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Original poster

Self build extension

253 replies

Diyextension · 09/06/2022 00:44

Noticed a few threads on people building extensions / knocking down conservatory etc , so I’m just about to start doing mine.

I thought it might be good for anybody thinking about building one or for people that have no experience/ idea what the process involves.

i will probably be doing about 80% of the work myself , and then using certain trades , plasterer/ electrical as and when.

Old conservatory will be removed and. Single story (bedroom ) extension will be in its place. It’s 5m x 4m .

progress will be slow as I work full time so days of and holidays only.
it should be a straightforward job , but the only downside is we live on a hill so everything has to be carried up/ or down.

if anyone has any questions , feel free to ask and I’ll try to put pictures on as and when there is any progress.

Self build extension
Self build extension
Self build extension
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Thread gallery
172
Rummikub · 18/06/2023 19:43

When’s the next building inspection?
And when will they sign off on all of it? That’ll be a relief then!

Original poster
Diyextension · 18/06/2023 19:53

Next one is when the roof structure is on , before it’s tiled.

final inspection will be after it’s plastered and the electrics have been completed with certification. It dosnt have to be decorated or anything like that just everything that building regulations cover.

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Rummikub · 18/06/2023 21:36

Hopefully not too long now!

Original poster
Diyextension · 11/07/2023 22:45

Made a start on the roof this weekend, first day I managed to get it set out and 4 rafters on . Second day I had a helper and it was a lot easier with an extra pair of hands.

Its starting to look/ feel like a room now and you get a idea of the space.

Self build extension
Self build extension
Self build extension
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HappyGG · 16/07/2023 09:16

I'm in awe of you. That's amazing!

Original poster
Diyextension · 17/07/2023 22:53

🙂thanks. Being summer things have slowed a bit, I’ve been doing other things around garden/house . As long as its water tight ( roof done ) before it starts to get colder ill be happy. Its not a room we need to use for anything at the moment so its not affecting the rest of the house.

Although the old conservatory was useful storage space.

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Rummikub · 18/07/2023 00:43

That looks great. Nearly there!

I regularly drive past a house that’s having an extension. This has gone up really fast. Seems to be a wooden frame with external brick and no deep foundations! It’s been fascinating to watch too.

Maybe I just like construction 🤔

Original poster
Diyextension · 30/07/2023 15:32

Still waiting for the bricklayer, one more day should see him finish. It’s ready for him.

Self build extension
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Original poster
Diyextension · 30/07/2023 15:35

So in the meantime whilst waiting I’ve been try to remove the BEAST !!!!!!! …… it’s not going well ☹️

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parietal · 30/07/2023 18:15

that tree stump is definitely a beast.

can you drill large deep holes into it and then leave it to rot over the winter?

HappyGG · 30/07/2023 19:57

Wowzer! That is huge! There was me whining about having to dig out a bit of rush haha! You've put me to shame. Where's a friend with an excavator when you need one?

Original poster
Diyextension · 31/07/2023 14:42

parietal · 30/07/2023 18:15

that tree stump is definitely a beast.

can you drill large deep holes into it and then leave it to rot over the winter?

Unfortunately leaving it to rot away is not possible I’m in the process of replacing the fence and it’s in the way. It’s been cut down about 4 years and is only just starting to show signs of going a bit spongy in a few places 😟

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Original poster
Diyextension · 31/07/2023 14:44

HappyGG · 30/07/2023 19:57

Wowzer! That is huge! There was me whining about having to dig out a bit of rush haha! You've put me to shame. Where's a friend with an excavator when you need one?

A jcb would have been the answer but there is no way to get one close , it’s in an awkward place too on slope so a stump grinder was also a no go 😤

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Original poster
Diyextension · 31/07/2023 14:51

After 4 days on it , it’s about 2/3rd’s out . The only way is cut it up into smaller pieces with the chainsaw bit by bit . It’s wet through and rock solid so the saw goes blunt quickly and I’m constantly sharpening it 🤨. Can’t get any more out till the fence is down , and one part of it is holding one of the posts in.

I wouldn’t advise anyone trying to remove a stump this big by hand 😂

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Original poster
Diyextension · 31/07/2023 14:53

Two good things to come out of it is 1. It’s a cedar and it smells lovely when cutting it out 🙂. 2. It’s added quite a bit to the log pile .

Self build extension
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Rummikub · 31/07/2023 14:55

That’s a ginormous stump!

Bricad · 20/08/2023 19:31

Hi, Great stuff.
Any chance you can share the cost of the roof? Im at that stage now. Thanks. my ext is 5 by 3.85M

Original poster
Diyextension · 20/08/2023 20:01

Hello 🙂

we finished the brickwork on Tuesday and i got the last of the roof structure on today.There is still work to do on it , cutting the rafter ends, bolting wall plate to the house and fitting hangers on the rafters but at least all the heavy work is done now.

All the timber you see rafters 8x2 , the wall plates and wall plate straps cost £645

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Self build extension
Self build extension
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Original poster
Diyextension · 20/08/2023 20:03

.

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Bricad · 20/08/2023 21:03

Great info, many thanks.
what kind of roof are you planning, here is where I'm at

Self build extension
frippu · 21/08/2023 08:16

thanks for the update

frippu · 21/08/2023 08:16

looks great

Original poster
Diyextension · 21/08/2023 08:22

The roof will be tiled to match the house. Its got marley modern tiles on that need a 17.5 degree minimum pitch , so thats what the roof angle is. Although the pitch of the house is 15 but never had any problems. If you stand back and look you cant tell any difference really.

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SueVineer · 21/08/2023 08:26

Looks good!

Original poster
Diyextension · 21/08/2023 08:29

Bricad · 20/08/2023 21:03

Great info, many thanks.
what kind of roof are you planning, here is where I'm at

You look a bit tight on space there 😬 must have been tricky bringing materials in and having room to work ?

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