Anyone starting / in the midst of an extension?

[AalyaSecura]

I'm feeling in need of a support thread! We got planning permission for a big single storey extension 6 months ago, and are just finalising the builder's contracts after getting quotes (which were all at the top end of what we were expecting). So now we have lots of decisions to make before we start building proper - need to settle on kitchen, render, flooring, doors etc - as well as clear the madness that is our garage.

Anyone else out there?

Oh, a lot happened since then, the architect and structural engineer came to check everything and apparently they mostly built to Polish standards instead of what the drawings said. So there were a few tense days while they spent a week and a half rebuilding what they did. I felt sorry for the guys doing it but I suppose it's better to have it done right now rather then fixing it later.
Now they built up to roof level and are deciding how to do the roof. We asked for a big open roof space with plenty of head room but now they found based on the way the existing roof is, they would need us to move out for a month and redo all the ceilings! So now they are going to cut out enough of the rafters for open access without compromising the ceilings. As long as we have plenty of space there we will be happy.

And the other chapter running is the chimneys, they started knocking them down and the dust was incredible, it even went under the dust sheets some how. Also they accidentally knocked the bathroom wall down, so now the tiles are floating in mid air.

Amongst all that they are promising finished most of it by Christmas, so I'm crossing my fingers optimistically now.

Good luck with yours, we don't have a portaloo, but it seems they hardly use the toilet anyway for some reason. I didn't think to ask any more....

Good luck with yours!

Hi, our plans are currently with the council. We're doing a 7x4m double storey side extension. Master bedroom, ensuite & wardrobe upstairs and kitchen, utility & loo downstairs. The external wall where it attaches downstairs will partly be knocked down too. Also having front & back reception rooms knocked together. Dreading the upheaval but just keep thinking "this time next year, it'll be lovely"

Big excitement today! After 8+ months the scaffolding is down!! Hopefully we'll move back home in about 3 weeks. (Still don't have any bathrooms or kitchen)

Yikes to a week and a half of rebuilding, I can imagine that was tense, johns2. We've got our first issue to resolve - apparently we need a soakaway, but a quick google suggests that the builder's plan of digging a hole in the middle of the lawn and filling with old brick might not be enough with our heavy clay soil. Need to get building control out to agree a way forward...

Scaffolding down is exciting Ollycat, and back in before Christmas - though no bathroom or kitchen suggests Christmas dinner compromises!

Wow 8 months of scaffolding is a long time, you must be used to it! We're hoping for less than 2 months.
Aayla the best thing is always check with am architect or SE for a second opinion, don't purely agree everything before checking!

Ayala yes check with SE - it's expensive but I'm really pleased we spent the money on it.

John yes a long time with scaffolding although we moved out in July. We're building a double storey extension across the whole back of the house plus moving pretty much all the internal walls, lifted the roof to line the old part of the house etc. The hold up with the scaffolding was waiting to get the render on.

1st fix of plumbing done, most of electrics done, kitchen units pretty much in place - granite being templated this week.

My hope is to be in within 3 weeks although it's looking like we may not be able to get the upstairs carpets fitted by then as hold up with the decorators - grrrrr!

Just want to move home - I miss my house so much!

Bloody terrified about my project. It's a single story extension, only 2m x 3.5m, but also moving an internal (non load-baring) wall, moving the kitchen and having new kitchen & utility stuff. Whole house needs a refurb so bathrooms too.

Architect asked me to list evrything I wanted done in each room to take to builders. I had a major flip over size of list being too big compared to size of budget. Demanded architect send me drawings now so I can speak to builders myself and get idea of prices and what I can/can't have.

So very worried it'll be too much money and I won't be able to have what I want. Worried that I'll be tempted to borrow more than I wanted and finances will be very tight for years to come.

I had not been able to get people around to quote before now because had been in the house.

Pleased I've wrestled control back from the architect. Scared I'm going to regret the whole thing from a money perspective.

Seeing two builders on Saturday.

*because TENANTS had been in the house

ShortLass
How did the meetings go with the builders?
We are just going through refurb works but it was unexpectedly smooth so far. The works will be cheaper than expected, so now thinking about investing in an extension. Maybe with the same builders, now that we know them but it's always better to hear opinions :)