Home extension 2019 the Third thread- Drowning in Dust

[WhereDoesThisToiletGo]

And we're off again

Oh and minerva is a solid surface worktop a bit like corian except corian has a wood core and minerva is solid all the way through. I thought about quartz but if you chip minerva it can be fixed and I think its a bit more strain resistant too. We're messy people here!

Some colours of minerva are cheaper than granite and quartz. Also you don't need to wait to get a template done as it's cut in situ. As you might have guessed I'm a fan now! I had granite before but I like minerva more.

I have cheered myself up by filling the 1000 corner cupboard. I thought the top corner areas would be no man's land but they are reasonably accessible
I think your lower pull outs more than make up for the 2 upper shelves. I'm a great believer in plastic baskets for awkward corners .
It looks like it holds LOADS

The choice of worktops is amazing now there are good options to fill the gap between really expensive granite and quartz and cheap plastic laminate.
Even the laminates are miles better than they used to be, someone posted upthread their utility room top and it's lovely and not at all cheap and plastic looking

That might have been my utility @wheredoes. I really like it. Not as much as the minerva but it's much more practical. The choice of laminate is much better now so def visit some local showrooms to see and then take note of the ones you like.

Mine was egger bardolino oak but tobacco oak was also great. Only went for bardolino as builder already had a length in storage.

Also much easier to have a pop up power point with laminate! I didn't tell oh until it was in and too late for him to object. :D

Old kitchen loaded into truck and on its way to a new life.
Granite is BLOODY HEAVY ! 2 truck men couldn't shift it so had to rope in neighbour and his strapping son to help

Evening, hope you all had relaxing evenings. We have had our initial visits with builders which has been an eye opener. And we are currently sorting out structural plans with architect, I have asked him to do us some more plans one for sockets lights etc and one for plumbing. I thought this would be easier in the long run but find I'm struggling with the details. Did anyone else do this or am I wasting my time?

@Slightlysurviving I am behind you (awaiting planning consent so we can begin technical drawing) so I don't know but I'd also be really interested in other's answers to this.

@Slightlysurviving, I didn't do this but wish I had with sockets and light switches. It would have saved a lot of last minute decisions. Think about what lights you want switched on/off from where too. We have one light left slightly abandoned as left electrician to it. Sigh.

Our builder is supposed to be supplying us with a form to fill in about sockets/light switches etc but we're still waiting... all I know is people have said plan what you think and then double it!
We had a surprise delivery and erection of scaffolding yesterday so we're all ready for work to begin on building a roof. It's exciting although our neighbours keep wittering on about how high it is...it's going to be roughly the same height as theirs so I don't see the problem

Morning all. Hope today is a good building day for all!
Can I pick your brains please? Today the builder asked if we want a rooflight. Previously we've said no but the number of people asking have made us doubt ourselves! Extension is 5mx3m crown pitch flat roof kitchen, will get morning sun but then lose the sun through the day as the house gets in the way. There is going to be french doors and a 3 bay side window. Do you think we'll regret not having a rooflight? I'm concerned it'll be really hot in the mornings with the sun beating down on our heads but don't want it to be gloomy either. Although will it make much difference if there's little direct sun the rest of the day? Aaaagh! Also...will it permanently be grubby???

I got a floor plan and drew where appliances were going for fuse spurs etc, then sockets (some just double but a few double plus USB)
Think about anything you might want to use /plug in in your space and make sure there's a plug for it.
I've planned USB sockets where things might need to be charged - so by table or worktop or where they might be used, so near a sitting area.
Also where would you plug in hoover or steam mop? At present I have to use the plug behind toaster which is awkward. I've also earmarked a plug and space for robovac.
You don't want to ever have to unplug something to plug something else in.
And finally, it's only for one month, but have you got a handy plug for Christmas tree lights?

I'd go for one gleegeek but if you're not 💯 and you think it might just annoy you then don't worry about it, sounds like you'd have plenty of light anyway

Excellent tips wheredoes thank you! Going to do my plan soon! And have just looked at robovac and it's going on my Christmas list!

My tip for the day. Check where the builders are before you go to get in the shower... working on the roof today so right by the window 😳

@avocuddl .

Note made to self when they are doing the half roof in the next week or so

That is a tip that REALLY needs to go on the Hints and Tips thread!

Thank you avocuddl I think we're beginning to come round to the idea...hadn't really considered fully that we can fit blinds so can be sunny or closed if too hot. Sometimes we're a bit dim
Have taken on board advice about builders and their vicinity to the shower

We've just realised that we can't have roof lanterns and will have to have flat roof lights because our plans state that they cannot protrude more than 150mm 😭

Our architect said roof lights give such a lot more light than windows so it's worth putting in if you think room might be even bit gloomy. I think maybe if your South facing it might be OK but north I'd def say yes.

Lol@avocuddl! Bet that was a bit awkward on both sides!

Today I got annoyed at lack of builders and cleared the rubbish pile into the skip for - - them-- us. They were meant to do it at the weekend. Sent them a pic of empty grass and pointed message about radiators and window ledges. Wed apparently. Sigh.

@gleegeek I'd seriously think about it. If you are adding 5x3 onto the house then the existing bit of the house will only get natural light from the rear doors - how far will that stretch ? For example if existing building is 3m long then you add on another 3 , that's 6m of space that will need light. You could end up with v dark corners?

Re electirics. Is anyone having sockets in an island / peninsula ? I've heard that pop up ones aren't reliable and ideally I'd like some things plugged in permanently so would want something flush (or flushish!) with the surface.

Just heard we have had our plans approved by the council! Didn't think we would hear until the 8th October.
Architect is coming out tomorrow to finalise building regs and help us to appoint a surveyor.
I'm desperate to start before Christmas but haven't confirmed a builder yet.
We are going out by 3.5 across the back of the house which is 6 m. We are having 2 velux roof windows.

@minniemooblue Council ahead of schedule with planning permission? Where do you live? Utopia?

@WhereDoesThisToiletGo
Mid sussex.
Plans we to in on the 5th August, validated 13th approved today 16th September!
I am really surprised and so pleased we took the risk to do the building reg plans whilst waiting for permission to be granted but I'm now even more keen to get started!

I was considering a pop up plug on the island but changed my mind to just have one down the side to plug in hoover etc. Although would be nice to have one to charge phones etc... what are the alternatives?

@gleegeek when we were discussing possible plans with our surveyor, Mr WhereDoes expressed a desire for a skylight above the kitchen table.
Lovely idea, but the double bed in the bedroom above the kitchen might stop most of the light getting through...