Do I need to get plans drawn before contacting a builder for a quote for an extension

budget_queen

We have recently purchased a three story town house (6 years old). There is an integral garage and two small rooms at the rear of this (a utility room and very small fourth bedroom). The kitchen is currently at the rear of the property on the first floor. Ideally we would like to move the plumbing for the washing machine into the garage and build an extension on the back of the house to have a kitchen/family room on the ground floor. We would like to knock the two small rooms into one and remove the external wall to create a large space as opposed to a conservatory/orangery type thing. Does this sound like a reasonable and doable project? And would we need to get plans drawn up before approaching a builder? We have an idea of cost in mind but could be completely off the mark. I'd hate to pay for plans to then get a quote to discover that the work would be completely out of our budget. If anyone has any idea about how much this mayy cost that would be great.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

macman

I suggest you draw up a reasonable sketch with measurements and photos and discuss the possible PP requirements with your local LA duty planner before going to a builder.
A builder will require the same reasonably accurate sketches to give a proper quotation, but not necessarily professional plans.

southcoastrgi

agree with mm, no point in wasting anyones time (& i include your time in that) if the LA aren't going to let you do what you want, so do as above, see what they say, then get three quotes based on your drawings, see if you can afford it, but be aware the price may alter when you have drawings done either on PD & BR or full plan submission

sammiell

You need drawings to get a proper quote or you will get what is cheapest and easiest for the builder and not necessarily what you want you will need drawings for planning anyway and a good architect/ designer should be able to design to your budget if it is realistic.