Extension costs

A few things to consider

Have any of the semis nearby done something similar, you could have a bit of a walkround one afternoon and try and spot something, you might see something that is good and something that is not so good and then do a list of what you like and don't like. If there is a good extension you could perhaps try and find out who the builder was and perhaps they could give you an estimate.

Do you know if the extension would only need normal foundations, if not this would be a significant extra cost.

Is there any drainage that you would need to build over or divert, look for manholes and try and work it out. Would the drainage for the bathroom be simple, also can the hot and cold water and heating be simply extended to the bedroom and bathroom from the rest of the house.

Also worth looking at if you would need a lot of external wall area compared to the floor space you are creating and also if the roof would be complicated.

Keeping things simple and straight forward would give you value for money.

It might also be worth looking at those 'Plans Drawn for Planning permission' adverts in the local paper, they might be able to give you an estimate or know a reputable builder.

Spring is a good time to start building projects, because it is warmer and there is more daylight to get the job done and less frost. It shouldn't take more than several months if started in say March or April 06.

Block paviour drive ways are more expensive, but give your house what the estate agents call 'kerb appeal', ie looks good when people get to the kerb of your house and can help to sell your home quicker and add a bit of value.

What some people do is have block paviour edging and features with the rest of the driveway as tarmacadam. This is a happy medium and can look very good particularly with red/brown macadam and similarly coloured block paviours around the edge.

You can get homeowner contracts from these people http://www.jctcontracts.com/JCT/contracts/hoc/

Ours 'cost' £30,000, for the structure then add on the cost of bathroom fittings & architect & roller garage door & you get nearer £40,000.

You can see it (just) here, http://www.rightmove.co.uk/viewdetails-8541893.rsp?pa_n=1&tr_t=buy. It's 25' deep & we've actually left it as one HUGE bedroom & bath/shower room, upstairs, but laid it out to take another bedroom, within, if you wanted to. & double garage & utility down stairs.
Best chat to agents to see if you REALLY do add value - then it might be worth the hassle & inconvenience - I'm not convinced!!

But, then, we did trash the rest of the house & virtually re plastr & change it, too!!

VB

Costs vary up and down the country. The best way is to get 3 builders to give you a price for the extension and then compare the quotations.