If you are in need of some extra living space and are handy around the house, there’s no need to call in the builder. Of course, you will need to plan the project carefully and acquire all the essential tools and materials, and with the help of YouTube, you can build your extension. The first step is design; there are computer programs that allow you to create building plans and you can calculate the exact amount of materials you will need.
Drainage & Foundation
If there is a drainage issue, you will need to dig out topsoil and replace it with shingle, to assist the water to drain away. A single-storey extension will not require much in terms of foundation, perhaps a couple of feet below ground before laying a concrete base and you could show your design to an architect, just to be on the safe side.
Roof Insulation
Buy some good quality roof insulation sheet (called แผ่นฉนวนกันความร้อนหลังคา in Thai) and this will keep the interior cool during the hot days; you will lose a lot of heat through the roof if you live in a cold climate, so effective roof insulation is a must. Rockwool is the preferred brand, which insulates, is fire resistant and you can easily find a supplier with a Google search.
Brickwork or Blockwork
If you are building with bricks, you first have to set your concrete corners and lay your bricks with staggered joints; blocks are cost effective and a coat of plaster is all you need. Plasterboard is ideal for the ceiling and with a corrugated roof that is insulated, your structure is almost complete.
Tools
You will need a complete range of hand and power tools for such a project; search for an online supplier for the best deals, plus you need a pair of steps or a couple of short ladders for working at height. Your took kit should include the following:
- Set of saws (wood & metal)
- Claw hammer
- Set of screwdrivers
- Tape measure
- Drill & drillbits (hammer drill for masonry)
- Set of chisels and a mallet (woodworking)
- Adjustable steps
Materials
Create a list of necessary materials and make sure you have them all covered before starting work; the online home improvement store would have everything you need and if ready-mix concrete is involved, make sure the form is ready for the delivery.
Watch a few YouTube ‘how to build an extension’ videos and you will realise it isn’t such a hard thing to do and when the project is completed, you will have some extra living space.