Convert 3 Bed semi-detached to 4 bed

orangedog21

Andy_L said:

I'm guessing this is a Victorian terrace? Are you a semi because it's an end terrace? So could you go sideways? or is it a semi because it's got a mid terrace alleyway next to it?

It's not a Victorian terrace, I don't think - I'm not sure when it was built, there is only one other house attached to it.  Would the councit be the best place to find the history of the property? 

We have a narrow path to our back garden from the front - but I don't think it would be big enough to extend sideways.

Andy_L said:

ETA would a dormer window where the study is give enough extra space to be worth it?

That's on the front side of the house so I'm not sure if council would actually allow a domer on that side  - it's definitely worth looking into, because the space is ok - it's the headroom which is the main issue

Section62

orangedog21 said:

Would it be possible to extend the 2nd story and loft right out over the kitchen?

As a general rule planners resist extensions above the ground floor extending out beyond the rear wall of neighbouring properties.

You might get planning consent to do that, but I'd say the odds are slim to get a 3-storey extension of that size, and you'd incur a not inconsiderable cost to find out by way of an application.

There's also the issue that you need to be able to access the rooms (which means floor space being wasted on corridors) and the bedrooms would need windows for ventilation and light.  On the current floor plans there are no windows shown on the right-hand wall, so it is likely you'd need to get very creative to meet the ventilation and light requirements.

Really it is impossible to give meaningful advice just by looking at these floor plans in isolation. To have a better idea requires seeing the building in context and the relationship it has with neighbouring properties.  This, ultimately, is what the planners will be doing when they decide whether your proposals are acceptable or not.  Without that information we are just guessing.

GDB2222

To make more space in the kitchen, you'll either need to extend back even further, or do away with the downstairs bathroom. The latter is a bad idea, as the existing bathroom walls support the upstairs bathroom, plus you are short of bathrooms.

So, can you extend further into the garden?  Perhaps, a conservatory that you can eat in?

You obviously can't just rearrange the present building to magic more space inside, so you really need to think about where you can build on most effectively. Nobody here can know what the possibilities are, just looking at the floorplan. What I can say is that, despite the disadvantages you have mentioned, garden office space is currently highly valued. 

FreeBear

Section62 said: Really it is impossible to give meaningful advice just by looking at these floor plans in isolation. To have a better idea requires seeing the building in context and the relationship it has with neighbouring properties.  This, ultimately, is what the planners will be doing when they decide whether your proposals are acceptable or not.  Without that information we are just guessing.

Context is everything - With a long thin semi, I'm guessing the neighbouring property is pretty much a mirror copy. With the 45 degree rule (see https://www.npt.gov.uk/1177 as an example), I would anticipate a worthwhile first floor extension would be thrown out at the planning stage.

Long term, moving to a more suitable property may be a better idea for the OP.

Andy_L

orangedog21 said:

Andy_L said:

I'm guessing this is a Victorian terrace? Are you a semi because it's an end terrace? So could you go sideways? or is it a semi because it's got a mid terrace alleyway next to it?

It's not a Victorian terrace, I don't think - I'm not sure when it was built, there is only one other house attached to it.  Would the councit be the best place to find the history of the property? 

Its not that important - it was just to get some context for the site.

If you can't go back, up or sideways (basement?) you can't magic up some space by rearranging the existing rooms as you're constrained by the shape of the building & the need for light & ventilation.

Ultimately that house is too small for 5 people and give them their own room & have lounge/dining space. You have to compromise or move/kick out the 5th person 

GDB2222

Andy_L said:

orangedog21 said:

Andy_L said:

I'm guessing this is a Victorian terrace? Are you a semi because it's an end terrace? So could you go sideways? or is it a semi because it's got a mid terrace alleyway next to it?

It's not a Victorian terrace, I don't think - I'm not sure when it was built, there is only one other house attached to it.  Would the councit be the best place to find the history of the property? 

Its not that important - it was just to get some context for the site.

If you can't go back, up or sideways (basement?) you can't magic up some space by rearranging the existing rooms as you're constrained by the shape of the building & the need for light & ventilation.

