Extension decision regret - Can't get over it! what options do I have ???

gemma.zhang

We have just gone through 6-month nightmare of extension building work. We had a bad architect to start with, coupled with bad experience of the building firm, plus it's 1st time we're doing major extension as such. So naiive and short-sighted. 

Without boring everyone with detail, here's the sitution we are left now:
We have an uphill garden,  extension is 3 meter long which has removed original 3 steps going up to the garden (1 internal, 2 externally),  we made the decision of keeping 1 step going up to the extension, so not to feel too low with the garden view.  Now with the pitch roof, the view to the garden is awuful can only see the ground, and lower part of the garden, don't have much of the view. The fact patio is not done makes the garden view even more sad. 

I am kicking myself - regret on: 1) Maybe we shouldn't keep a step going up to the extension! Extension won't be leveled with the garden, but at the least I can see more of the trees ! 2) Should have insisted on building making the slidding door higher ( the beam is 15cm x 15cm, they put another line of brick at the end ). 

Would like some help on: 
1. How can i get over my bad decision!? I feel really depressed in the last couple of months over this, and can't seem to move on tand o enjoy the extension. Feel anxiety just looking at it. All the bad memory of dealing with builders float back in my memory. We took mortgage to do the extension and still not happy with it. 
2. What are my options to rectify it? Lower the hill of the garden, change the pitch roof to flat roof, or redo the sliding door opening (increase the opening high). Which one is the easier / realistic and affordable option here? 

Thanks for reading. 

diveunderthebonnet

Can you supply some phots ,those in the know will give you better advice.

gemma.zhang

Here you go. Thank you.

Sarahspangles

This is actually less about what changes in the garden, and more about how you use/lay out the extension. Put an armchair and a coffee table close to the door and sit for a bit looking out. You’ll be able to see more of the garden. Consider some indoor plants, since roof lights make that quite a bright space.

You could choose a small patio on the same level as the door with a low (circular?) wall. That would make sense of the levels and be an opportunity to plant something that will be in your eye line.

ComicGeek

I think it looks lovely. The closer you get to the doors, the better the view will be - doubly so when you're sat down looking out.

Having work done is traumatic, particularly when you have a bad experience. But give it a short period of time after everyone has left you in peace, and you will forget a lot of the current feelings.

Doesn't help that it's still winter and there isn't a lot of colour in the garden yet. But that will change. 

Key thing is going to be where you can position your seating to get the best view. Not sure where that photo is taken from, but assume its from standing and isn't a natural place to be focusing on the garden from.

gemma.zhang

Sarahspangles said:

This is actually less about what changes in the garden, and more about how you use/lay out the extension. Put an armchair and a coffee table close to the door and sit for a bit looking out. You’ll be able to see more of the garden. Consider some indoor plants, since roof lights make that quite a bright space.

You could choose a small patio on the same level as the door with a low (circular?) wall. That would make sense of the levels and be an opportunity to plant something that will be in your eye line.

Thanks for the suggestion. We will do that: Level the patio as the door level, and have TV areas by the door.

Any other suggestions appreciated! Thanks.

gemma.zhang

Search on Pinterest, We see ppl doing extension with step down when garden is downhill. Not much examples when garden is uphill. Gutted feel we did the wrong decisions should have kept it without step. Too late now..

Sarahspangles

The extension has taken the house closer to the slope so it will feel more enclosed. The level you chose wouldn’t have made much difference.

Working with what you’ve got, you might have a garden that is more like a courtyard garden in a mews house - the kind which has walls or hedges and is planted with things that appreciate the shelter of being near the house. It’s easier to navigate changes in level in paving and walls than grass slopes.

Tucosalamanca

Pinterest, Instagram, home renovation forums are all good for giving you ideas (a Pinterest board is perfect to show your builder/landscaper).

Communication is key, share your thoughts and ideas with them.

It makes their job far easier and they can help you achieve what you want but their remit has to be clear (they won't know otherwise, every client has different tastes and expectations).

It certainly looks like they've done a good job so far, in all honestly, don't think you need to do much more to make a perfect living space. A little bit of imagination, creativity and a couple of years to establish plants, the outlook will be transformed.
If you've confident enough to have a go, I suspect that much could be done yourself, if cost is a consideration...

gemma.zhang

I can’t help feeling anxiety depressed just looking at the space. All the bad memory and trauma associated with it. 

I am thinking yo change the pitch roof to flat roof, or redo the sliding door opening (increase the opening high to max). Which one is the easier / realistic more affordable out of the 2? My husband thinks I am crazy to redo it, it’s not bothering him much.

Thanks 

twopenny

Stop thinking about the extension and get your thoughts to the pleasure and challenge of designing the outdoors to be a real wow.

It's quite possible with just a bit of imagination.....you need to forget what was there and think again.

I had great fun one winter before a move going through the Images search for small gardens of various types and come summer going to all the open garden events around with my camera.

Where I am now is similar to yours in that it slopes.

I put a box hedge around the patio with a little step in the middle and box balls each side. There are square terracotta pots with geraniums in in summer and dwarf daffodils now. Changed over for the seasons. And pots of tulips behind the hedge.

I have the bird table and bird bath in view, a little autumn spring garden visible from the settee for when I'm in more.

I also have the settee pushed to one side of the room where I can see further. It takes time to work around this sort of thing.

I agree that the patio flat outside the extension, with either a sweeping set of steps from it to give form.

Maybe a bowl water feature so you can hear it when the doors are open

But look more at general images of things you might want.

There are low growing roses with wonderful scent that bloom all summer.

If you need advice on plants there's the gardening forum.

I love your extension room. It's a nightmare having people doing stuff because it disrupts your life and you can't get away from it to steady yourself but I think it's going to be great when you have sunshine and sort out the garden.