Extension Thread 2021.....aka "where's the bloody builder?"

[Callmejudith]

New thread!

Oh and a new plasterer turned up!! A Christmas miracle 😂 💫

Never mind the planning permission, I would definitely deal with the drains/run off issue in case somehow it gets conflated with your build. I would act all innocent and ask the water company for advice. They hop on such reports as it often pollutes local streams.

Re planning permission, did they object on the website? It might be worth giving them all the information they need and if they’re happy, asking them to withdraw the statement?

What was it about your plans that means you can’t have permitted dev?

For those who posted photos of their crummy old kitchens, mine is just as bad. Gosh the 80s were the pits in terms of decor..

Sofas now unpacked and position in the kitchen; shame no one will see them over Christmas!

So many updates!!! I'm loving all the pictures. Navy quartz is looking fab! I love the picture I too. Fingers crossed posh for the 4 January.

Strongarm we are planning twins, mine is due for decision the same week. We have asked for something that is larger than most go for so I'm really worried they are going to say the scale is too big. I think you should be fine - objections don't matter unless they are for planning reasons. I would also speak to the enviro agency, don't let your neighbours bully you.

@MissFritton65

Sofas now unpacked and position in the kitchen; shame no one will see them over Christmas!

Looks amazing!

I bought a retro g plan sofa set to go in the new kitchen. I'm so excited! Needs reupholstering but will be fab and a nod to the age of the house.

Agree, sofas in a kitchen are a life goal

@mrsf those sofas look gorgeous

I have my paper stars on my beam

Looks great with the sofas @MissFritton65

Thanks @NewHouseNewMe and @PoshWatchShitShoes

The problem is we have 2 extensions with no planning/building control that need rebuilding. We knew when we bought it. They were there before the next door neighbours bought their house. Planning consultant thinks we have a good chance of getting permission as long as it doesn't cause waves as no other neighbour has been allowed the 1st floor extension (ground floor should be fine). 1st floor is the one that impacts this specific neighbour which is why we went round and volunteered to show them the plans and discuss it with them. They said no and it was all fine only to then object afterwards (!). Dp thinks there's no point to approaching them if they can't speak honestly to us so thinks we should wait till the architect is back and let them do it. The concern is that the planners ask us to pull down the 1st floor extension which would be a nightmare. Just so pissed off that they couldn't be honest :(. They have essentially complained about that extension, it being without consent and they feel 'built over their house with no permission'. I can't tell from looking if it's on their side of the party wall (we are adjoining - if it is, it will be centimetres over) but the whole purpose of our planning was to build it back not on their property and so we could get consent. So them complaining is a right pita and unless we can resolve, the planning person says it is likely we will get rejected and investigated. Grrr.

Merry Xmas to you all and congrats to those who finished in time!

@StrongArm to you and everyone!
I've had a hissy fit today as the second bathroom not finished despite continuous promises ...the crap continues but Happy Christmas everyone and roll on 2022 and may be finished by Easter! X

Merry Christmas everyone. There have been some lovely photos. I am enjoying the calm before the storm when the new kitchen arrives w/c 3rd January. This time next year, Christmas will be in my new kitchen........

Merry Christmas all 🎄

We are at least able to enjoy the extra space even if not the new appliances, etc.

DH seems to be committed to covering every surface with something making it look a disaster zone 🙄

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Merry Christmas all!

I’m still to start properly but hoping we’ll be back in our finished place for next December. I guess we will see!

@StrongArm have you talked to your planning officer? I think you said you’re near me? They much prefer architects and owners to talk to them around here rather than submitting plans that might be rejected. Anyhow I hope it gets approved as it sounds like you’re improving the situation not the other way around.

@MissFritton65 those sofas are fabulous!!

@Callmejudith loving the paper stars too.

Happy Christmas all. Hoping 2022 will be the year we all finish our building works 😂

New target move in date is 10th January!! Already planning epic next Christmas haha

Well you couldn't write it; someone set fire to our builder's portaloo last night!! My husband went out to get some logs for the fire and the were flames coming out of the roof! Luckily a couple of buckets of water sorted it but it's right next to a hedge - how stupid are people?

@MissFritton65

Well you couldn't write it; someone set fire to our builder's portaloo last night!! My husband went out to get some logs for the fire and the were flames coming out of the roof! Luckily a couple of buckets of water sorted it but it's right next to a hedge - how stupid are people?

Oh my goodness that's awful!

@MissFritton65 oh no that's rubbish at least you noticed quickly.

Update on my dad - he's all ok, I think the shock was too much. He's back at home but having trouble sleeping in the house. There's still a lot of clearing up to do as they basically emptied everything all over the house. Burglars are real shits.

On a more positive note the decorators started today and I'm now trying to decide on the central feature light - finding it hard to narrow down from these 6

@wonkylegs oooh, I LOVE spending other people's money!
I like the top one of the 2 pictures (the DNA spiral) or the top right of the 4 pics... Is it wood or brass?

Wonkylegs that is absolutely awful. Your poor dad. No one deserves that. I hope he is regaining confidence.

@Wonkylegs no old person deserves that; how sad!
I really like the wooden light.

Hi all, have been following all of your journeys for months. You must be so glad to be nearing the finish line!
Our extension is due to start in April, single storey 4m x 13m, along with re-jigging the existing downstairs layout. I’m excited but also nervous. Trying to plan ahead as much as possible, so switches and sockets…. I’m looking for a brushed/satin finish to match kitchen handles and taps etc what has everyone gone for? The prices seem to vary so much.

I'm glad your dad is ok @wonkylegs. Some people are just horrible.

Builders start next week. What's the etiquette re kettles etc. I'm happy to buy a second one and provide tea/coffee/sugar and milk and let them get on with it but not sure where to set it up for them. What did you all do?

So nervous the costs are just going to spiral. It's keeping me awake at night. The builder has quotes for everything down to door handles so not many expected costs to add, just all the unknown stuff.

Also, next doors garage is leaning on ours and ours is being demolished next week! She (she rents the house to our wonderful neighbours) is sending her son around on Monday. Not sure what he thinks he can do. Expect our builder will be calling her pretty soon to ask her what she wants to do. I don't think we are liable to pay for it as the garages aren't attached, just very close together.