Extension on a new build?

The_Logans

We're looking at a new build currently undergoing construction. It's one of eight houses, and although we love the location and the house design none of them are quire right! One is very close to being perfect, but we really need an additional room. Would it be cheaper to negotiate with the developer to add this to the house before completion? I think it would look a lot better this way, as it would be more in keeping with the rest of the design, and surely it would be cheaper given that builders and materials are already on site?

AdrianC

Don't forget that you/they would need to apply for planning permission, and the extension would have to be designed. Some of the work already completed would need to be modified or re-done, too.

Why not buy a house that meets your needs instead? It's not as if you HAVE to buy one of these eight from this developer. There are plenty of other houses in similar locations...

ST1991

Not sure if you are borrowing or cash buyer... but could you not do a self-build if nothing you can find is sufficient? They usually end up being 'cheaper', especially compared to the barratts homes!

EmmyLou30

Unfortunately there's no way a developer will deviate from the planning permission they've obtained, too much paperwork and costs. I know someone who asked for a tree not to be planted that literally blocked access to their front path but were told it HAD to go in for the PP - got ripped out and donated to a grateful neighbor on day 1.

Ask them to let you know what style of brick and tile they've used so you can buy matching ones easily and do it after you own the house - bearing in mind a new build is likely to have a restrictive covenant forbidding extensions/changes to the property without the developers consent which they may or may not give and will no doubt charge you an 'admin' fee for.

I think I'd keep hunting for the right house to simplify things myself. Or at least don't buy a new build, just reconfigure an existing house that's on the market.

The_Logans

AdrianC wrote: »

Why not buy a house that meets your needs instead? It's not as if you HAVE to buy one of these eight from this developer. There are plenty of other houses in similar locations...

It may surprise you but that has crossed our minds. Where we live is very rural, we want to stay local due to schools and work, believe me if there was a house that could meet our needs 'off the peg' we'd jump at it.

The_Logans

ST1991 wrote: »

Not sure if you are borrowing or cash buyer... but could you not do a self-build if nothing you can find is sufficient? They usually end up being 'cheaper', especially compared to the barratts homes!

We are borrowing... don't think we can manage a self-build.

marksoton

The_Logans wrote: »

We're looking at a new build currently undergoing construction. It's one of eight houses, and although we love the location and the house design none of them are quire right! One is very close to being perfect, but we really need an additional room. Would it be cheaper to negotiate with the developer to add this to the house before completion? I think it would look a lot better this way, as it would be more in keeping with the rest of the design, and surely it would be cheaper given that builders and materials are already on site?

Sounds like a mad plan tbh. I'd just keep searching for a more suitable property.

The_Logans

EmmyLou30 wrote: »

Unfortunately there's no way a developer will deviate from the planning permission they've obtained, too much paperwork and costs. I know someone who asked for a tree not to be planted that literally blocked access to their front path but were told it HAD to go in for the PP - got ripped out and donated to a grateful neighbor on day 1.

Ask them to let you know what style of brick and tile they've used so you can buy matching ones easily and do it after you own the house - bearing in mind a new build is likely to have a restrictive covenant forbidding extensions/changes to the property without the developers consent which they may or may not give and will no doubt charge you an 'admin' fee for.

I think I'd keep hunting for the right house to simplify things myself. Or at least don't buy a new build, just reconfigure an existing house that's on the market.

Thanks. For a long list of reasons I won't go into here we want to get on with the move, and hunting for the perfect house is taking forever! Maybe we'll just take it as is and tweak it ourselves later on (ensuring the covenants allow that!)

The_Logans

marksoton wrote: »

Sounds like a mad plan tbh. I'd just keep searching for a more suitable property.

Er, thanks!

AdrianC

The_Logans wrote: »

It may surprise you but that has crossed our minds. Where we live is very rural, we want to stay local due to schools and work, believe me if there was a house that could meet our needs 'off the peg' we'd jump at it.

Hmm. How rural is "very" rural? If there's a development of eight houses, not that rural, I'd suggest. B'sides, in "very rural" areas, school catchments are huge, and traffic is low so long commutes aren't uncommon - and often quicker than in less rural areas.

marksoton

The_Logans wrote: »

Er, thanks!

You're welcome