House Extension Question

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28 Mar 2006
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As per title really, due to the current house price situation, i'm evaluating if it's worth replacing our extension & changing the layout of some interior downstairs rooms (rather than move to a 4 bed house).

What is the general order of going and planning an extension? I have a meeting with a few architect companies in the coming week who will then advise on the best approach and then quote for their work.

At what stage should I be contacting the bank? Do I need to speak to an estate agent to see what extra value it would add to the house? At what stage do I get building quotes?

So many questions so just wondering if anyone is able to share their stories or any helpful tips
 
Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

Every decision and problem ironed out at this stage will save masses of time and money when the build actually starts.

The architects need to give a design and will hopefully be able to guide you through the planning process if it’s required. Make sure there are no surprises here and ensure any surveys are done before starting. Ask about building control as well. It would be worth asking the architects for recommendations for builders at this point to see what availability they have.

Once you’ve got a green light in principle, then ask for technical drawings from the architect. I would only get formal quotes from builders with these in hand. This affords very little flexibility in the final amount to be paid and should stop unwanted surprises.

I’d probably get the bank involved once you’ve got designs and know that the project is feasible. No harm in getting an agent around to value the property as soon as possible, but if you’re looking to add to your mortgage the bank might send someone.

A good architect should be able to guide you through from start to finish.

We had a bit of a disaster (all good in the end) which caused an 18 week project to take 18 months.
 
When we were planning for our extension, we never got it done as we moved, but I looked for an architect who was familiar with and had put plans through my local planning office, they would submit the plans, work on objections/questions this took a lot of the guesswork on the planning side.

Another thing my Dad did and no idea what they are called now, was for a "fixed price contract" when he had his extension built years ago, so they agreed on a firm price on it, paid in instalments for things being completed, footings, walls, roof etc, this also meant no surprises in costs, and they were there every day getting it done so got the money rather than few days this week, few days the next week etc.
 
When we were planning for our extension, we never got it done as we moved, but I looked for an architect who was familiar with and had put plans through my local planning office, they would submit the plans, work on objections/questions this took a lot of the guesswork on the planning side.

Another thing my Dad did and no idea what they are called now, was for a "fixed price contract" when he had his extension built years ago, so they agreed on a firm price on it, paid in instalments for things being completed, footings, walls, roof etc, this also meant no surprises in costs, and they were there every day getting it done so got the money rather than few days this week, few days the next week etc.

Paying in instalments upon completion of milestones is a VERY good idea. This in conjunction with very detailed technical drawings should help keep finances to what they should be!
 
Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

Every decision and problem ironed out at this stage will save masses of time and money when the build actually starts.

The architects need to give a design and will hopefully be able to guide you through the planning process if it’s required. Make sure there are no surprises here and ensure any surveys are done before starting. Ask about building control as well. It would be worth asking the architects for recommendations for builders at this point to see what availability they have.

Once you’ve got a green light in principle, then ask for technical drawings from the architect. I would only get formal quotes from builders with these in hand. This affords very little flexibility in the final amount to be paid and should stop unwanted surprises.

I’d probably get the bank involved once you’ve got designs and know that the project is feasible. No harm in getting an agent around to value the property as soon as possible, but if you’re looking to add to your mortgage the bank might send someone.

A good architect should be able to guide you through from start to finish.

We had a bit of a disaster (all good in the end) which caused an 18 week project to take 18 months.

Cheers for the tips on this - we had an architect out the other day and it looks like our best plan is to keep existing walls and make internal alterations (so not as expensive as originally planned). Got the drawings coming in the few weeks and then should be able to get a better estimate from our builder that can do the work.

Thanks for the tips above - will definately bear those in mind
 
Cheers for the tips on this - we had an architect out the other day and it looks like our best plan is to keep existing walls and make internal alterations (so not as expensive as originally planned). Got the drawings coming in the few weeks and then should be able to get a better estimate from our builder that can do the work.

Thanks for the tips above - will definately bear those in mind
We're planning an extension for a build next year, how much was the architect? Is one builder overseeing the whole build?
 
We're planning an extension for a build next year, how much was the architect? Is one builder overseeing the whole build?

Architect fees are roughly going to be £1500 (that's all in for plans drawn up, building control & planning) we're using a local builder to do all of the construction work and he can do everything except electrical work & plumbing
 
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