to extend or not?

[heyjude57]

have 2 bed house with PP for single storey extension but quotes in excess of 25,000. Woul increase property value by about 22,000. Any advice on whether i should go ahead or not?

[raysparx1]

couldn't you go for two storey extension ? will put far more value on the house for not much more cost, as with any extension, most of the work is below the ground and the roof, so if you can I would go for two story, but you must consider if you do move, legal fees, stamp duty, estate agents, removal costs etc, lot to think about. good luck, Ray

[heyjude57]

Thanks Ray.Have only got plans drawn for single storey - don't know if i would have to go through whole process again. but will giveit some thought

[raysparx1]

Hello again, well I would have a good look at other house around you and see if there are a lot with two storey extensions, if there are it is well worth thinking about, because for the extra bit it costs the property price will jump quite a bit, the only thing I have against single story extensions is, 1 Flat roof, avoid if you can
2 Is it worth all the upheaval for what you are gaining, good luck, Ray

[Ethel]

Don't get too hooked up on the value of your house - first and foremost it is your home.

If you need the extra space but don't want to move - do it!

[jno]

Ethel's right, do it because you want it. There's a lot of talk about how house price rises are going to slow down - nobody knows of course, and I wouldn't expect them to go backwards like they did 10-15 years ago; but you should only do something that you would be happy to live with yourself even if it didn't add a penny to resale value.

[raysparx1]

Of course Ethel and jno are correct in what they say first and foremost it is your home, but long term it is also the best investment you will ever make, and if you are happy with the house as it is, great, don't extend, but if you think you may be moving in a year or so, I would definietly try to get the planning for two storey extension because if you have this in place the market you will appeal to will be greater than for a single storey,

[heyjude57]

thanks for all the advice. The biggest advantage of the extra room and bathroom downstairs is that i would not need to move on if i can't manage the stairs when I get older! My Mum is in that position at the moment and as she can't afford a bungalow she will have to move into sheltered accomodation even thugh she is still v independant. Suppose i am planning for the unknown future......