Extending to create extra Bedroom - Options & issues?

Leigh-Anne_60

Hiya

I have a 3 bed end terraced house (only 3 houses together) constructed in 1997, and im looking to get extra bedroom space(x1). I have thought through several options open but each of them has pro's & cons, and basically dont know where to start - Hopefully some of you guys could give me some pointers from your own experiences

Building one storey extension to the front of the house
This is fine and have enough space at least a 5x5 building, think would look ok, just like a garage with windows. However would i really want a bedroom downstairs 1 metre away from the main lane? Also new bedroom door would be in the hallway right next to the front door. Also with this option would probably loose one off my driveway spaces. (we currently have 3 vehicles in house, 2 kept on drive way and works van kept on street)

Building to back of house
I have a huge garden with plenty of scope for building, leaving me with plenty enough space remaining. The living room has patio doors that go in to garden, So wouldnt want bedroom there as would have to go through bedroom to get to garden - So would say to gain a bedroom would have to be 2 storey - And of course this would be more expensive - but at the same time giving extra space downstairs (not necess required but would be welcome)

Loft conversion
This is probably my pref option at the moment, however the pitch is quite low, and therefore maybe not a valid option, have read on the net that the height has to be at least 2.1 metres, is that right? . Would want a large dormer window on the rear, which would give fantastic views along our local river and estuary. Depending on size room would be used by either us or dd. Where to put the stairs are also worrying me, as don’t want to loose any current room space, although the spiral stairs maybe an option? And also all the building regs - seems like a lot of red tape involved

Im not bothered about how much value each option would add to the house -quite happy where we are and at the moment and don’t plan to move ever. But of course the cost of each option would be a factor in my final decision. The current build is finished in red brick - and I believe this is a more expensive finish in building?

Sorry I have garbled on a bit - its hard to explain the options knowing that you haven’t seen the house or layout . Look forward to hearing your ideas/issues

Cheers

LA

BobProperty

Would you consider hiring an Architect just to get them to do you some designs and an indication of what might work for you?

crankup

Buy this book:-
Home Extensions: The Complete Handbook by Paul Hymers
ISBN: 1843303736

It'll give you loads of answers, from getting planning permission, regs, choosing buildrs, how jobs are tackled, calculating costs etc. It'll help you make some preliminary decisions and enable you to talk to building companies at a lower level. For about £7.

Alan_M_2

A ground floor bathroom/shower room is not applealing to many buyers (unless it a bungalow of course!).

You've also pointed out the noise issue with having a bedroom downstairs.

Consider both these points if return on investment is important in this exercise. Then get an architect to draw up some options for you.

The 2 story extension, whilst being the most expensive, will add more value to the property making it a 4 bed two bath semi.

Really it depends if you are building for yourself to stay for sometime or building with selling in mind.

Leigh-Anne_60

Thank you for your replies.

I have just ordered that book from ebay, so i think from here will have a good read, and then think about getting in an architect in.

I have since posting yesterday thought up yet another option!!:rolleyes: This would be a single storey on the back - extending my lounge & kitchen, and partioning off part of my L shape lounge to give a bedroom downstairs. If i get it flat roofed - this could mean a quite nice balcony space from the 2 double rooms upstairs(with those nice views, albeit with neighbour trimming some leylandi!!) . And if i ever sold up (dont want to) this could be sold as a separate diner?? Bad idea?? Flat roof - should i stay away??

Ohhh, so many ideas - And doesnt help that hubby isnt really interested and just leaving it up to me :mad:

Regards

Leigh-Anne

Leigh-Anne_60

Here is a pic of the back of the house - give's you a better idea where im coming from

LA

BobProperty

I've re-read this now the picture is up, and have the following comments:
Planning wise, you are unlikely to get permission to extend to the front (don't know why I didn't say that the first time)
Can't see a dormer working on that roof, it does look too shallow.
That rather leaves the 2 storey and I think it should be on the left hand side of the picture otherwise you will create a shadowed area at the back left hand side.

Leigh-Anne_60

Hiya

Thanks for your reply. I have been reading up on our local authority's guidelines - And yeah dont think i will be given permission for the front just from the fact that i would be using up a drive way space

I think i will gen myself up once my book arrives and invite a few builders round to quote. I know that you should always go on recomendations - but whats the best way to get these, i dont know anyone who has had a extension

LA

davsidipp

remember to comply with party walls act.

Leigh-Anne_60

Party walls act? Thats a new one on me!!

Well got my book in today so hopefully has some details in there. Got to page 15 so far, and my head is pickled already!! lol

Cheers

LA

never_enough

I agree with Bobproperty. From the options you've suggested the two storey looks to be the best, on the left hand side where you join your neighbour already. Was that where you were thinking?