Extension - where do i start?

Cyclamen

Hello Everyone.

We are at the thinking stage and trying to decide if it would be possible and if we can afford it. 
We have a two bedroom bungalow, I am disabled and use a wheelchair quite a bit in our home.. so going upwards is not an option. 

My reasons for considering extension
-  another loo (medical reasons mean that there is often a queue even with only two of us in house) a bath would be a bonus although only occasional use.
- storage space for my growing collection of wheelchairs and all 'stuff' that goes with it. Sadly we have had to remove cupboards to make space in our hallway for me to drive wheelchair.  
- space to move washing machine from kitchen (noise wakes me up)  a bonus would be to put tumble drier near it as currently in 'living space'. 
- the one i dont want to admit .. space for a single bedroom to keep options open if i need more carer support in the future

The only 'space' i can see as a viable option would be to the side of the house.. which is the main entrance way. 

But I have no idea where to start.. i know this isnt 'permitted development'..

i am on an extremely tight budget but the plan is a loan and then using husbands pension in a few years and crossing our fingers we can pay the rest of using limited income. 

Is there a book or website that talks me through the stages?  This will sound daft but when i bought my first home years ago i had a 'kirsty an dphils' guide to buying a home and it explained everything.  

Not sure where to start and dont want to spend money if i dont need to.  So any tips on how this works welcome please?

Section62

Cyclamen said:

Not sure where to start and dont want to spend money if i dont need to.  So any tips on how this works welcome please?

I'd start by finding out what support services the council has for people in your position.  Some have a dedicated team of staff who help and offer advice on adaptations - not necessarily just for council tenants - to enable people to stay in their home (with care if necessary) as long as possible.

In some cases funding can be made available for adaptations even of owner/occupier properties, but the scale of the changes you are thinking about might be beyond that.

At a lower level, some authorities waive or reduce Planning/BC fees for people who need alterations due to a disability or health-related issue (waived fees should be the rule, rather than the exception).

If you don't already have a point of contact with the council, use their website to research what help is available.  If you can't find anything then try a neighbouring council to see what they do, then contact yours and ask them why they don't do the same.

Cyclamen

Hello Section 62

Thank you.  I think you are referring to a  disabled facilities grant.  I recieved one to convert my bathroom into a wetroom about 10 years ago.  I wouldnt be eligible for a grant for this as they will see what we have as adequate.. wanting an extra loo I will be given a commode.  The rest is choice not necessity.

Family do the other jobs.. they have taken doors off and widened the 'gap, removed cupboards etc to allow space, added insulating stuff to metal handrails (council gave me) but so cold in winter i cant touch them.. 

I didnt know about planning fees being waived for disability.. will try research that.  

What sort of department do i need at the council..?  are we able to just ring up planning and say we are thinking of doing x .. do you think we'd be allowed and where do we start?

Its all a bit overwhelming.. and I struggle with 'cognitive dysfunction' as a symptom along with the joy of heavy pain meds so have lost myself on internet .. 

Section62

Cyclamen said:

Thank you.  I think you are referring to a  disabled facilities grant.  I recieved one to convert my bathroom into a wetroom about 10 years ago.  I wouldnt be eligible for a grant for this as they will see what we have as adequate.. wanting an extra loo I will be given a commode.  The rest is choice not necessity.

I wasn't thinking specifically of a "disabled facilities grant" - different councils have different policies and budgets, sometimes there are local trusts or third-sector organisations that the councils work with to (part) fund improvement work for people who need things done but either don't know how to do it, or can't afford it.

The facilities/services are often quite localised and specific to that authority - hence the need to research what is available to you locally.

Don't assume there's no help available until you've explored the different options.  If the council can't/won't help then try local voluntary organisations appropriate to your circumstances.

Cyclamen said:

What sort of department do i need at the council..?  are we able to just ring up planning and say we are thinking of doing x .. do you think we'd be allowed and where do we start?

The best approach usually is to get an architect to look at your property and work out the best way to achieve what you want.  They will guide you on which options need planning consent, and which might be permitted development.  But they will almost certainly charge a commercial fee for this service.

Your local council might have a team of staff who can offer the equivalent kind of service.  Probably unlikely to be based in planning or building control - usually they are attached to either environmental services or adult social services.

You might be lucky and get some advice by phoning planning - but many planning departments now only offer advice on a paid-for basis.  Usually they can only comment on whether you need consent or not once they have seen a plan of what you want to do.

If you are stuck with your own research then try contacting your local councillor and ask them for information about the services available to you.  Part of their role is to help people navigate their way through the different departments, although it can take time to get responses doing it that way.

theonlywayisup

If you want some inspiration then have a look at Sarah Beeny's "Renovate, Don't Relocate" (TV).  

Most people feel they need 'more space' and want to extend when in actual fact a large percentage only need their homes reconfiguring.  It may be a cheaper option for you than extending and you may find you can fit all you want in your current space if it were set out better.  Certainly don't discount it. 

Doozergirl

Aside from free planning. 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/fees-for-planning-applications#exemption-or-concession

There is also a scheme that allows you to
build without paying VAT.  This will blow most builders minds, by the way.   Everything needs to go through one main contractor and be charged to you at 0%.  

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-relief-on-certain-building-work-if-you-have-a-disability

Cyclamen

Forumite 
Thank you.. hadnt crossed my mind about other grants beyond the DFG.. so will get working.
I am fortunate to have a good county and town councillor ..lives at bottom of hill and helpful. 

Theonly wayisup - thanks will have a look.. sadly not hopeful we can reconfigure as have to leave a lot of 'wheeling about' space.. tried masking taping a bit of carpet not to use as if we'd added an en suite .. no joy..  have decluttered and thrown away as much as we can.. removed kitchen cupboards etc... however wel worth a look thanks.  

This will sound daft but emotionally i would like all the 'disability stuff' hidden when not in use or neded continuously.. a hang up  still cant get over ..nobody else judges me.  That and the ease of it all being in one place. 

Doozergirl.. oh sounds interesting will definitly read up.  I had zero VAT on wetroom conversion but hadnt considered it as an option.. and one builder rather than lots of different people would feel safer and easier ..