Designing your own extension

[RoyMi6]

Has anyone done this?

We've got a small galley kitchen that we're looking to take down to rebuild and double the width (with a couple of layout changes)



These three pictures probably show the current situation best:
Dining room leading to kitchen:
http://imgur.com/AEmP8Ls

Outside:
http://imgur.com/teocR7T

Close up showing current kitchen and how it interfaces with the house:
http://imgur.com/8gLtEGH

Couple of issues are that the current extension (that we think was built at the same time as the house) has a solid floor that's slightly higher than the rest of the house. Also consideration likely need to be given to the maximum height of the roof of the extension.

We'd also like to fit in some kind of utility space and we've got about 2m of space to the boundary on the left hand side which we were thinking might be enough.

A lot of our friends have said that they've been frustrated by architects in the past not finding solutions to problems and have eventually had to fix issues themselves with the builder.

My past 3D modeling experience (while limited) with my partners eye for design I think we could mock something up that we wanted but I take it we'd still need an architect to spec it out? Or would a structural engineer (who we'd need to get either way yes?) would they be able to actually spec things out?

If you've not guessed already we're trying to save money - any thoughts on whether this actually will save us hard earned cash would also be appreciated!

 

[tom_nieto]

If you're happy with the design then go for it. It looks like a good layout that you suggest. I think for building regs they'll want structural calculations on paper as I presume you'll require a steel between the new kitchen and dining room.

I would actually go against what your friends have said and recommend getting an architect on board. Perhaps we were just lucky with the ones that we found, but they really came up with some great solutions and we're left with not only a beautiful extension but some really nice useable space (utility room for example) which we would not have thought possible. I think the final quality of the design more than makes up for the initial financial outlay.

You really don't need much space for a utility! Stack a washer and dryer above and below a work-surface and you'll be away.

 

[the_r_sole]

Nice looking house...
I'm a bit biased but you have an interesting roof issue to resolve there and just leaving it to a builder might end in lots of expense or an unsatisfactory solution, drawing it over and over is cheaper than building it wrong and changing at that stage.
You could design it yourself but do you know current regulations or trust a builder to know them?
I've seen so many jobs go wrong because inexperienced people "project manage" and let a builder just get on with it because they don't want to pay an architect/designer to oversee site operations then get into hassle when going for completion. I've seen some go well but it's a gamble that needs a good and trusting client and builder.
For that type of job have a look on your local planning portal and see whos designing extensions locally, it's likely there will be a technologist or technician that could carry out a job like this but just make sure they have some kind of professional insurance

 

[York]

I've drawn up plans for building regs approval and brought in structural engineers when I needed calculations done (which is what an architect will do anyway). Typically I'd draw out the plans as required, with detailed drawings for tricky parts like window/door detailing, or wall buildouts.

I'd hand over the plans to a structural engineer and depending on what needs doing he'll either carry out the calculations based on the plans + photos/videos or pay a visit to take on-site measurements/notes. They'd then produce the relevant structural calculations for what is required.

I can tell you right now that I know current building regulations (and standard approved solutions) better than any of the builders I've employed - so definitely don't expect that just because someone is a builder they a) know what they really need to do to just "meet" UK building regs (which are a pretty low bar anyway) or b) will be able to come up with a good solution to something on the fly if it isn't already documented/planned.

I think the_r_sole has it right though - it looks like you'll have an interesting roof issue to get around to make the new extension "work"; and it depends how confident you are about designing the interface between the new/old house/extension/roof and what sort of roof structure you'd be using in the (single storey?) extension. You've also got to consider how you're going to extend the existing drain run for the new kitchen, while still keeping the required minimum falls and rodding access.

Ultimately if you're willing to put in the time you can definitely do a lot/most of it yourself through the design and then project management of the build. I'd have a look at a more specialist forum like buildhub.org.uk

 

[eviled]

dont see why not, looks very easily doable

on a side note.... I wouldn't have a U shaped kitchen and an island, probably best with one or the other. could be difficult to get about otherwise

 

[Maccapacca]

You'll spend more in build costs and delay where the basics don't match or they clash on site than the £700 an architect would charge.

You'll spend more on an engineer anyway. The structural works to take out the back wall is quite a task.

Plus the random stone sizes you have in the walls will be difficult