Our attempt at being MF!!

PrincessLou

It always puzzles me why some tradesmen/builders never get back to people calling with work for them. My parents are always having work done in their house and my mum says this happens to her all the time. You would think they would be grateful for the work and, even if their diaries are already full with work booked in, you'd think they would call back and politely decline so you may consider calling them again with work in the future.

CathT

I have always thought this too. I have always been a bit impulsive in the past so want to make sure we get a few quotes, although I realise cheapest isn't best. Definitely not helpful if people don't ring you back. They could be filling diary nicely for summer months after giving me a quote :DD

I do have one more builder but have been told he is rather pricey! The one calling at the weekend comes highly recommended. Architects also rang today so I am keen to progress to next stage with them asap.

Quickly checked ISA's and pension, has the stock market had a recovery????? They seem much better than last time I checked!

lulabelle1

If your house is still on the market maybe they think it could be a waste of time coming round and measuring, quoting etc etc if theres a good chance that you will just end up moving instead?

Ali-OK

A lurker popping in, as in a similar position to you with extension planning. Have got PP now and just getting builders in to quote One has visited and 2 still to get back to me.

Good luck for Planning Permission too and I'll continue to follow with interest

CathT

Hi lulabelle and Ali, thanks for popping in. We really need to ring the estate agents to get it taken off but has been a busy week with car issues, those are sorted now despite dh driving it from the gargage and it still being broken! :mad:

We do have a builder coming round at the weekend so be good for sign to be gone by then! Will speak to dh and see if he can ring agents today. The idea of gettig quotes now was to see if the build is affordable but dh said we need it done regardless so although we may have a figure in mind we will need to be flexible. I will try and ring architect later.

Do you have a diary Ali? I will have a look. Good luck with your extension plans, it is our plan B but we should still end up wit a spacious family home. Our plans are for an over garage extension now so may be cheaper than our original idea.

Another day of avoiding the supermarket/shops yesterday. I almost popped in for a top up shop but resisted as we can manage another day or so. I find that's a good way of stretching the budget. I'm sure someone else tries to make a weeks shopping last 8 or 9 days for example.

Current account looking okay and food/petrol account looking fairly healthy. Hoping to swipe some funds from it just before next payday to send as an OP.

lulabelle1

Fingers crossed that you get some great quotes and then you can start moving forward with your plans. Exciting times

Ali-OK

Ooh, am going over garage too. Architect is good for estimating cost and then can draw accordingly. Am finding builders want those to quote from. It's been a bit catch 22 as have to spend to find out, but learnt alot and happy to share any info that you might find useful. Prices here have gone up and builders are very busy - partly to do with the relaxed rules and those builds needing to be completed by May this year.

Great thing is if you got PP and then decided to move without doing the build, it's still an added selling point as the legwork has been done

Well done on avoiding the supermarket and shops. Am trying to stretch an extra day out of each weekly food shop too.

CathT

Estate agents emailed, house is coming off the market and architects instructed to proceed with next stage. I am just dreading any planning issues/confrontations.

Thanks Ali, may need tips along the way, hope everything is going smoothly for you.

RoaringTwenties

I did a full planning app for an extension a few years ago, it was a small & pretty uncomplicated build but I learnt a lot in the process & actually quite enjoyed doing the drawings! It went through very easily too. I know you do hear nightmare stories but mine is a positive one if that helps at all

Ali-OK

It's good to hear the positive PPs, I went the Pre-Planning route with Officer visit and report, although it doesn't guarantee an easy ride through, there were significant changes. Costs another £100 or so (advice not free anymore here) but was worth it in my case.