adjacent protection. If you have an extension built, your neighbors should not be inconvenienced by this. Also, nothing is allowed to cross in the adjacent garden.
Finishing material
The facade and the finish is also a choice in itself. You can choose that the extension fits and connects with the rest of your house. Then choose the same stone or one that comes as close to it as possible. If you choose to make the extension stand out, you have several options. You can choose other colors and materials.
Added value
You create added value with an extension by adding a lot of m² that is in proportion to the rest of the house. You also take care of a number of aspects:
- Make 1 whole of extension and house. This can be done in 2 ways, namely by giving the extension the same appearance as the house. Or by making a clear distinction.
- The first option is the hardest. Just find exactly the right stone for the extension and grout and pay attention to the pollution of the house. This often seems much simpler than it is.
- Add a lot of daylight so that you get a conservatory feeling thanks to the extension.
- Note the garden-house ratio. If this is out of balance, an extension has a value decreasing rather than increasing value.
- Make sure that the extension has a good orientation towards the garden.
- Note the retention of an extension scullery.
- Always create French doors to the garden , don’t skimp on that.
timber frame
Timber frame construction is a way to quickly get a beautiful characteristic extension. The advantage of timber frame construction is, in addition to the construction speed, the limited weight. This means you don’t have to foundation as much, especially if you don’t use masonry. How much you have to pay for it depends on the type of wood and the construction of the extension. In addition, the question is whether you want to keep the wooden parts visible or whether you want a masonry outer shell. A beautifully executed timber frame construction with, for example, a weatherboard system on the outside can really create considerable added value.
A whole
You want to make a whole of the extension plus the house . The second option is simpler, because by working with a contrasting material such as wood or clearly another stone or masonry bond, it becomes a whole, but you prevent the ‘just not’ feeling. You can design this yourself or have it done by an architect or drafting agency. Some contractors also have the expertise to do this or have it done for you. This way you get a custom construction.
skylight
It is always smart to make a dome or window for skylight on the flat roof or with your extension. A skylight provides:
- Sense of air, space and light
- Daylight
- Switch on the lights less quickly when it gets dark (energy saving)
- Being able to sit in the sun at home
- Even an open veranda can be a beautiful addition to the house.
Construction of 1 layer or 2 layers
What type of construction do you choose?
With an extension you create extra interior space on the ground floor at the expense of the garden. Of course you have carefully weighed up whether it is better to use the square meters indoors or outdoors. However, the choice is not exclusively straightforward. Expanding the space inside while preserving the garden can be done by means of:
- A roof terrace on the construction
- A conservatory extension
- The use of natural materials
- The construction of a double floor
Roof terrace
By realizing a roof terrace on your extension, you move your garden, as it were. You simply move part of your outside to another floor. In this case, the garden and your terrace don’t have to be made smaller at all.
The best of two:
Do you like a roof terrace, but are you afraid that it will become too dark in the house if you do not let light enter the extension from above? Then research the option to combine the roof terrace and a skylight. To illustrate: with an extension of 5 by 5 you can create a spacious balcony of 5 by 2 or 3 and also place a skylight in the other roof section.
greenhouse
The choice between a (closed) extension and a conservatory can be difficult. Think carefully in advance:
- What is the goal ? (Do you want space for a larger dining area, playroom or office, for example? you want a lighter living area? Do you want to experience the seasons better, but dry and warm? …?)
- What is the budget ?
- How many square meters would the extension or conservatory be? (For example, if you want an extension one meter deep and with skylight, it might be just as beautiful and cheaper to turn it into a conservatory extension.)
- What furniture or utensils will probably be placed in the attached (conservatory) space? (For example, in connection with ease of maintenance and from the point of view of a quiet whole, you would probably prefer to place a wall cabinet against a solid wall than against a glass wall.)
