Home Extension thread 2018

[Baxdream]

Thought we should get the new thread ready!
Our front door is in. Long story but it arrived damaged 😫 it's in and lovely but it's going to be replaced!
Our fencing has started today, the short ones are new, the others are getting ripped out

My architect recommended using external building inspectors not council as she has says that they are much better at their job and don’t make silly decisions ie computer says no, council ones often lack common sense. (Apologies to any council building control who may be reading this)
I’m not sure if you can get a second opinion but would calling and asking.

jelly Please don’t do it without approval, you might really struggle when it comes to selling (if you’re selling in near future). I’d also be vary of builder who recommends this, he might try to cut corners elsewhere.

We also had issues with BC and agree with Filo to go private. Once your application is with the local council, there’s no way of taking it off them though. I’m sorry you also have issues. :-(

I agree with Tika, definitely don’t do it without approval and I would not be happy with a builder who suggested that. We had to dig out our conservatory foundations to lay better ones for the extension, it wasn’t that onerous.

After all my gloom and despair a fortnight ago I am now HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY. The builders are just storming along. I went back this evening to feed our cat and they have: started the plumbing in new bathroom, knocked the wall out, built the new door frame.

Done a mist coat on the fresh plaster in the second bedroom.

Stripped all the wallpaper in the upstairs and downstairs hallway.

Hung pretty much all the kitchen cabinet doors and done the work needed to flip the oven and combi oven around.

They have also spotted that the current supports for the sink area cabinets was not good enough to support the granite worktop. It was holding but they were concerned if too much weight was put on it then it might crack in future. So they are putting in extra legs and buttresses and whatnot to solve that issue.

I wouldn't go ahead when bc say no, it's not like planning permission where can sometimes get retrospect, you can be fined or forced to remove.

Our driveway is being done today 😱 the front of our house is looking good. We just have to wait to paint the render.
Our builder has been on holiday so no real progress on our snagging list.
I have to be honest I'm so ready for this to be over!

I'd would rather use the councils BC than private inspector , having worked in a councils BC , though not as an inspector . Some of the architect/builder/private inspector relationship seemed rather hand in glove.
Great to see the progress of some of these extensions

Dustandrubble,
You are so lucky to have good builders.

Baxdream,
It must be so exciting to see it all becoming real.

Think how happy you will be when the front of the house looks lovely Bax. I hope your snagging gets done soon.

Love seeing everyone's extension pictures and finding this thread so useful. I do feel a bit nervous though getting started on our extension. Has anyone got aluminium bi folds? I think the slimmer frame looks so smart but wonder if it is worth the extra money?? I was looking at these www.justvaluedoors.co.uk/bi-folding-doors.html but not sure.

We are getting aluminium because we wanted slimmer ones, but not got them yet so can’t really advise.

The builders have put a hinge on the filler piece to hide the gap between combi & oven, so I can use it for storage. Hopefully handy for stashing oven trays. I like to make use of all available space!

He has sent me a pic, but also announced he is going to see if he can get some flatter hinges as he is not happy with the current ones.

We're getting aluminum ones from a highly regarded local manufacturer and they are cheaper than another builders PVC ones. Our builder only uses the local guys as does the local glazer that's used by everyone. Here's their website: aluminiummanufacturing.co.uk/aluminium-doors/ not a wow website but their products are excellent quality

Here it is!

Looks amazing baxdream!

Wow.. Looks really good

Wow Bax! Looks amazing 🙌🏼

Thanks! It's going to be painted in Chalk Hill which is a lovely off white

Gorgeous!

Bax! What a transformation!

This is before...

What I will say to those just starting, don't underestimate how tough it is but it is so worth it!

Bax that looks amazing transformation.

bax it looks like the extension should always have been there, the before photo looks like part of the house is missing. I’m sure you’re delighted

Wow Bax that's amazing! What a huge job but looks stunning.

Feeling a huge weight lifted off my shoulders with the plumbing finally all signed off yesterday morning! Phew.

Lighting is in progress but still feeling a bit uncertain. Has everyone got recessed light over their vanity? The mirror task lighting will be plenty (light on the mirror and also underneath) but trying to work out if it's better to have lighting over the vanity as well just to make sure the room is bright enough as the tile we've picked is quite dark. Pics of ensuite floor plan and tile attached--feel free to critique and/or make suggestions if you think the decisions are rubbish as we can't change much once things are chosen!

bax that looks amazing.

ow that looks great! look at the size of it! i'm excited for mine even more now.

I’m afraid I am not sure about lighting, Lingua. Maybe go for it as better to have it than not and regret it?