Extension 2020 part 2: pandemics, plaster & plumbing

[birdbrained]

Original thread: Extension / loft conversion thread 2020 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/property/3783237-extension-loft-conversion-thread-2020

Hopefully during the course of this thread the plaster will be in abundance, the windows will arrive and houses will be put back together...

@Baxdream @Notyetthere, I too am a lurker on this thread. We’ve had a finger in the air estimate for our work and it’s at the top end of what we would hope to spend, and certainly more than we have right now. So we will save and plan in the meantime.
What’s good is that we’ve been in our house six years now, and if we’d planned an extension straight away we wouldn’t have gone with the current design. Living in the house and garden have us a good feel for what we use and need, and it’s not what I would have predicated initially. So waiting a while may work in your fanour?

I’m enjoying seeing everyone else’s a progress in the meantime. @missfliss, the loft room is gorgeous, the windows are v striking! @weepingwillow22, you sound like you are on the home straight now? This is maybe one of the hardest phases though, so near and yet so far. And everyone just exhausted?

Weeping, we are in the same place more or less, started mid March, took a six week break due to lockdown and the kitchen went in this week as did second fix electrics, this is continuing into next week. Flooring due by 5th September, worktop being templated next week so with a following wind we may be ready to move into the new space by mid September but yeah this bit (as exciting as it is) feels like it's dragging!

@weepingwillow22 you are so right. Our cat has barely left this room and seems mildly affronted whenever I come up - it is HER room y’know...

also yes yes yes to the two single duvets. Life changing!

@missfliss are you all done?you must be stoked!

@weepingwilllow22 yes I'm also finding this bit dragging. The builder promises we will be mostly done this week but there is a lot to do. Can see it being more like three weeks to get it properly done.

We are making good progress in places and less so in others. Still waiting on patio door and big bedroom windows. Rendering delayed due to storm forecast tomorrow.

But kitchen starting to go in. And super happy to see this roof light go in today!

Hi everyone,
I started a new thread for this but then spotted this one so thought you guys might be able to offer advice...hope you don’t mind me hijacking briefly.....

Just wondering whether people with experience of this think it’s sensible to start an extension at the moment?

My main concerns are:

1. Covid causing delays. E.g if there are issues with supplies, another lockdown, the team of builders having to self isolate etc.

(Builders have said that supply issues have improved and they don’t have major concerns but obviously can’t guarantee there won’t be disruptions.)

1. I’m pregnant and due in January. Is this enough time to get it done? (Builders have said 12 weeks under normal circumstances and should be done before Christmas but they can’t guarantee it.)

It’s a single storey wraparound extension with kitchen diner.... any advice would be appreciated!

@birdbrained so nearly there! Bathroom was finally plumbed in today - just one issue ( shower screen too tall!) so aside from that we are pretty much there.

Exciting!

@missfliss

Bold blue wall and bathroom painting today ! Happy with it all ...

I absolutely love this.

[quote missfliss]@birdbrained so nearly there! Bathroom was finally plumbed in today - just one issue ( shower screen too tall!) so aside from that we are pretty much there.

Exciting![/quote]
Loving it - that radiator is so luxurious - and the bath - OMG to die for.

That is absolutely beautiful missfliss and lovely to see it finished.

Welcome iggety. Your post struck a chord with me becuase our builders originally said 12 weeks. They started in february and hopefully we should be finished in october!

Ours is 2 storey and I think covid delayed it a couple of months but I think 12 weeks is still pretty optimistic. One thing to check is whether they subcontract any of the work. Now we are on the final stages they are subcontracting electrics, plumbing and plastering and I am arranging tiling and decorating. This is fine except that trades are all exceptionally busy at the moment (everyone is doing up their home after lockdown) and there is often a few days wait for people which adds significantly to the timeline.

The other thing which adds is waiting for floor screed to dry - we were told 6 weeks before tiling. We are still having supply issues with windows, there are some we have been waiting for for 4 months. Our builders stockpiled plaster, I am not sure how the supply of this is now. Also if you are importing anything I would make sure you get it before january due to brexit delays and tariffs.

Sorry to be so negative, it probably doesn't help that we are in the middle of it at the moment, others might have a more positive perspective, or it might be different in other parts of the uk. We are in the SE.

Hi @IggettyZiggetty on total time your build might take - I think it's impossible to really know. There is lots of potential for delays in a normal build, let alone one during Covid. As a starting point though get some references from his past jobs and see if he normally keeps to schedule. Bear in mind you will be going into winter though and that might make things more unpredictable. But might be worth taking a small chance to get it done pre-baby. Post baby the last thing you will want is the mess and stress of a build.

Supply chains are much better than they were but some things are still tough. Our builder has been told 10-14 week wait on new windows. Ideally you don't order windows until you have the block work up and can measure the openings accurately. Your builder might have better options though and others on this thread have not had such a problem.

But I think supplies/trades are much more likely to delay your work than the builder isolating for Covid.

From my perspective appliances and bathroom stuff has been hard to get hold of with long order times. So factor that in as well.

Good luck with the decision!

Thanks for your replies @weepingwillow22 and @birdbrained.
Sorry you’ve both had delays...bet you can’t wait till it’s finished! Hmmm...lots to think about. Might have to have another chat with the builder and ask more questions...think he’s already sick of me bombarding him with questions but there we go!!
Thanks again!

One other thing. We started our extension when my LO was 3 months old and that was absolutely fine. It has been a bit more challenging since I started weaning and my LO is more mobile but has been manageable and we have lived in the house throughout.

If your extension start does get delayed to after the birth I would recommend planning for being without a kitchen when your LO is between 3 and 6 months.

