Hiring an architect for your home extension
Once you have the basic concept for your home extension you have two main options. Firstly you could go directly to a builder and ask them to draw up designs for you and quote you for the project. Secondly you could go to an architect, have them create plans for you and then approach several builders to ask them for quotes for the project. Generally speaking for smaller projects it is probably better go to directly to a builder since it will be cheaper (they often have ready made plans for simple projects). The other options is to use an architect and have them create plans, this will cost you more for the designs but you then have the option of approaching several builders and ask them for the best quote – so there can be some savings from that angle too.
Getting a Building Permit
In most countries building permits are arranged by the local city council and the rules and regulations are different in each state, it can be quite a lengthy process with several meetings at the council offices and several payments being necessary throughout the planning approval and design stages through to the final inspection. It may be a good idea to consult your neighbours before deciding on the plan to submit to the council for approval. The council is likely to contact your neighbours to see if they have any objection to the structure you want to build. So by keeping a close relationship with your neighbours and consulting them about your ideas or even asking for their advice may ease the process of building approval.
Choosing a Builder
This is probably the most crucial stage to the extension project. You need to find a reputable, qualified and experienced builder to build your extension. Word of mouth is a very good way to find a builder, so ask friends, colleagues and relatives if they know a reputable building company. When you find a builder should definitely ask them for any references from their customers and follow those up and speak with their prior customers and ask them how satisfied they are with the work they had done. In many countries you can look up building companies details as registered with a government agency. Often you can see the turnover of the company, how many jobs they completed, how many complaints and legal disputes they are involved in and other important information which may help you gauge the quality and professionalism of the building company.
