House extension - where on earth do we start?

Mrstickle

As the title suggests we would like to start planning for an extension, but have no idea- about budgets, order of events, rules and regs etc.
Can anyone point me in the direction of a good site to do some research?

We only moved in a few months ago, so we are in no hurry. This is something we will want for when our daughter is older, and when we have had chance to build up the savings pot again - it obviously took some hammering with the house deposit and moving costs and the basic work we have done so far decorating and new appliances and furniture. We have savings, but there is a rainy day amount we have agreed we would never go below unless we were forced to in bad circumstances.

We have a rectangular kitchen diner with double doors from the diner into the garden. We would like a single storey extension from the dining area about 10ft sq to make an L shaped area. We are assuming we wouldnt need any walls knocking down as it could carry on from the double doors, which we would use to separate the new from the old occasionally.

We originally considered a conservatory but don't think this would be a good idea as the area in question gets no sun so would be cold. My husband says we could do breeze block rendered, to match the rest of the house, with some skylights to add light. It would be used as a second lounge predominantly.

Obviously it's how long is a piece of string, but it would be good to start to research now, and think abut how much we need in the bank. The house is great as we are now, this is all about future proofing in a few years so we wouldn't have to move again!
Any ideas how much, single storey, 10ft square with skylights. We are in the north west if that makes any difference.
Thanks in advance.

macman

I'd start with working out what you can actually extend under permitted development. Place to start is a chat with the duty planning officer at your LA's one stop shop, if they have one. Take some photos or sketches, and have a look at the planning section on their website first.
Pointless budgeting for work that won't be permitted, so sort this first.

cddc

As Macman suggests, start with a chat to your local planning officer, and then if you are happy with his response, talk to an architect. Most of them will meet you initially for free, and then give you a quote for their services.


Whatever you do, however, do not base your amount in the bank needed on what the architect reckons it will cost in total. Add at least 50% on and you wont be far wrong in most cases!

mandm65

Going through this myself so will keep an eye on this thread.
As suggested we engaged an architect and got the initial drawings done and submitted to the council for PP.

patman99

Don't forget, once you have been through the planning process and have your planing permission, ou will have a limited time to start your build before it expires.

However, you can 'stop the clock' by putting-in a run of the footings. As you will have deemed to have started the build, you can then take as long as you like to complete the build.

I_have_spoken

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