Is there a 2021 extension thread?

[Yellownotblue]

Just that really, I found it very informative (and exhilarating and at times heart breaking!) to read the 2020 extension threads. I couldn’t find a 2021 extension thread. Please can you direct me, or if there isn’t one, let’s start it! All welcome.

As for us - we’re awaiting PP for our extension and our architect said the work might start as early as March (ha! I’ll believe it when I see it). It’s a large extension and we will need to move out for about 9 months so I’m a bit flustered at the thought of moving out in 7 weeks’ time. We’re extending over the garage, in the garden and in the loft, and doing a shedload of other stuff from electrics to roofing and redecorating everything. We’re in SW London.

Have attached existing and proposed floor plans.

The quote include everything to build demolish the garage, build the new part and renovate the existing areas.

@Sewfrickinamazeballs

Have attached existing and proposed floor plans.

The quote include everything to build demolish the garage, build the new part and renovate the existing areas.

First floor plan

@NewHouseNewMe I will definitely try to keep the floor. As this room will be separate from all others, we can get away to some extent with different floor levels. Just depends what state it's in when we can get to it under the carpet once we start.

Agree, it is lovey!

@babyinthacorner

Tentatively joining as we’ve been planning our extension for YEARS and May finally be making moves to actually do something about it. DH spent ages in lockdown 1 drawing up the plans (we have an awkward corner plot) so he has a good idea of what it could look like - I’m terrible at visualising so desperately need one of those VR things on your home made perfect! Anyway. We’ve discussed a further advance with our mortgage company and we have over £100k savings so think we’re in a position to go. We just both need a kick up the arse to actually get on with it! It’s going to be an approx 60sq meter 2 storey extension and I’m worried it’s going to cost the Earth. But we hate our house. And can’t move without a £400k jump in price over what we originally paid for this house… aargh!

Interested to see what your planning. We have an awkward shaped site too, narrow at the front and widening out.

Costs are mental now. We are doing ours all from savings. We would also be looking at 400k+ to get what we will have, but it will mean spending more on our house than it's probably worth, but hopefully here long enough to forget how much it all cost (if we can even afford it in the first place).

One more builder coming Wednesday, and another interested in coming to quote.

@HBGKC the main pro is the neighbours are planning to do a side return in a couple of years and we can share the wall in between so it means you get an extra couple of cm of space.

Thanks. I was wondering though, if we wouldn't end up losing the couple of cm to extra sound insulation (we have a big family). However, maybe - particularly if we could get the neighbours on the other side to agree to it as well - it might be worth it for the extra 5-10cm.

Gorgeous plans @Sewfrickinamazeballs!! You'll have an amazing kitchen space when done and more private lounge space too - ideal.

@Sewfrickinamazeballs that looks similar to ours actually - will see if I can find the plans DH has drawn.

Hello everyone, we are planning for a full renovation too. A wrap around extension, new kitchen and was quoted £200k. We were given a quote of £130k just before Covid last year. The £200k is quite consistent among 3 quotes. Would it be possible. Thinking of delaying for another year as we cant afford this increase☹️

Can I join? We are 8 weeks now without a kitchen but it’s mainly indecision on our parts as we keep changing our minds about the kitchen layout. I really want a discrete ‘L shaped kitchen with Island’ layout which means having to sacrifice the corner pantry I’ve been planning for ages

But on a positive note we have finally picked our floor tiles. We’ll be doing stone effect porcelain across the whole house as they look good and are efficient with UFH. It’s a textured slate effect so does look a bit streaky / grimey but it’s our only option if we don’t want to slip lol.

@Greenleave

Hello everyone, we are planning for a full renovation too. A wrap around extension, new kitchen and was quoted £200k. We were given a quote of £130k just before Covid last year. The £200k is quite consistent among 3 quotes. Would it be possible. Thinking of delaying for another year as we cant afford this increase☹️

That's quite a hike! I wonder if there will come a time when more people are delaying due to price hikes so demand drops in the near term, or is that wishful thinking on my part?

Indeed, we tried to get hold of the company gave us the quote last year but no luck. Basically, its a 2.8x9m on a side as a bedroom, ensuite and 6x6m at the back, an utility room and a downstair toilet, 2 bi-fold doors. Kitchen and floor are not included. Thinking of delaying another year but might need a new planning permission by then ☹️.
We are thinking of having a summer house with shower and toilet to live in when its needed during the work time. Have any of you had it done. Thinking of budget of £25k for it(an insulated summer house high roof with shower and toilet).

Hi all. Our back wall was knocked through today which was a but scary but the kitchen now looks enormous (it is pretty big at 7.5 x 6.5). I’m not letting ds2 sleep in his room above this evening just in case! The props all look fine but you never know! Steel should go in tomorrow but it took six men to lift it today. It’s massive!
Windows coming next week, bifolds the week after, ceiling lantern the week after that and kitchen the week after that! I’m starting to think we won’t be ready for the kitchen..

Wow Hasa, super exciting!

Delighted to find this thread. My work started today. Daunting but exciting.

Exciting but I’m fed up with it now. Ours is a large renovation and it’s taking so long, particularly with all the extended lead time issues. It’s also costing a LOT

Good luck katjolo

@Katjolo what are you having done?

@callmejudith- I am having a remodel of the downstairs and an extension. Currently in the early stages of prepping the build.

Question - did anybody use a design and build company over an independent architect? I have no idea as to how to even start this whole process. I assume it needs to be get further advance agreed first? We have it agreed in principle as we our mortgage rate just renewed and we discussed it then. It seems like a mountain to climb, but at the same time everyone in the world seems to be having extensions done - especially in our local area - so how can it be that hard

Hi @babyinthacorner, there was a thread on it recently but there were few who had actually gone down that road.
I spent a few hours researching some in my area as I like the idea and found a varied state. Some were normal builders pretending to be a design company as well (separate companies) but were registered to the same people. Of the three I spent ages looking at, all had fake google reviews!
Unless you're in Chelsea and paying a high premium, you're better off dealing with builders who come recommended basically and having an architect do the first part.

@NewHouseNewMe
Thanks for that!

@babyinthacorner we went with a design and build company but one who you aren't tied in to both parts. I'm glad we went that route as the "design" part has been utterly painful and I would never have used them for the build. I would go for a separate architect in hindsight.

@Callmejudith great thanks. Sorry your experience was so painful!

Day one! Had a dream last night that the builders turned up with a toddler for me to look after

@Callmejudith

Day one! Had a dream last night that the builders turned up with a toddler for me to look after

Sounds like a nightmare!

Good luck