Plans for extension on small house

[AIMD]

I have a small 3 bed ex council house. The house had a downstairs extension to allow for a bigger kitchen/diner area. However we want to add either a upstairs extension on top of the downstairs extension or a loft conversion.

I think we’ll need help to decide which will be the best use of space and how to configure the layout etc.

However I’ve never done any work like this on a house before. Where do we start. Do we talk to builders first or an architect....do we need an architect for such a small houses and extension.

Anyone know of a guide anywhere?

You will need to find out what the foundations are like on the first extension before you can add another storey. It might be a lightweight construction that will not be able to take the load of building on top.
Most likely you will need planning permission as the first extension might have used up the ‘permissible’ allowance. You will definitely need to comply with building regulations.
Have you got all the paperwork for the initial extension, it will make things easier if you have.
I would have an initial talk with an Architect, it should be free, just to get an idea of what will be involved.

@Beebumble2 yes I think we have all the paperwork for the extension with the house paperwork. We believe it was built with foundations to allow a second story but would have to get that checked/verified.

That will make life easier for you.

You don’t need an architect for such a small extension. There are lots of firms known as ‘design and build’ that specialise in loft extensions and outrigger extensions (the first floor that you want built on top of your G/F extension) and can take care of the whole process for you, including planning permission/permitted development, building regulations, etc.

Some have better reputations than others. Do some online research and ask to visit some of their work and speak to former clients.

Or you can split the process in two, hire a technician or planning consultant to do the drawings and take care of the planning process, then get a builder to do the work.

Whichever you choose, remember to get multiple quotes.

We considered an extension built on top of existing one, but the existing extension was too small to get a decent result on the 1st floor. So we went up to the loft.

@tinkerbellvspredator

We considered an extension built on top of existing one, but the existing extension was too small to get a decent result on the 1st floor. So we went up to the loft.

Yes I’m not sure which to do yet. If we do the loft we’ll need to build a decent heavy duty shed for storage.

@Yellownotblue ah glad to know the word outrigger extentsion. I didn’t know that’s what it was called.