An addition or extension to your house is mainly a permitted development that does not require planning permission. However, extensions are subject to conditions and limits that you must adhere to. Most homeowners may view house extensions as expensive undertakings that can dent your pockets. However, if you need the extra space in your home, an extension is necessary and a limited budget should not discourage you. There are many ways that you can create a functional and good-looking space by designing and planning with cost in mind. Here are a few ways that you can get a cheap home extension.

Hire Trustworthy Builders

When it comes to house extensions in Dublin, dealing with independent tradesmen can be more affordable than working with a big national firm or contractor. With a highly recommended independent builder, you will have a more direct and closer relationship. This will make it much easier for you to sort out your problems during the home extension period.

Additionally, if you get a recommendation, the personal reputation of the builder is at stake and he/she will go the extra mile to guarantee the best results. With a tradesman that you instinctively trust is a best option that will likely save you lots of cash in the long run.

Be Wary of the Cost of Bespoke Fittings

The idea of having customized windows and large doorways is quite appealing to any homeowner. However, the total cost of these bespoke projects will raise your ultimate costs. If you have enough money to pay for bespoke fittings, then you should go for them. However, you can cut costs by opting for standard sized windows and doors to ensure a cheaper home renovation.

Keep Costs Down By Sticking to your Renovation Plans

To save money, you should carefully plan the actual design of your home extension. You need to specify everything including the position of your light switch, plumbing locations, and floor coverings. This will help you save cash on making expensive changes later on after the renovation has already begun. When you stick to the design details, you will keep your costs under control because changes always results in a higher charge.

If you are not planning to alter your current plans, you should agree on the fees upfront with the builder. This way, you will know what amount you will be paying even before the work begins. Be sure to keep an itemized budget and have an order of works as the house extension proceeds. This will assit you in keeping track of everything and you will be able to tell the areas you overspent and where you made significant savings.

Remember the Little Extras

When considering a home extension, you need to look at the little extras like permits, approvals, rubbish removal, deep cleaning, and more. These items may not be costly on their own, but the costs tend to quickly add up.  Keep in mind that the cost of home extension does not just entail the builder and materials alone. It is also about keeping the working area safe and clean and ensuring everything adheres to the state and local regulations.

Be the Project Manager for your House Extension

If you have adequate time, you should project manage the whole extension project yourself. This will help you save on fees that would be paid to the builder for their time. This is usually about 15 to 25% of total cost of materials and labor. If you decide to be the project manager or purchase the building materials on your own, you should look for local hardware shops and get wholesale prices for yourself.

You should bulk buy from one local supplier as it will give you an opportunity to request for further discounts or get reduced delivery costs. There are many opportunities to save money when renovating your home, especially if you are managing the entire project on your own.

Reduce Waste

Reducing waste is a great way of saving money on your home extension project. Mistakes will cost money and this can be minimized or avoided by ensuring you have accurate plans before the work starts. This way, you will not over-order on building materials and your work will not be redone or undone. Ensure that everything is measured on site instead of depending on off plan purchases to help reduce wastage.

You should determine whether existing materials can be re-used during the design planning process. If you are not re-using existing materials like kitchen cabinets or doors, or furniture pieces, you can sell them. You can also save money by procuring reclaimed materials like roof tiles, bricks, fire surrounds, and kitchen units from private sellers on the internet or even salvage yards.

Live On-Site While Renovating

You can possibly get a cheap home extension in Dublin. However, if you are not cautious you may end up losing money on living expenses. Depending on the type of extension you are making, it may be difficult living in the home as the renovation continues. This is especially true when you are just starting a second storey extension and you are missing stairs to the front door.  Be sure to check your current floor plan and determine whether it is possible to stay home as the extensions continue. This way, you will save money instead of renting a hotel for the entire family.

The idea of adding more space to the front, back, or side of your home, finishing your loft conversion, cellar space or basement will help you find the space you need. A home extension can be a wonderful idea for any growing family, however, when your finances are extremely tight, getting started can be challenging. However, there are many ways that homeowners in Dublin can get a home extension at a cheap price. By putting the above-mentioned guidelines into consideration, you can rest assured that your budget home extension project will be successful.