Home Extension Thread 2018 - summer edition

[DustandRubble]

A thread to share the highs and lows of all things extension, loft conversion, renovation related. Bring your own dustpan and brush.

Without the joist showing

How's everyone getting on? We have no more conservatory wall and work starts properly on Monday 👏🏼

Thanks for the replies; sorry I've not acknowledged them before but I only received a Mumsnet notification email today.

4years that's great news, getting started at last, hope it all goes smoothly for you from now on! So exciting when it all starts happening.

We're officially finished! Well, mostly We have our certificate from building control, but not paid the snagging payment to the builder yet, just a couple of minor external things so be sorted. All done inside except I still can't decide on a splashback, so leaving that til I feel more inspired. I absolutely love our extension, it was completely worth it, makes my life so much easier and there's a place for everything. The only problem is the rest of the house looks so crap in comparison I now need to redecorate everywhere - didn't see that coming!!

Good luck to those mid-project, it'll all be worth it

We’ve cleared out for half term to get the snagging done without the kids running around. Feel slightly apprehensive not being able to keep check on progress but hoping all will be well. Good luck all especially you 4years it will be worth the wait!

We're 7 weeks in on our extension now. It has been amazing watching the daily progress and I am so pleased with the builders - they've been here pretty much every day, with only Sunday's off and a few bad weather days.

We now have a concrete floor, brick walls and the roof is being completed today. We are awaiting delivery of the bifolds and windows (due in 2 weeks), which is later than wanted, but means they can make a start on other areas.
Once the doors etc are on, they're going to start knocking walls down in the rest of the house - trying not to think about it too much, although it's only weeks away 😬

So, I have now been asked to think about lighting. We are having down lights around the ceiling and then pendants for the island and dining table. Any advice on lighting would be really appreciated.

Good to hear @SpaceBergerac . We should have a separate thread to show the after photos for all the Extention Thread Graduates so mid-project people can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

That's a brilliant idea Jane!

Space - I totally get that - everywhere I look is a mess and I keep wanting to start painting the hallway or bedrooms - I have to be patient and wait for the extension to be finished first though 😑

Pics please everyone

Ah go on then!

Looks fab @SpaceBergerac! You must be so pleased. Where are your tiles from?

Looking fab, SpaceBergerac!

Here’s a photo of mine! It’s scary at the moment.

Thanks, I still can't quite believe it's my kitchen, never thought I'd have anything like it! Cooking is actually enjoyable now I'm not shut away in a tiny dark kitchen!

4years the tiles are from Tile Mountain, took me so long to make a decision, got a ridiculous amount of samples, but so glad I went for these! www.tilemountain.co.uk/p/kursal-oxido-wall-and-floor-tile.html

Mynameisjane how exciting! Looks like they're making good progress, are you happy with how things are going?

@MyNameIsJane that's quite scary!

Thanks Space, my Mum has been after something similar for her kitchen

Morning all. Nice to catch up with everyone's progress!

We have just this week finished 1st fix plumbing, joinery and electrics and plasterers are coming next week!!

Kind of feels like the end is in sight although we arent there yet. It looks huge though

Spacebergerac that looks really lovely ! MynameisJane that certainly is full on !

We’re moving into new bedroom today. No carpets as funds don’t currently stretch to that but have throws for the floor and a blind to recycle. Ensuite is up and running and i think utility room might be by end of next week. Unfortunately window company sent the wrong window so waiting in another which means builder can’t quite finish outside and get scaffolding down and there isn’t budget for the render as yet.

One day it will be totally done and meanwhile we get to enjoy the extra space. I have pretty much the whole house to paint which is a touch daunting and stacks of work to do in the garden.

Bobkate - just had a look at your lovely photos. Are your stools from B&Q? Are you happy with them?

Hi extension folk. We are very close to beginning after spending a ridiculous amount of time in planning. We're knocking down and rebuilding garage & utility, putting in a downstairs shower room and creating big kitchen diner (around 30 sq m)

We're down to two builders, both of whom can start in March and both of whom are well recommended, good quality and similar price.
One of them will do a bespoke kitchen for us at a very reasonable price (similar to that of a Magnet kitchen) but tends to overrun on his projects. He says he will take 4-5 months, but we think it is likely to be more like 6-7 (the only negative comment we've heard is about his timekeeping). The other is super efficient and always on time & budget, says 4 months but we'd need to get the kitchen. Any tips on how to decide?

I'm really not sure stokey, but we're 7 weeks in on our build and have been told it will take around 3 months to do. We've had 3 builders (plus contractors for bricks and roof etc) working every day from 8-4 (except Sundays and couple of Saturdays) and I've been amazed with the progress - all walls are up, skylights in and roof finished - waiting for bifolds (due in a few days) and windows, before they can knock in to the rest of the house. We're adding around 35 square metres and also changing the layout of the downstairs by adding doors and bricking up walls in some places.
Our builder has provided us with quotes from the electrician, window fitter and boiler fitter and we have also spoken to the kitchen fitter to arrange a plan for this. So far, everything has gone very smoothly.
I think 6/7 months is a long job, but I guess it depends on how much work they are doing. Our builders have been so efficient and reliable and I think that has made a big difference.

Hi. Newbie to the thread. We are just starting out on our extension journey and loved reading everyone's experiences (not so much the bad ones) and seeing all your pictures.

I was just wondering, how long were you all without kitchens for? And how long did it take from start of job to knock through? (We have a holiday planned in may so hoping it might time well with that 🤞)

Also - can I ask how detailed your quote was from the builder? We are happy with the payment schedule set up and the quote seems to include everything we require but it is not really itemised- just says £5k for kitchen, £800 for electrics and £800 for plumbing. Should I ask for more detail?

I’m not sure I’m able to offer any proper advice as we are currently a year into having builders on site here... sigh! Mostly finished just snagging and trying to keep everyone motivated to finish to a high enough standard. Here’s the kitchen though...it’s my happy place

whattodowithaminute what flooring have you got there?

whyisitsodifficult It’s polished concrete-looks a bit brown here but it is definitely grey!

I thought it was. Can you answer me some questions on it as I’m considering it. Have you got underfloor heating? Is it really cold? Is it uncomfortable to stand on for a length of time? How do you clean it? Do you love it or regret it? Sorry for all the questions but I just can’t decide whether I want it or not!