Extension DIY

chriz1

We’re thinking about an extension to our detached house, obviously planning and architect designs will be submitting to relevant departments for approval..

Just wondering what’s the situation regarding building it yourself these days ? Is it follow the plans to building regs and quality control or is it best left to a qualified builder ?
Myself and my father are quite competent builders...
The roof would be left to the builders however

Waterlily24

We did most of ours ourselves. The footings, brickwork, electrics and new boiler were done by somebody else. Electrics and boiler because of the certificates needed. The footings and brickwork so it was done quicker. We did most of the other stuff ourselves including the roof. We had to have a crane for the trusses though. About 8 years ago.

chriz1

Thinking about building the whole lot myself and like you say getting the electrics and plumbing done by a pro

Sedge123

We!!!8217;re dping this at the moment- well hubby and father in law. Following plans and building regs and building inspector called in at pre-agreed times.

Much more cost effective if you can do it!

chriz1

Brilliant well done

Are plans and building regs straightforward to follow ?

tacpot12

Are plans and building regs straightforward to follow ?

Not necessarily, but if you explain your level of competence to the person drawing the plans I'm sure they will price their service so that you can call them if you need advice/clarification. The compliance with the building regs should be drawn into the plans and you can make this a condition of your engagement of the person drawing the plans.

Furts

chriz1 wrote: »

Brilliant well done

Are plans and building regs straightforward to follow ?

You say you are "quite competent builders". Yet the questions you ask are concerning. They do not indicate competence.



Bear in mind the government, and the law, clamped down on DIY building approaches a couple of years ago. You will be expected to perform following all the requirements complied with by professional builders. This is the CDM Regulations. These are a reality check to lots of people. Failure to comply could be a nightmare with costs and prosecution.

chriz1

I have built many garages, retaining walls, Stone, brick structures.. as exempt form planning.. also followed plans in my current job as a flood defence labourer/ maintainer but no to building control plans

That!!!8217;s my backround

FreeBear

Neighbour DIYed his extension & garage last year - Called in mates & tradesmen for some of the tasks he couldn't do. Took plenty of photos of just about everything, and had regular visits from Building Control.

So yes, if you have the skills to do much of the work, makes sense to build your own.

EssexExile

I'm afraid I built mine back before gas & electricity became dangerous so I did everything myself. I found most jobs fairly straightforward, I just did them a lot slower than the professionals. I found the councils building control chap a mine of useful information, they may not all be like that!

Furts

As an example cavity wall construction is more skilled than it was say 30 years ago. If you have the skills. and understand building then go for it.

If you do not have the full knowledge items that are more recent concepts such as membranes, vapour barriers, air tightness, insulation and ventilation could catch you out.

Opening accounts with builders merchants, seeking quotes and then placing orders may be new to you. Obviously this matters - there is more to building than just physical graft.

Beware how you rate Buildings Regulations. These are minimal drawings. You require working drawings complete with a crystal clear, detailed, Specification agreed jointly between you and your designer/Architect.