would like extension what do we do first?

[MarmiteParenting]

I would love to extend the back of our house by the typical 3m maybe with bifold doors also. I have 2 questions:

1. what do we do first? Presumably we get an architect? How best to do this?
2. I think I need help with design of the extended room as I want it to be multi-functional (kitchen/dining/playroom with sofa area too). Should this be before or after the architectural drawings (not even sure where to put the kitchen section at this point). Is it possible to get both types of drawings done at the same place?

Clearly from the above I have no idea what I am doing! (is this a wise idea?!)

thanks...

I've just finished my extension which sounds very similar to what you are planning. Ensuring you can finance and getting an architect were our first steps. Shop around for architects, we saved a bit by having one that could do the structural and SAP calculations (needed because I the amount if lazing we wanted). Good luck, it's very exciting!

Oh and I googled lots to get ideas for layout and did lots of sketches to see what I thought would work. I also made a list if everything that I didn't like about the existing rooms and kitchen to make sure they got fixed

Thanks for reply. Good idea re lists

What are SAP calculations?

Also - how long did yours take?

Sorry, SAP calculations were needed because of the amount of glazing we wanted (not lazing!). The building work was the easy bit for us, it took around 8 weeks. This included putting in some huge steels to make the area open plan with existing kitchen and dining room. The long bit was the kitchen that took 3 months to finish though majority was done within 2 weeks.

also check the stupid stuff - like where the drains are... my friend was refused planning after the expense of getting someone involved because of a shared drain being right behind her house... they had to move the path of the drain at great expense...

A good architect should be able to come up with a range of options for the layout of the extension. If you live in an area of similar properties, and know the addresses of others which have been extended in the way that you want, you may be able to look at the plans on the COuncil website (if planning permission was required) to give you some further ideas.