How to Design a House Extension

If you outgrow your house, you have two options: move to a new home or build an extension onto your existing home. While moving may be easier, an extension adds value to your home as well as space. Additionally, you get exactly what you want. Follow the steps below to design an extension for your home.

Instructions

1. Brainstorm and write down the ideas that you have, including where you want the extension located, the size you want the extension to be and what functionality you're looking for.

2. Hire a designer, contractor or architect to help draw up your plans, even if you plan to do the construction yourself. A professional will double check and make sure that the measurements and all other aspects of the design are correct.

3. Determine what you need for the type of room you plan to build. For a bathroom or kitchen, you need plumbing. Any room you design needs electrical work. Hire the contractors and subcontractors necessary to perform the tasks needed for your extension build.

4. Place any windows in your design in locations that appeal to amount of sunlight you want in the room at certain hours of the day. Additionally, keep your privacy in mind as you design the layout.

5. Have your home inspected for any repairs that you may need to do before proceeding with construction on the extension. Also, check to make sure that your extension won't adversely affect any load bearing walls in your home.

6. Choose building materials that match the rest of your home, both the interior and exterior, such as the siding, roof, windows, doors, wall textures and flooring.

7. Decide on a style for your new room, such as contemporary, modern or country and decorate the interior as desired.