Architect advice for extending your home in Northumberland

If you are living in or around Newcastle upon Tyne and looking to create more space and add value to your home without the hassle of moving, then a house extension could be the perfect solution. Learn about the different types of home extensions available, as well as their costs and benefits.

Convert Loft Space

Converting loft/attic space into an extra bedroom (or two!) is an increasingly popular way to create additional usable space, as well offering great returns on investment. Loft conversion projects tend to be one of the most cost-effective ways of extending your Newcastle upon Tyne home, with works generally starting from around £30,000. An attic bedroom typically adds up to 30% to the value of your property – so a good return for your money!

Add a Ground Floor Extension

Adding more space to your home by extending the ground floor is also an interesting option. This type of extension requires digging out some part of the back garden in order to create a much bigger living space available from ground floor level, making it very useful for creating an open plan kitchen living and dining room, maybe a new bedroom for when parents come to stay with ground floor bathroom/shower room or maybe an office. Costs are typically upwards of £30,000 depending on the design size, glazing, and finishing touches, Double or triple glazed windows, a solid roof structure and super insulated walls help minimise energy consumption costs too. This kind of extension is highly recommended for homeowners who have a sizeable garden area they are willing to lose, and maybe a small family.

Side extensions, single or two storey extensions,

Extending to the side over one or two floors can provide excellent new space for your home this type of extension can be built on top of an existing single Storey garage or to the side of the property where there is currently just access. Two Storey side extensions on the ground floor often contain office space utility rooms downstairs wc’s work can be incorporated into a more open plan feel for the rear of the property. To the first floor often bedrooms and additional shower rooms are created within this type of extension. There are lots of properties in Newcastle and N Tyneside that can benefit from this type of extension and acre design would be happy to help you understand your options.

Book a call with Acre Design today to find out about extending your home in Northumberland, North Tyneside or Newcastle upon Tyne!

Timber Fram Extensions

If you’re looking for quality timber frame extension builders near you in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland or North Tyneside, it’s important to do your research. There are many factors to consider when selecting the right contractor for the job, so here are five expert tips to help you make an informed decision.

Research Your Prospective Providers.

Start your search by researching local timber frame extension builders to make sure they have the required qualifications and experience for the job. See if any of your family or friends have used a builder before and ask them for their recommendation. Read reviews from previous customers and take time to check out the portfolios of prospective providers in order to get a sense of their services and quality of work. You can also check with a relevant trade association such as The Federation of Master Builders or The National Federation of Builders to ensure that any builder you choose has the proper credentials.

Take a Look at Their Portfolio of Work.

Get an understanding of the types of projects they’ve undertaken in the past and take time to review their portfolio of work. Make sure to look for attention to detail, high quality materials, and visual consistency throughout their projects. Ensure that the builder has demonstrated experience in building timber frame extensions on a similar scale as your project and ask them about any relevant certifications or qualifications. This will help you determine whether the builder can be relied upon for quality workmanship when it comes to your own extension.

Inquire About Their Quality Assurance Processes.

Ask the builder about their practices to ensure the best possible outcome for your timber frame extension. Quality builders will have strict protocols for quality assurance, including quality control inspections during every stage of construction to make sure that everything is functioning and built correctly. The builder should also be able to provide evidence and documentation of any work that has been undertaken, as well as a warranty on their workmanship as part of an overall quality control plan.

Read the Fine Print in Any Quotations You Receive.

Carefully go through any written quotation you receive from timber frame extension builders and read the fine print. Some quotes may not include certain items that are typically present in such a project (e.g. labour costs). Make sure to clarify anything that is missing or seemingly inaccurate so that you don’t end up spending more money than expected. Moreover, ensure that all of the building materials used are of a high quality and always ask for reviews or references if necessary.

Ensure All Employees Have Up-To-Date Trade Qualifications and Insurance Coverage.

It’s imperative that the timber frame extension builders you employ have up-to-date trade qualifications and appropriate insurance in order to guarantee the longevity of your project. Ensure that all employees have the required qualifications to carry out tasks on the build and check whether they are an accredited builder to further enhance the quality of their work. Additionally, make sure that a liability policy is in place so that you have financial protection should anything go wrong during or after construction.

Ask our Team of Experts for Professional, Honest Advice.

At Acre Design Newcastle, we have worked with a number of builders over the years. We would be delighted to advice you on finding the right timber frame extension builder in Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside and throughout the North East of England. Book and Ask the Expert Call today to talk to us!