Natural material
Okay, building the extension out of natural materials such as wood does not mean that you are among the chirping blackbirds in the spring, that you benefit from every cool breeze in the summer, that the acorns and chestnuts are immediately available in the autumn. landing on your table, so that your autumn piece is actually already made before you start or that you would do well in the winter to build a campfire right there from your chair.
Better!
However, natural material ensures that you can bring the outdoor feeling inside. It also makes the garden appear larger when you look in from the outside and vice versa.
Double extension
You can also create space indoors and save space outdoors by opting for an extension consisting of 2 floors. Perhaps a double extension of one and a half meters deep will benefit you just as much (or more) than a 3 meter deep extension of the ground floor.
Eureka!
Upstairs, for example, you can expand the laundry room and household cupboard with a study and computer table, or your long-desired reading corner is given a place in the bedroom where you have a perfect view of the setting sun from your reading chair. Downstairs you then have the space to finally pick up your hobby again and put down a piano or to replace your old sofa with a corner sofa, so that every family member can sit comfortably during a game or movie evening.
In contrast to…
A 1-storey extension should be arranged more creatively to make the most of the existing dining and sitting area as well as the extra reading corner, piano or study table. The consequence? The room will soon look messy, so that despite the extra square meters the whole looks less spacious.
Alternatives to the extension
You have thought about the various options for construction. In conservatory form, 2-storey, with or without a skylight and so on: it has all been reviewed. Are you sure you want to install an extension? When in doubt, consider these alternatives:
- Veranda: Covered outdoor enjoyment makes your garden a paradise to enjoy earlier and longer in the year. Do you need the walls of an extension or does that increase the costs while a veranda completely meets your wishes? Again: what is your building goal?
- Moving house: Adding to the garden at the expense of the garden and actually being very limited; that’s a shame. And that perhaps while there is a desire to expand a family or the need for a workspace at home after completing your studies is likely. Is it necessary to continue living where you live now? Do not invest in renovating if you no longer benefit from it after a year.
frames
Are you opting for wooden or plastic frames for your extension? Nowadays, plastic is also a very nice alternative with a wood grain structure and beautifully detailed. You can also save on your construction costs. The ease of low maintenance of plastic frames must be weighed up against the authentic look of real wood in an extension. Regardless of the choice of material for the extension, it is always good to choose safe hinges and locks with a Police quality mark. This is not much more expensive and sometimes there is also a discount on the insurance if your entire home is equipped with this. This saves on construction costs.
Construction house examples
The following is a practical example of Bauke and Marco’s new extension. You can see the planning, the shortage of space, the renovation of the living room with kitchen and the new extension to their home.
Construction places house
Marco and his family have been living happily for years in their semi-detached house with extension in a child-friendly residential area in Den Bosch. The house with large garage from the eighties is beautiful, spacious and has a nice sunny garden. A non-obvious and special solution emerged!
Over the years they have kept their house neat and tidy, the paintwork and finishes are in excellent condition. The kitchen in the house was still original as when they bought the house. The kitchen is accessible from the living room through an opening with an arch in the wall of 1 meter wide.
They have big plans for the house because the family has now expanded with a boy and another baby is on the way. And an extension is handy! With 2 children, life gets busier and fuller, so if they still want something in their housing career, now is the time. But are they going to move or renovate?
Renovate or move?
The residential area is cozy and friends live nearby, all amenities are nearby as well as a good primary school. An extension is therefore more likely than moving. If some things are adjusted to their house, it will be completely up to date and meet their needs. They have recently listed these needs.
Preference
The construction is necessary downstairs. The upstairs bedrooms are spacious enough and the bathroom and attic is fine. The biggest bottleneck in the house is the space downstairs. For a family of 4 it is on the small side and the kitchen has never really been to their liking. An extension is then a good choice. In addition, the quality of the house is mainly at the rear with beautiful window frames and a view of the cozy garden. The sun is also already on the back of the house, so that looks and feels a lot cozier.