Ultimately that house is too small for 5 people and give them their own room & have lounge/dining space. You have to compromise or move/kick out the 5th person 

It's a bit drastic to kick someone out, but making some really usable work space in the garden is a good compromise.

orangedog21

Andy_L said:

orangedog21 said:

Andy_L said:

I'm guessing this is a Victorian terrace? Are you a semi because it's an end terrace? So could you go sideways? or is it a semi because it's got a mid terrace alleyway next to it?

It's not a Victorian terrace, I don't think - I'm not sure when it was built, there is only one other house attached to it.  Would the councit be the best place to find the history of the property? 

Its not that important - it was just to get some context for the site.

If you can't go back, up or sideways (basement?) you can't magic up some space by rearranging the existing rooms as you're constrained by the shape of the building & the need for light & ventilation.

Ultimately that house is too small for 5 people and give them their own room & have lounge/dining space. You have to compromise or move/kick out the 5th person 

I'm completely happy to explore options of extending, but I guess it seems that it isn't a real vialable option! (Unfortunately neither is moving/kicking someone out! All kids under the age of 10!)

orangedog21

GDB2222 said:

Andy_L said:

orangedog21 said:

Andy_L said:

I'm guessing this is a Victorian terrace? Are you a semi because it's an end terrace? So could you go sideways? or is it a semi because it's got a mid terrace alleyway next to it?

It's not a Victorian terrace, I don't think - I'm not sure when it was built, there is only one other house attached to it.  Would the councit be the best place to find the history of the property? 

Its not that important - it was just to get some context for the site.

If you can't go back, up or sideways (basement?) you can't magic up some space by rearranging the existing rooms as you're constrained by the shape of the building & the need for light & ventilation.

Ultimately that house is too small for 5 people and give them their own room & have lounge/dining space. You have to compromise or move/kick out the 5th person 

It's a bit drastic to kick someone out, but making some really usable work space in the garden is a good compromise.

Agree - it's definitely an option I'm willing to explore more!  As location wise this property is in the perfect spot for us.

GDB2222

orangedog21 said:

GDB2222 said:

Andy_L said:

orangedog21 said:

Andy_L said:

I'm guessing this is a Victorian terrace? Are you a semi because it's an end terrace? So could you go sideways? or is it a semi because it's got a mid terrace alleyway next to it?

It's not a Victorian terrace, I don't think - I'm not sure when it was built, there is only one other house attached to it.  Would the councit be the best place to find the history of the property? 

Its not that important - it was just to get some context for the site.

If you can't go back, up or sideways (basement?) you can't magic up some space by rearranging the existing rooms as you're constrained by the shape of the building & the need for light & ventilation.

Ultimately that house is too small for 5 people and give them their own room & have lounge/dining space. You have to compromise or move/kick out the 5th person 

It's a bit drastic to kick someone out, but making some really usable work space in the garden is a good compromise.

Agree - it's definitely an option I'm willing to explore more!  As location wise this property is in the perfect spot for us.

Can I ask how much house prices around you are per square foot? 

orangedog21

GDB2222 said:

orangedog21 said:

GDB2222 said:

Andy_L said:

orangedog21 said:

Andy_L said:

I'm guessing this is a Victorian terrace? Are you a semi because it's an end terrace? So could you go sideways? or is it a semi because it's got a mid terrace alleyway next to it?

It's not a Victorian terrace, I don't think - I'm not sure when it was built, there is only one other house attached to it.  Would the councit be the best place to find the history of the property? 

Its not that important - it was just to get some context for the site.

If you can't go back, up or sideways (basement?) you can't magic up some space by rearranging the existing rooms as you're constrained by the shape of the building & the need for light & ventilation.

Ultimately that house is too small for 5 people and give them their own room & have lounge/dining space. You have to compromise or move/kick out the 5th person 

It's a bit drastic to kick someone out, but making some really usable work space in the garden is a good compromise.

Agree - it's definitely an option I'm willing to explore more!  As location wise this property is in the perfect spot for us.

Can I ask how much house prices around you are per square foot? 

I've used this website https://houseprices.anna.ps/ to find out per square metre (not foot sorry), its £3,526 per m2   

although I've just seen it was last updated in 2018 - so a bit outdated.  I'm not sure if there are any other websites to find this detail out - woudl you know of any?