Advice on extending property / adding value

aj9648

Hi

Recently paid mortgage off early (a few years of frugality)....recently we’ve been looking at an extension and adding value to the property- 4 bed semi detached

However we have struggled with agreeing the best course of action - extension into back yard, bedroom over garage, loft conversion etc etc. Now the first point of call you would say would be any good architect can tell you this - I can assure in our case this has been hardly the case!!

We had 3 in over the last few weeks and all they want to draw is what we want....we don’t really know!! So the query here is are there companies out there that specialise in this kind of thing and will assess best course of action? I guess I’m living in TV world where an architect comes in And gives the homeowner an abundance of options to their currently awful house!!

Thanks and sorry for the long post!!

bengalknights

You could just ask the architect to provide all options

teneighty

I would suggest that you have been unlucky with the first 3 "architects"

Most architectural designers would love the freedom to start with a clean slate and produce concept designs for remodelling the house. Mind you it wont be cheap. I wonder if you have been going to the wrong sort of designers who just churn out bog standard extension designs rather than having real architectural flair.

A good designer should be able to identify the possibilities and explore various options and help you define your brief.

flashg67

Get on Love it or List it - Kirsty seems to come up with a plan in the first 10 mins!

EssexExile

I had the opposite problem, I knew what I wanted but the architects all wanted me to build what they wanted!

System

We always sit down with the client and work out a brief, if you don't know what you want then it makes it a little tougher, but you just need to look at the existing house and see what would make it better, i.e. does it need more bedrooms or a master suite with dressing room etc or would a large open plan kitchen diner be better? Tbh you still need to input something, adding "value" is a very difficult brief (some of the most expensive remodeling/extensions I've done would have discounted at tender stage if that was the sole aim of the clients, however after they've been featured in a couple of magazines/websites/awards shortlists the value starts to ramp up again)
This is the type of project where you do a good amount of research into your Architect and their projects before sitting down with them for a long discussion on what it is you want to get out of the process.
I love this stage of projects but it's not that often clients are willing to pay for a lot of design time so we usually limit the service to 5-6 initial concepts then take 1-2 forward into real design, then get down to 1 which forms the basis of a planning application, it can take a lot of time, best thing you can do is go onto Pinterest and find lots of things you like (and things you don't) that can then form the basis of a discussion with a designer.

WillowCat

If you don't know what you want, engage an architect. A proper RIBA one. If you are certain what you want, look for an architectural technician or similar to simply draw plans.

Doozergirl

And look at values. What is the house worth? What do you want to spend?

An open brief is great for many, but there have to be some parameters. I can have ideas all day long but I certainly find it easier to work with people who can say how much they want to spend, providing some framework. I guess you could ask them what would add most value but maybe a decent estate agent is someone to ask for a little bit of guidance, or a nosy at the neighbours' floorplans on Zoopla etc. if people are a bit baffled by your lack of direction. Not a criticism as I expect there's a lot of fun to be had with the right team.

I think r_sole and I should come for tea :rotfl:

aj9648

Happy to host you - shame I live in Manchester!!

Mojisola

aj9648 wrote: »

Recently paid mortgage off early (a few years of frugality)....recently we’ve been looking at an extension and adding value to the property- 4 bed semi detached

However we have struggled with agreeing the best course of action - extension into back yard, bedroom over garage, loft conversion etc etc. Now the first point of call you would say would be any good architect can tell you this - I can assure in our case this has been hardly the case!!

As well as working out how to extend, consider whether your plans will make the house too expensive for the area.

Neighbours extended their house so much that they had to take a financial hit in order to sell it.

DaftyDuck

Hit the pavements (or Google Street view/satellite) and look what the neighbours have done. Doesn't actually have to be local, look at other towns' similar houses.

Then look at what suits you/has sold at good price/is common in sought-after areas...

Then ask a few Estate Agents. Not all are spotty teenage Xbox twonks, or bogey-nosed botty-wipes. Some like houses, projects.... So, what sells well? Doesn't mean you want to or will sell, but it does indicate what works!

Try Google Image Search on a few piccies you nearly like, then look through the offered alternatives.

Ask friends. Grill the bu99ers. Make it a forced test, no beer and cake unless they redesign it for you.

Then, go back to the architects, or find others, now you have some ideas.

Then work out how to win the Lottery!