Extension Advice

charlottesmum_2

We have been offered the chance to buy a friend's house at a potentially v good price(long story short, they have a 4 bedroom and want to sell, we are looking for a 4 bedroom, have already sold ours STC). We really like the house and location, but bedroooms 3 & 4 are tiny. We are currently in a 3 bedroom, one double 2 small singles, looking for more space, which bedrooms 3&4 don't really give us. They have indicated that it might be possible to extend the property, which would potentially give us the extra space we need. However, without extension it probably isn't the right house for us.

So, where do we start? We have no experience of builders or architects. We haven't made any formal arrangements with friends, only been to look at it seriously on Wed. Would an architect be able to tell us whether an extension is feasible? I have looked on the council website - a few houses in the street have been extended, but not many. Is it a complete no-brainer? Could we get someone round to friend's house to discuss potential options for creating more space? Who should we get round if so? Finally, can anyone recommend the approriate person - Bracknell area.

I hope this isn't too garbled. I have no understanding of any procedures relating to building extensions, other than a quick search through this forum.

Thanks as always.

nomis21

Seek out a reputable architect, he will advise you on your options and provide you with ideas of what you require, if you do undertake his services he will draw up detailed scaled plans and submit them on your behalf to your local council for planning approval and building regulations.
If you get approval for planning you will need to seek a reputable good builder. Get a few quotes as they can vary a lot in the building trade. If you get a good architect he will be there to help oversee the building work undertaken along with the councils BCO (Building Control Officer) it is his job to make sure the building work is up to standard and making sure building regulations are adhered to while the work progresses.

charlottesmum_2

So can I just ask an archtect to look at the house and say" is it feasible to extend this house?"? Would I have to pay for that, or only if I wanted them to go ahead and do full plans?

Thanks (I did say i was a complete novice, so forgive me if I'm asking something really stupid)

MX5huggy

Yes basicly an Architect should come and look at the project and talk for 30 to 60 mins with you for nothing. When you ring them make it clear that you are talking about a domestic extension some wont be intrested.

dander

Check your local council's website - the planning permission section - that should give basic information about what you do and don't need planning permission for and what might and might not be permitted. For instance, if you are thinking a 2-storey front extension would be the way forward, you may well find that's unlikely to be approved. Generally you will find rear extensions are easiest to get permission for, followed by side. It will only give you very broad facts, but should start to get you thinking along the right lines. Check whether the house is in a conservation area or listed or anything like that, because that makes things harder. Also, you'll need to budget for at least £1k per sqm of floorspace for an extension - plus time and fuss and dirt, so even with the house at a good price, it may actually be cheaper and simpler to just buy a house that's the right size for you in the first place.

charlottesmum_2

Thanks everyone - just the right level of advice to get me started.

Dander - yes, had already thought that about the size of the house. However this house is almost a fallback option if something else doesn't pan out. Knowing we can get a free initial consultation might sway our decision one way or the other.

No doubt if we go ahead with it you will find me back here for more advice. Thanks again.

planning_officer

I would also treat any planning advice from architects with some caution. I know several architects who are convinced every extension they design is wonderful and will sail through planning, but in reality they are simply awful and refused quite comprehensively. Your Council may give free planning advice - some charge and some don't (as it's a discretionary service). I would start with the Council's planning dept, and ask them if your extension is likely to get planning permission - although you will need to have some sketches and ideas of what you want first (whether you do these or get an architect is up to you - although personally I would choose an architectural technician for a domestic extension as they would be cheaper than an architect).

charlottesmum_2

Thanks Planning-Officer. I have looked at council website (Bracknell). They seem to have a "pre-planning permission" application which costs £25. I think they then advise you about the your plans.

So, my next thread will be a request for recommendations for architects/technicians in my area...

planning_officer

You could always try looking for architectural technicians who are members of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists:
http://www.ciat.org.uk/en/members/find_a_practice/

Or an architect who is registered with RIBA:
https://members.architecture.com/directory/default.asp?dir=1

You can run County searches or postcode searches, so hopefully you'll find someone! Worth getting a few quotes too, as from experience, prices can range enormously.

never_enough

You can register with RIBA & put in a few details of the project to be matched with architects in the area willing to do it.