Extension

[drowningintinsel]

Right, I'd really like an extension. I've got two options. One (I think) should be a lot cheaper than the other. I have no idea where to start or even if I can actually afford it or not. Do I contact builders and ask them? Or what? What if I get quotes and it's absolutely not affordable?? I don't want to waste anyone's time. Where in the world do you even find a builder??

Have you got plans drawn up? Builders might give you a ballpark figure but will be reluctant to without proper plans. First step is finding an architect who will draw up plans. You'll then need to get planning permission and then send the plans to builders for firm quotes.

Probably have a quick chat with an architect first to scope things out and give you a rough idea of budget? Sometimes they ask for a small fee for an initial consultation (like £100-200) so it's not a complete waste of time for them. Then get them to do drawings etc.
Then if you need planning permission, get that.
Builders can usually be found by recommendations on neighbourhood groups etc.

If you know what you want you can bypass the architect and go to a structural engineer who can do your plans/ drawings.

Finding a good builder is hard. It took us about 2 years of getting bonkers huge quotes (this was after spending a lot on architect fees) to realise we were never going to be able to afford what they had designed (beautiful as it was). Then we got a recommendation from a local friend whose renovation we loved and her builder had the imagination to see how we could modify the plans a bit and make changes here and there to still get what we wanted.

But most builders will give you a ballpark estimate/idea if you tell them what you’re trying to achieve (eg size of extension, where it’s going). So much of the actual cost is down to the finish. You can spend £2k or £200k (and prob a lot more) on a kitchen, for eg

Thanks for replies. I didn't realize I needed to do that first. It's a lot for something that might not even happen!