xtension

[nandodo]

So far we have put our plans in and sorted out our money for an extension that will double the size of our house.

Does anyone know if it is possible for builders to quote rough figures based on the planning drawings? We just do not know where to start to sort out who does the build so any advice at all would be greatly appreciated.

Also how much does it cost to have the more detailed drawings done with all the electrics etc on?

Also - when do you action the money? I am scared that we will be tempted to use some of it if the project is delayed. Any tips appreciated.

I had an architect do the plans, builder can quote from that and you talk through what you want with them.

Then when planning is granted, architect does a more detailed plan for the builder but I have already done my own to scale drawing 1:20 ie 1cm on the paper is 20cm on the ground meaning 5cm is 1m which details where the furniture is going so I know where to put plug sockets, lighting and the swtiches, doors and windows.

My builder is someone I've known for a while so I know how it all works despite my double garage conversion taking place in September, he asks for his money every Friday usually about £3k to cover what he has laid out for in the week.

Thanks fizzylemonade, we hadn't yet got to the furniture/socket stage so your comments are very useful. our initial plans were done by a friend and we need someone else to do the detailed ones.

We also need to find a builder as we havn't got any contacts in that area and i suppose we will approach people in our neighbourhood who have had extensions done. We also need to consider when to do the work as we will probably need to move out for a period of time.

Just hoping it all comes together so that next summer we have a house thats big enough for all of us!! thanks for your comments.

I am very organised so even though I am only doing the garage conversion we put in to extend the kitchen on the planning application.

As we have to save up for it all the kitchen is like 3 years down the line but I have already drawn it out, I know what stuff is going in which cupboards just so I know that everything will fit! OCD

Re builders, ask around, always go on recommendations but remember that not everyone's standards are the same!

Plan drawing is really easy I just used sheets of A3 paper (the kids painting paper) and drew out radiators under windows, where the TV would go and then accessible wall areas for the other sockets. If you are doing a kitchen extension, the more sockets the better!

Like I say if you do 1:20 scale 1m is 5cm on the paper, 2m is 10cm, etc, very easy to plan stuff out and have a play around. If you draw the walls on one piece of paper then go over it in black felt tip pen, you can lay paper over the top and draw stuff in.