They ended up at www.verbouwkosten.com and initiator Peter. As a result of the information from Peter and the site, they suddenly had a lot of questions:
- What will such a renovation cost?
- What is expensive in the renovation and where can savings be made?
- What kind of renovation is sensible given the requirements and wishes?
- Which extension is good for the added value?
- How do they approach a renovation?
- Do they need an architect for construction?
- Who should sign the renovation?
- Do they need to find a constructor for the extension?
- How do they select a contractor and which one is suitable for the construction?
Mortgage
The extension became a grand plan. The kitchen is moved to another place and becomes a beautiful kitchen diner, the living room will face the garden, the garage will be partly added to the house and there will even be an extension to the house.
This would increase the monthly housing costs by increasing the mortgage. But how much? Because they had no idea what something like this would cost.
They considered asking for a contractor right away, but they haven’t done so yet for a number of reasons:
- They didn’t know exactly what they wanted
- They heard that a renovation would always cost more than they were told in advance by a contractor. There is also often a lot of extra work involved. And then an extra socket already costs a lot of power.
- They didn’t want to be tied to a contractor because they wanted to compete for quotes
- They wanted a good and clear overall picture of the construction costs, in which they could see exactly where they could save money.
Calculate construction
With the Renovation Aid they could easily calculate the various renovations themselves . They could quickly click on things to see what it would cost. In that phase you want to know quickly whether you can afford the ideas of the construction. Then a correct indication is sufficient to know how much your monthly payments will be. An extension simply changes financial affairs. This way they had a maximum amount for which they could renovate. You can also renovate before selling to create added value for your home.
Renovation
What definitely needed to be done was a new kitchen. So they wanted to include them in the construction. A laundry room and utility room would be built in the garage, they also wanted to move those to the front of the house, moving pipes is difficult and they could click it for that too.
Construction size
The width was clear, but the depth of the extension depended on the money that was left. They now had a precise picture of the costs for the construction . With the calculation model it became clear that the extension could be 4 meters deep, even 4.5 meters if they were to reuse the back door, among other things.
Construction options
Marco and the rest of the family opted for the latter option so that they would have a lot of extra space thanks to the extension. From that moment on they had the drawings made. When requesting the quotes, it turned out that the prices quoted by the contractors amounted to the same expenditure as the Renovation Aid . Because of that investment in advance, they did not have to cut costs and could therefore immediately start with the renovation. This saved a lot of renovation stress during construction.
No surprises
The contractor was surprised that they were so well prepared and understood how building an extension works. As a result, he quickly realized that he could not come up with all kinds of additional work for this smart client. They are therefore well kept in hand. Now that the renovation is complete, they enjoy the space every day. The kitchen is wonderfully large and from the large living room you have a beautiful view of the children playing in the garden. The extension provides an overview, space and a nicer feeling at home.
Take less risk
An extension is quite a substantial investment and that is why it is smart to compare everything well in advance. Start weighing various companies in time because there are still quite a few steps to take before a shovel goes into the ground. However, don’t let this stop you. The individual steps are all doable with sufficient time for preparation. They vary quite a bit by contractor. Therefore, compare the conditions and prices of an extension carefully.
More tips for a house with more space
Of course, having the house cleaned up and especially doing it yourself is the cheapest form of getting more space in the house. In addition, you can opt for renovations that make your house bigger :
- Dormer
- extension
- Roof construction
- Little tips to make your living room look bigger
- Making the house more beautiful outside together with an extension or construction
When should I have CPTs made for an extension?
If your extension (or entire house) is going to be built, the constructor wants to know how the foundation should be built and whether there are weak layers in the soil. It’s that simple. If this is the case, the house must be built on stilts. These piles are intended to transfer the weight of the house to a deeper, more solid layer of sand. If there is a load-bearing sand package then it is fine and then people know how deep the piles have to be. It can even be smart to slightly change the size of the extension if there is a better sand package further up the road.
