How much space do I need?
Scale layout drawings can sometimes be hard to understand if you are unfamilar with them , and visualising the physical space can seem elusive.
3-D models can sometimes help, but the simplest way might be to start by considering the size of your existing rooms and measuring them, using a point of reference that you are familiar with. Are the new rooms going to be bigger or smaller, wider or taller than what you already have?
Instead of building more space, can you re-plan your existing space more efficiently?
Do you have large items or furniture you want to re-use or relocate that need planning around?
Will you want to use the rooms in the same way once the kids are at college, or if you might need to care for an elderly relative, or even after your own retirement, in the longer term?
Some people find it helpful to use paper cut-outs to scale and move them around a scale floor plan, for example in deciding the best place to put a bed and wardrobe inside a bedroom layout. Another useful trick can be to use chalk, string or cardboard boxes to mark out the available area physically and help visualise the potential space.