Currently looking to move, changing area and looking for somewhere bigger. We're ok for space at the moment in three bed but I'm pregnant with first and as we've been lucky enough to get some inheritance, wanted to try and find somewhere that would suit us in the long-term/get settled in area we want kids to grow up. Been looking at 4-5 beds that are affordable but top end of budget, and still need something doing/aren't quite right. Then saw lovely 3 bed at around 1/3 less, which we'd be able to extend. Plan would be side extension to first floor over existing garage/utility room/workshop/storage space and roof conversion to add 2 bedrooms (including 1 ensuite) and make bathroom bigger. Next door have already done something similar so plans available online.
Issues:
- Haven't lived somewhere and extended before, concerned about disruption, problems arising and coping with newborn (or older child if we hold off, but ideally want to get at least rooms on 1st floor sorted asap)
- Likely costs/timings, currently trying to get rough estimates from builders, and wondered if we could ask neighbours about theirs on second viewing
- Worried I'm getting caught up in idea of what we could do and ignoring practical problems, and overlooking potential issues with house (opposite primary school, so road can get busy, for example)
Love the house and can see so much potential, and cheaper mortgage would be good, but worried I'm letting my heart rule my head. Any advice or experience would be really appreciated.