Our attempt at being MF!!

CathT

Thanks roaring twenties and Ali, that's helpful. I hadn't thought of a pre-planning visit but am hopeful architects will know what is likely to be passed. Was chatting with a friend last night who did a big renovation and she said how nerve wracking the pp waiting period is.

Small top up shop so shouldn't spend anymore on food/petrol this month. We came in at.....

Food - £223.06
Petrol - £179.03
Total - £402.09

Am really pleased with these totals, we are a family of four (children eat loads) and run two cars (my milage is quite high due to my job). We eat really well so it goes to show what some focus can do. I think the main way we keep spends low is through batch cooking, we can make food go far :rotfl:

Went out with friendslast night, stayed on soft drinks (which actuallly meant I spent no money!) as off for a 10+ mile run shortly. Am just hoping my friend who was drinking wine is still coming!!

Builder calling later and as well as the usual Saturday housework blitz we are hoping to visit a NT property later. Hopefully although busy, the day will be productive and enjlyable. Looking forward to an evening sitting on the sofa, I am definitely not a party animal although enjoy it when I am out!

Ali-OK

Morning Cath

Hope your friend comes running and weather is decent!

Your architect, if they know your Planning Authority and area well, should be able to design to suit but Pre-Planning is good if there's any borderline risks that could see it be refused. Has a precedent already been set by nearby houses having the same extension? If so, means yours is more likely.

Mine was more complicated due to staggered neighbours and overlooking and overshadowing with the sun. The local authority should have a planning guidance document that you can download - not an easy read with jargon, but worth learning!

Do you get on with your neighbours well? Worth chatting to them, showing them the drawings and seeing if they have any concerns or comments before you apply for PP (I moved an opaque window on the back of it), they then won't be surprised when they get the letter and are less likely to object. The wait for any comments and decision had me checking the website daily for updates :rotfl:

Great on the spends - batch food is a lifesaver when DS has a friend come over unexpectedly, they know they'll get 1 of 3 meals as that's the only foodstuff in volume I have

Have a good day

CathT

Thanks Ali, the day started off very well, ran 13.2 miles (a half marathon) alone and then went to speak to the neighbours. That was a disaster as I got really upset as they will strongly oppose our plans and the extension. Would prove to be very complicated (needing to access their land for example). We have had a look at the plans we were given whenwe bought the house and will ask the builder's opinion later. I truly am drained and also have a bill for £960 from architects! I really hope it won't be too costly to amemd plans. It just feels like a big mess and dh has gone to buy wine!!

Ali-OK

Great distance with the run.

Sorry to hear their response has caused upset. Hope the builder has some good ideas and the wine helps

I'll drop you a PM if that's ok

Secret_Saving_Squirrel

Oh, Cath, what a pain. I hope you can manage to amend or talk them round. If not, maybe moving will look more attractive. Such an expense, though. Fingers crossed for you.

Moneyfordreams

oh no,,, that's a change of heart from them isn't it?? hope it all works out for you.

CathT

Morning,

I feel trapped and in a no win situation with the house. We had plans drawn for a side extension but the bedrooms came out tiny on the drawings so back to original plan.....cue disaster which has knocked me n
back in terms of mood. Went for a lay down in the afternoon and although not tired just couldn't get back out of bed for ages.

However, builder called and we discussed the disaster and any new plans. We are going to have to extend our utility and kitchen and do a 2 storey rear extension. Builder was very patient and will give us 3 quotes after we have been back to architect.
1) roughly quote for above garage including query underpinning
2) quote for extending utility and above
3) quote for extending utility and kitchen and above

Dh will visit architects tomorrowto get new plans,builder confident this should be easy enough as they have measurements. My head is a mess as is the breakfast bar!!!

Still a lot to do as yesterday was completely unproductive although dh cleaned downstairs while I did my mammoth morning run.

1) contact av!via as they need a form returning to them and my online access never shows policies!
2) read and submit meter readings
3) debate whether to chase EA, they haven't rssponded to email and house still on rightm0ve
4) catch up with washing
5) set budget for next couple of weeks
6) confirm with architects if we pay £960 bill now or after amended drawings!
7) sort out childcare payment for february (have come up with a plan . )
8) do homework with DD
9) try and meal plan for the week without buying anything else!!


Despite that list I am going to try and watch some of the tennis final as dh is going to take the children swimming.

RoaringTwenties

Sorry to hear about this Cath, totally get how low you must have felt yesterday & your body's reaction is entirely understandable . Seems like you are responding brilliantly though, already looking at alternative plans, & still keeping up with life generally! I'm sure it'll all get sorted in time Would love to see (non-identifying ) photos when it's finished, bet it's going to look amazing :j

BookWorm

Sorry to hear the talk with the neighbours didn't go well Cath. Just because they will object, doesn't guarantee your plans will be rejected (though I acknowledge it can make things more difficult) Hopefully the builder and architect will be able to guide you through the tricky sitution. Hugs x

newgirly

Really sorry to hear that cath, do you have to have access via the neighbours land?

Also have you considered a loft conversion? We were a 3 bed terrace and it has made such a large space (about 19ft x 16ft at a guess, can't remember!) and we have a bathroom with separate shower/loo/bath and basin which is not a bad size. It's bigger than my mums side extension of two bedrooms and an ensuite. No planning need, just building regs now, and no access to neighbours land needed , all done from hoping through house and working from front.

Sorry if this is an obvious one that you have already discounted anyway , hope you have a better day today.