Extension on house

Tyler119

Hi everyone,

So we are buying a 3 bedroom house that has a garage attached. The house was built in 1975 so is not that old. We are hoping to build above the garage to create an extra bedroom and increase the size of the bathroom. Our builder has been round, and pending the structural engineer drilling his little holes, he is confident that no extra foundations will need laid. The architect is going to the house next week and will be getting on with the work for the required planning permission.

Do you think it is a wise idea, as we are just buying it, to inform the neighbours of our plans? Also we are getting the builder to fully tent the scaffolding so that all the work (most of it) will be hidden away from sight. We thought it was a good idea so the neighbours weren't having to look out their windows and see the building work going on. Plus it means that rain would not stop work being done.

We thought both ideas were a good way of showing consideration for the neighbours as we would not want to get off on the wrong foot with them.

I_have_spoken

If the don't like it, I'm sure they'll lodge an objection to the planners.

Tyler119

I_have_spoken wrote: »

If the don't like it, I'm sure they'll lodge an objection to the planners.

Thanks, I wasn't really talking about the planning permission. It is not something that we are too concerned about, neither is the architect as he has done quite a bit of work in the area.

I_have_spoken

Depends, around my way most of the attached garages have been converted or built-up as an extension. So a new buyer doing so wouldn't really come as a surprise.

Only you'll know if the plans are going to be vexatious to neighbours in terms of blocking light, overlooking their place, making detached look more like a terrace etc.

Of course, if none of these apply you could pop-around just as a courtesy to let them know your plans in case they expected worse.

Tyler119

I_have_spoken wrote: »

Depends, around my way most of the attached garages have been converted or built-up as an extension. So a new buyer doing so wouldn't really come as a surprise.

Only you'll know if the plans are going to be vexatious to neighbours in terms of blocking light, overlooking their place, making detached look more like a terrace etc.

Of course, if none of these apply you could pop-around just as a courtesy to let them know your plans in case they expected worse.

The extension should block out no light and as there is no house to the other side of our garage there would be no terraced look. As I said we are just looking at ways of being considerate to our new neighbours. We would like to get to know them and actually speak to our neighbours...I know it's just not done these days

Furts

If your new neighbours are reasonable people, with a modicum of common sense and intelligence they will know the house is for sale. Moving on they will be aware the new purchaser is likely to rip out the kitchen and bathroom, or give it a make over, or extend it.

This is quite normal and should not come as a surprise to them.

A 1975 house is far from new, and if original, would benefit from a good update.

It is considered good form to consult neighbours about building works. I assume you have considered this? The risk with this procedure is if the neighbour objects. You are then in a sticky situation. So tread carefully when broaching the subject.

Tyler119

Furts wrote: »

If your new neighbours are reasonable people, with a modicum of common sense and intelligence they will know the house is for sale. Moving on they will be aware the new purchaser is likely to rip out the kitchen and bathroom, or give it a make over, or extend it.

This is quite normal and should not come as a surprise to them.

A 1975 house is far from new, and if original, would benefit from a good update.

It is considered good form to consult neighbours about building works. I assume you have considered this? The risk with this procedure is if the neighbour objects. You are then in a sticky situation. So tread carefully when broaching the subject.

Thanks Furts! It's new compared to some of the houses that we looked at. Yes it does need an update which we are happy to do and was something that we looked for.

Consulting them is something that we are going to do. The area we are moving to is on a small island, so not wanting to start a war with anyone..especially as there is only one pub near the house

As I said, hoping that tenting up the whole show will help things with the neighbours. When the extension and the rest of the modifications are finished we are thinking of inviting the whole street round for food and drinks.

Thanks again.