Home extensions are on the rise from what I can tell – and certainly what I am seeing in my work.
If you’re planning to extend your home, whether that’s building up, out or back, blending the old with the new is paramount. Without considering both the existing home (even if it’s also being updated/rendered/new windows etc) and the new extension, you can end up with a detached, incohesive look if you’re not careful.
When your builder asks “What colour do you want for your roof, your gutters, your extension cladding, your existing house cladding, your front steps..etc”, what will you say?
If you have architects plans or drawings from a draughty but no idea about the colours, be careful you don’t end up with a hodge podge of selections. Remember, you’re going to be coming home to this every day for the next however-many-years!
On the other hand, if you want to love it, feel proud of it, and for it to stand out on your street for the right reasons, then bringing in an exterior designer will be money well spent. Considering your extension is going to be in the vicinity of $100k or more, $6k-$8k (for exterior design fees) is a bargain!
While you may be tempted to design the project yourself, there are several reasons why a designer can help make the process easier and ensure the final result is cohesive and aesthetically pleasing.
Create an overall vision to transform your home – First, a designer will help you create a vision for your home’s new look. They’ll work with you to determine your style, preferences, and the specific needs of your family. With their expertise, they can provide you with options that you may not have considered before and help you make decisions that will lead to a cohesive and visually stunning final product.
Blend old and new elements – Secondly, a designer is skilled at blending the old and the new in a way that is seamless. This is especially important when extending an older home, as you want to ensure that the new addition does not look out of place. A designer will help you choose materials, colours, and finishes that complement the existing structure and make the new addition feel like a natural extension of the home.
Save money – It might sound counterintuitive, but using a designer will save you money in the long run. While it may seem like an additional expense to hire a designer up front, their expertise will help you avoid costly mistakes or oversights. Don’t rely solely on the builder for this! A good designer will work with you to determine the most cost-effective solutions for your project, while still ensuring a high-quality result that adds value to your home and lasts the test of time.
If you’re planning to extend your property and blend the old with the new, hiring an exterior designer is a smart choice!
Contact me here to see if we can help you with your home extension and renovation… https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
Jane Eyles-Bennett