Home extensions

[Ruprect]

So, thinking of putting a 2 storey extension on rup towers. Never done one before; anyone got any pearls of wisdom to share?

Ta.

[SueEllen]

I hope you get on with your neighbours. Otherwise they will try and stop you.

[tractor]

I hope you get on with your neighbours. Otherwise they will try and stop you.

FTFY

[Ruprect]

Get on ok with the neighbours. Shouldn't have any issues with the planners (having spoken to a couple of architects)

[MarillionFan]

Avoid any builders with an Irish accent and any who also offer to tarmac your drive.

[DimPrawn]

So, thinking of putting a 2 storey extension on rup towers. Never done one before; anyone got any pearls of wisdom to share?

Ta.

Add bedrooms, increase the number of ensuite bathrooms. This adds value. Other stuff less so.

[wurzel]

I'm in the process of getting one done myself.

No problem with neighbours but I've had structural engineers in & they've said I need to take out a couple of nearby trees & wait a year or so because the soil type is clay & it needs to shrink/settle or whatever. I could go down the route of having pilings put in & not wait all that time but it would cost £9k vs £2k if I wait to put in the normal trench foundations.

The other thing I've learned - & I don't know if this varies from authority to authority - but the permission is only valid for 3 years. That doesn't mean the work has to be completed in that time - once you've got the footings in you can take all the time you want. I've got permission for a 2 storey extension & a single storey garden room. I blow hot & cold on the latter so I'll probably get the main job done in a year's time once the trees are out, put the foundation in for the garden room and then finish it off at my leisure.

[Troll]

I've had structural engineers in

How much did that cost you & how did you find them?
TIA

[Halo Jones]

Just a few thoughts:

1: Get someone to do a proper design (independent of the builder) & stick to it, it’s free to change the design when on paper: mid construction its expensive

2: Get full planning & stick to the approved design.

3: Pay for a project manager to manage it on your behalf

4: Sign up under a proper contract (JCT 2014 Minor Works) as a lump sum fixed not re-measurable& variable: include a retention & LAD clause with a detailed ER’s stating what materials & quality is expected.

5: Use a reputable builder: cheap now is expensive later

6: Check that the builders do get Building control in & sign off at the appropriate stages.

[sasguru]

Add bedrooms, increase the number of ensuite bathrooms. This adds value. Other stuff less so.

True about bedrooms with ensuites - but a large architect-designed top-of-the range kitchen-dining space with the best appliances also adds value in my experience.