Pros and Cons of a Home Extension

Is your home feeling a little crowded? Maybe it’s time for a house extension.

Adding an extension is a popular choice for homeowners. Maybe your kids have grown and need more space, or you’re working from home, or you’re needing to accommodate elderly relatives.

When you’re faced with the need for more space, you have a few options to consider. You could sell your current home and move into a larger one, but that comes with its own set of challenges and expenses. Another option is to renovate your home and add an extension. This can provide the extra space you need without having to uproot your life. Besides, you can have the added benefit of making your renovation luxurious and potentially increasing the value of your investment.

Building an extension is no small feat, however. It’s a decision that requires careful consideration, budgeting and planning. To help you make an informed choice about whether an extension is the right next step for your home, we’ve compiled a list of the pros and cons to consider. By weighing these factors, you can determine whether an extension is the best way to achieve the extra space and functionality you’re after.

Pros

More affordable: One advantage of adding an extension is that it can be cheaper than selling your home, moving and upsizing to a new house. This depends on how large your extension is going to be, but in general, extending your home can be the more affordable option.

Stay in your area: Another advantage of extending your home is that you don’t have to move away. You can stay in your suburb and community, and not have to worry about finding new schools for the kids. If you enjoy living in your neighbourhood and are reluctant to move away, then building an extension may be the better option.

Increase space: When you build an extension, you can create more space in your home. For example, you could use your extension to create a dedicated office or study space, an extra dining area, or set it up as a rumpus room for your kids. It can help to reduce clutter in your home and make it feel less crowded.

Improve curb appeal: Adding an extension to your home can help to improve its curb appeal, through making your home look more modern and attractive. This is also a perfect opportunity for you to give the rest of your house a spruce up. For example, you could use this renovation project to give the exterior of your house a fresh coat of paint to match your extension.

Increase value: When you’re renovating or extending your home, you are potentially adding value. Once your project is complete, your home will be more spacious and comfortable to live in. It will be more functional for your family’s needs and become more appealing to buyers.

Cons

Overcapitalisation: One disadvantage of building an extension is that you can end up spending more money than you should. This is called overcapitalisation. If the overall cost of the renovation outweighs the value that it brings, then you’ve overcapitalised. The best way to avoid this issue is to carefully plan your extension and your budget before you start and have open communication with your builders and suppliers about your budget requirements.

Compromises: When you’re in the process of a renovation or extension project, you may have to compromise on your original idea. This could be because of constraints in building design, layout, and space. You’ll have to adjust your plans to suit these, and so may not get the final result you were hoping for.

Disruptive: Having an extension built on your home can be disruptive to your daily life. It’s noisy and dusty, and there’ll be tradespeople walking in and out of your house. However, there are simple solutions to avoid disruption such as changing your work habits or moving out while the project is being completed.

Looking for extension inspiration?

The team at JM Homes recently extended this home in Albany Creek, Brisbane. By adding a small extension and reconfiguring the floor plan, this home now has an open flowing living space including the brand-new kitchen and butler’s pantry and a dedicated media room, making it the entertainer’s dream home.

Looking to start your home renovation?

At JM Homes, we ensure we always take the time to listen, communicate and act with our client’s interests at heart at every stage of the build.
If you have a renovation project in mind, we’re Brisbane’s building experts. Whether it’s a Queenslander, new build, house raise or extension, we can help you.