Personally I would find it very stressful getting the extension done in late pregnancy. It is bad enough getting it finished when you don't have such an important deadline!

Would anyone mind sharing how much they paid for electrics for their extension. We had our last bill about a month ago with only the final snagging bill to pay. Felt pretty good as assumed we would all be square and could finally relax about money.

Anyway snagging bill came through and he wants an extra £2400 for the electrics above what was agreed. I challenged it but just wondering what others have paid to see what is reasonable

Well I am about to press go on my kitchen order. This for some reason is worrying me, feels like a fair bit of pressure. Not sure why as I have made bigger decisions far more easily. Just know I will have to live with it if I have got it wrong..
Other than that we are on the home straight now thank goodness. Well for the build anyway, then our hard graft starts finishing it all off. Kitchen flooring is due in a couple of weeks ( delayed by lockdown) and then we can start moving back in.
Keen to get what we need to finish bought over the next week or so just incase we see a second wave and places start locking down again. At least then we can make a bit of progress.

@Rhica

Would anyone mind sharing how much they paid for electrics for their extension. We had our last bill about a month ago with only the final snagging bill to pay. Felt pretty good as assumed we would all be square and could finally relax about money.

Anyway snagging bill came through and he wants an extra £2400 for the electrics above what was agreed. I challenged it but just wondering what others have paid to see what is reasonable

A friend recently paid for a rewire , worked out at about £70 a point was basic white switches and sockets though. I guess what was involved in the extras and the materials if it's fair .

@Rhica we’re doing a loft extension and the quote includes electrics so I’m not sure how much they are. But the electrician suggested we might want to consider a rewire of the downstairs lighting as apparently there are a lot of junction boxes, he quoted us 1200 I think excluding vat. We aren’t doing it as there’s no issues with the lighting and we can’t afford it

Question to those with a DIY kitchens kitchen please, how do the legs come on the base unit? Are they already on and rigid? Trying to work out if I can order a pre built tall unit or if we need it dry assembly.

@Slightlydustcovered you screw the legs on the units once they are delivered.

Small tip - pay close attention to the number of shelves etc in the pictures. We didn't realise that many of the units come with a single shelf so now have to have an extra delivery.

We are looking to start this November! Finally.

Back in March we submitted application for prior approval and looking for a builder took almost three months! They all seem very busy catching up with delayed work and all seem to be quoting a lot of extensions (or at least they made me believe so).

Anyway, questions for people who are further along. I am aware we will have the house open to elements in the winter months for a while. Has anybody gone through this? Have you ever gone without heating? We will have to live on site but can send the kids to my in laws for some odd nights.

Our builder doesn’t do contracts, is it a big no no? His payment plan is 10 percent deposit and instalments for finished work and last 10 percent till signed off. I saw his previous work and the other customers (older couple who got him recommended by word of mouth) didn’t have any contracts with him and they used him twice.

Thanks in advance for any comments.

@mothergooseinnorthwest our builder also doesn't do contracts. We risked it on the strength of his previous work and independent recommendations. He didn't ask for any money upfront though. It's tough - I felt very vulnerable and exposed halfway through when the house was in pieces and we were in the middle of a pandemic. He turned out to be a gem. But many wouldn't risk it without a contract.

@mothergooseinnorthwest I don't think any of the builders we have spoken to use formal contracts. Whilst I'd prefer the security of a contract, especially as I works as a contracts manager in a company that does large construction related projects, I've decided on balance not to try to convince a small building firm to operate differently to how they usually operate as in reality that could lead to issues and create additional costs in itself. Some contracts take a fair bit of effort to set up and operate correctly so whilst I'd be delighted if my preferred builder said they used them as a matter of course I am going to rely on having a clear scope of work and a clear price with any exclusions stated, and of course I'll make sure that the builder comes well recommended as that is a sign that their usual way of working works well for their customers.

I think I remember you saying earlier on in the thread that you only starting next year, so I bet you're pleased to be starting sooner. You might remember I'm in the north west too (Wigan) and it looks like we'll be starting in November too. I have the same concerns about building over winter but as one builder pointed out the weather is usually ok in November and December so if we can get the groundworks out of the way before Xmas then we might be ok!

It has also taken us ages to get to this point - we first started talking to architects in February!

Why can’t they use a JCT contract? Ours did when we said we wanted one. He doesn’t as a matter of course, but will when requested

@birdbrained thanks for your input. I think I will push for a contract or pay in arrears.

I hope our builder turns out to be a gem like yours. So far, he seems decent, quote done professionally by a qs, all three references checked out and was recommended by multiple people on the local Facebook page. Fingers crossed.

Another question, did you let the other builders who quoted know they were not success once you decided? I just got text off one asking if we decided and it was courteous to let people know. Last communication I got from him was an arsy email saying he didn’t include the pocket door because he couldn’t find any on the drawing even with a magnifying glass and the help of his wife. I just assumed after that, he couldn’t expect me to be still interested?

Again Thanks in advance.

@UptownFunkYouUp hi there! Nice to see you again. I haven’t been here often but thanks for the long reply. Really helpful from someone knows contracts!

Yes we are thrilled it is going to be this November ( exact date still to be confirmed). We went for another builder in the end as the first one we preferred actually didn’t include cost for beams in his initial quote! The final quote went up about 18k with all things included.

Thanks for the input about weather too. We were a bit worried about ruining Christmas but then it means we can also enjoy the garden next spring/summer time when it’s finished!

Will keep an eye out for your progress posts here!

@intheningnangnong that’s what I am thinking, something ready made, will politely ask and see how he responds, thanks