3 bed semi side extention

[JL82]

Help/advice wanted please....

.... We're currently in a 3 bed semi with the space to add a 2 storey side extension.

Those that have loved it and extended, what is the process to do so please? I don't want to spend money on an architect to then have plans rejected. I also want to know how much it will cost before spending any cash on it so we can see if we can afford it and if it will be worthwhile (Not cost more than the property would then be worth).

Also, if you don't mind sharing, how much did your 2 storey side extensions cost?

Thanking you!

This is a problem we had. Nobody was prepared to give us even a rough figure until we were to produce plans, but without any kind of idea of cost we did not want to spend a fortune on getting plans done. Its a catch 22 situation. Your best bet is to find a house that has a similar type extension to what you'd like & ask the owner how much it cost them. Good luck.

Any decent local architect will know what the planning department’s policies are regarding extensions. No decent architect would design something destined to fail to get pp. If you wanted something that pushed the boundaries, then an architect should be able to advise what design should be successful and what might not get pp.

I think an architect can help with light, planning rooms, how it fits onto what you have and use of space. You are not just adding a box. You need it to complement what you have.

Look at around £1500-2250 per m2. So 5m x 10m is around £75,000-£100,000 plus. This will depend on depth of foundations, quality of materials used, windows and doors, roofing materials and quality of finish. Extra for landscaping and fitting out: flooring, lights, etc. So if it’s a cheaper housing area, it might not be worth it. You can see if houses on the market have extended and what they are worth over and above one not extended. You also need to consider if you love the location of the house and other factors that make you want to stay in it, rather than move.

We’ve looked at this in the past had two local architects come and look both gave us ballpark figures without any obligation. Was looking at around £100k to a basic finish.

We did this. Ours was a double storey side extension that went out 5 metres by 7 metres.
Ours was probably about £130k all in but we redecorates the whole house