Extending your house is a popular type of home improvement. It makes sense to want to improve where you live by creating more space. One of the most popular types of renovation is installing bi-fold doors, and it’s easy to see why. Bi-fold doors are perfect to integrate two spaces that otherwise would have to be permanently separated, such as the indoors and the outdoors.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about a home extension with bi-fold doors.
Benefits of an extension
Property extensions are almost always a good idea. Extensions generate more space and light, allowing you to stay in your home without the need of moving to a bigger place. And, you have total control over the design of the extension whilst adding value to your property.
Where to start?
When you decide to build an extension to your home, the first step is figure to out the space you have to work, and how you’re going to make it work. This will dictate the planning permission, your costs and the materials required. In general terms, if you want to get the most value for your extension – make it as large as possible within your budget.
Other things to take into account when planning an extension including bi-fold doors include:
- The size of your garden (always make the extension proportional to the size of the garden)
- Your internal space
- Number of bi-fold door panels (the bigger the area for the doors, the better)
Defining your renovation budget
Before you start, you need to define your budget. For this, you’ll have to take into account the cost of materials, labour, fittings, fixtures, light switches, flooring, furniture, bi-fold doors and flyscreens, architect and engineer fees, and regulatory approval. A general rule of thumb is to allocate at least 10% of your budget for unforeseen costs, as they always arise.
Consulting with professionals
You may need to consult with a wide range of professionals for your home renovation. You can start by talking you your local real estate agent and enquire about the renovation you’re planning to do and what could be its potential value, if you’re planning to sell it in the future. A real estate agent can let you know if similar renovations have been done in your area and give you ideas or suggestions. It’ll also give you an idea of how much people would actually pay for your home after renovation and if it’s a savvy investment or not.
You may want to hire an architect to get that special design you dream about. Architects provide “bigger picture” advice — integrating style, layout, light, and feel of a home
You’ll have to hire a builder in order to get the renovation done.
Council approval for home extensions in Australia
Home extensions in Australia are subject to council approval, as you’re actually adding a structure to your home. Have this in mind when planning the renovation, and research basic council guidelines and how your renovation can affect neighbours, so when the time comes to show the plans to the council, they aren’t rejected.
Renovation mistakes to avoid
It’s easy to get carried away when extending your home, but please don’t make any decisions in a rush. There are many costly renovation mistakes to avoid. These include:
- Designing a house that completely looks out of place in your street or area
- Adding an extension without thinking about the exterior look
- Spending too much on ‘exclusive’ fittings — not everything needs to be European
- Removing grown trees
- Making the garden look too small in comparison to the indoor area
- Not complying strictly with council conditions
- Installing circuits and pipes yourself — it is recommended to hire registered tradesmen for these projects
Using bi-fold doors for home extensions
Bi-fold doors are a popular and great idea for home extensions — as they make your recently increased space look bigger. Even when the doors are closed, the floor-to-ceiling glass makes the interior and exterior feel like one large space. Bi-fold doors are versatile and can be fitted into any aperture size, plus, they can open either inwards or outwards. They are also safe and secure, and energy-efficient.
There many materials and colours to choose from when it comes to the frame, to suit any particular style and home design. And remember to include pleated insect screens in your budget — they are a necessity in Australia.
Take a look at our range of pleated insect screens today at Artilux. They’re perfectly compatible with your bi-fold doors and will protect you against pests. Check out our FAQs, or contact us today by filling out this quick and easy online form.
