Extending - where to start

Spirit_2

We want to extend our semi-detached cottage to add a second bathroom, make a bigger third bedroom and have a downstairs cloakroom.

We have no idea where to start.

How do we find someone to give us ideas of what is possible (I drew my ideas previously and managed to create a room with no door), indicators of costs and a plan of timescales and guidance on how to secure a builder.

Do we start with a budget figure and see what we can get or do we set out what we want and get a price (and then moderate our ambitions?).

Canucklehead

Spirit wrote: »

We want to extend our semi-detached cottage to add a second bathroom, make a bigger third bedroom and have a downstairs cloakroom.

We have no idea where to start.

How do we find someone to give us ideas of what is possible (I drew my ideas previously and managed to create a room with no door), indicators of costs and a plan of timescales and guidance on how to secure a builder.

Do we start with a budget figure and see what we can get or do we set out what we want and get a price (and then moderate our ambitions?).

Hi: here is an excellent place to start. Great advice also on the H&R website.

HTH

Canucklehead

iamcornholio

You need to get a designer round (Architect/technician/plan drawer) and tell him/her what you want. They should then be able to tell you what you could achieve in context of any planning or building regulation restrictions.

They should also be able to give you a rough estimate of how much any scheme should cost

Don't discuss budgets to start with, but consider options based on what you want or need. Then bring the budgets into it and tailor the design to suit as necessary

For most places except possibly London area, then allow about £2k for design and application fees for a two storey extension. A RIBA Architect will cost at least double this

Paul_the_Painter

RIBA do a scheme every year, where an architect will give you a consultation, come up with some basic drawings etc for a donation to their nominated charity. Think it's £50 or so. If that's coming up soon, it coul be a very worthwhile £50.

bobthedambuilder

You could get a very rough ball-park figure for building costs by using a figure of £100 to £150 per square foot (£1000 to £1500 per square metre) of extension. At least it will give you an idea of how big an extension you can afford.