Would like an extension built but where do I start?

Richard_Wells

Hi guys,

I'd like an extension built on the side of my house plus a loft conversion. This will be the first time I've ever had anything major done to the house and I know it will require planning permission etc.

This might sound really dumb but I'm not sure where to start: Do I employ the services of an architect first to draw the plans up and THEN get builders round to price it up or do I get builders round to price it up and let them worry about the getting plans drawn etc?

Sorry for sounding so dumb

Many thanks.

Gene_Hunt_2

Why not get a ball park figure on cost from a builder first.

Remember the VAT increase as from Jan 2011.

oz0707

I'd decide what i'd want to use the extension and conversion for. Then do some basic sketches yourself with ideas of what your thinking and how big you want it, then consult with a few builders, pick their brains & get some costings.

PS You probably wont need an architect, I would avoid going down that route first thing.

iamcornholio

Builders can't give a price indication if they have nothing to price off

You need to think about what you want, then get a designer (architectural technician, surveyor etc) around for a chat to see if what you want is actually feasible (planning regulations) and he should also be able to give a cost estimate for the build costs.

Then if you need planning permission you engage someone to draw the plans for planning permission

You ill also need building regulation approval, so if no planning permission is require (permitted development) you just engage someone to draw plans for building regulations

Builders can only give a realistic price off the detailed drawings used for the building regulation application

You may need other permission ( Party Wall Act, Water Authority permission to build over public sewers) - your designer should be able to advise on these, and the designer will tell you about all likely fees from the council and specialist engineers fees

SailorSam

You may find this a good site to check out.
Click onto 'the interactive house'.
Planning Portal - The UK Government's online planning and building regulations resource

Hopeful_5

I asked a number of builders to give me a price for my extension and most wanted to see the plans first, even though it was a very straightforward build and I could clearly explain what I wanted.

Good luck with it all.

Hope

Foggster

I drew up plans myself with the help of MS Visio (which were accepted for Planning regs) and then got some builders in for a price.

Two of the three builders had architects that they used who would be able to add detail to your drawings but we went for the third builder who was cheaper and who were happy to work off the plans we had. The job was adding a single story garage conversion and utility.

It would be worth making the initial contact with the builders and ask how much detail they need, the three we got around were happy to come around and have a chat and give us a ball park figure.

dander

I'd say your first step should be to go out and buy this book

http://www.haynes.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=41763&langId=-1

It's an absolutely brilliant guide to the entire process of building extension from start to finish - aimed at a normal person who's getting the builders in to do the actual work.