Building a home extension is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value, but there are so many other reasons to make this grand step. If you’re feeling like your home is becoming a bit less capacious than it used to, for whatever reason, then the time has come to start thinking about expanding. Now, there are many reasons why you should build an extension instead of going through the ordeal of moving into a bigger place, and there are many benefits that this project can bring to your everyday life.
But for all the benefits an extension brings, you have to be careful and plan out every little detail to make it produce the desired ROI. One of the key things you need to consider is the energy efficiency of this new space. Let’s take a look at the five tips you can use to build an energy-efficient home extension this year.
Design with energy efficiency in mind
First things first, keep in mind that energy efficiency is not something you should be thinking about when the extension is already built – it should be a vital part of the planning stage. This is a common trap that homeowners fall into when they’re treating the extension as a DIY project, for example. It’s important to work with professional builders with years of experience building extensions because they will make sure that nothing slips through the cracks, especially the energy efficiency of the new space.
The right builders will use advanced tools, something like BIM software, to design every aspect and element of the extension in a virtual space for maximum energy conservation. This is achieved with active and passive conservation features, and the right builders can design an extension project that fits your budget and accommodates your needs.
Size your heating and cooling properly
Your heating and cooling system can be a drain on resources if you don’t scale it according to the requirements of the space. It’s important to work with experienced professionals who can give you an accurate analysis of the new space and its unique heating and cooling options that you can consider – particularly if it makes sense for your budget.
For heating, you will need to take the size of the room into consideration, of course, but you will also need to choose between gas, solar, wood, or even electric heating. For cooling, you have many options at your disposal and the size of the space will yet again play an important role. Talk to your builder and weigh the pros against the cons of all your heating and cooling options carefully before investing.
Invest in energy-saving appliances
The appliances you introduce into the new space can inflate or reduce your energy consumption and bills, so you have to consider your options carefully. If you’re moving your kitchen into the extension, then having an energy-efficient gas burner is a good idea, but is investing in smarter appliances that allow you to monitor and optimize your energy consumption with ease.
Whatever the purpose of the room may be, whether it’s a functional space like a kitchen or a private space like a man cave, it’s important to curb your energy consumption with the right appliances. Look for the Energy Star rating on the label and talk to the seller about the long-term energy-saving potential of each appliance before you buy.
Focus on passive conservation
Of course, you shouldn’t plan a home extension without passive energy conservation in mind. During the design and planning phase, you want to explore all areas where you can add insulation that will make the space feel cosier by cooling the space in the summer and keeping it warm during winter in a more organic way.
This will usually mean investing in floor, ceiling, and wall insulation, but also window and door insulation to boot. Investing in insulation from the get-go is one of the best home extension tips that will save you money and prevent expensive and cumbersome reworks down the road.
Scale and optimize the lighting
Last but not least, make sure to plan the lighting scheme carefully. You can splurge on smart light bulbs if you want, but you can easily minimize energy expenditure with good old LED lights as well. LED lighting is energy-efficient and durable, and the light bulbs have a long lifespan that ensures you won’t be wasting money on needless replacements. What’s more, LED lights are kind to the environment, because they are easily recyclable and are made of non-toxic materials.
Over to you
Building a home extension is a big step, but it’s also one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Use these tips to build a home extension with energy efficiency in mind, and maximize the ROI of your investment.
About the author: Mike Johnston is an experienced writer, blogger, and editor. He’s a regular contributor to numerous online publications where he writes about real estate, construction, home improvement, and interior design.
