Extension build process

[notforonesecond]

After some advice for a total novice please!

We’ve just put in planning permission for a 3m 2 storey side and single story rear extension. Confident it will be approved.

I'm starting think about new kitchen, bathroom, layouts etc. although I know there no point getting ahead of myself before the planning comes through and we have the official structural drawing finalised.

What I’m wondering is at what point we’ll need to actually choose the fixtures/fitting/flooring etc. when does that happen during the process?

I'm thinking we’ll need a project manager for the build because we have no idea what we’re doing. Will they be able to say like “right, go and choose your internal doors” or similar?

I’m nervous about the whole thing because I just have no clue what the actual process is.

Any advice from people who’ve lived through this?

Thank you!!

I'm thinking we’ll need a project manager for the build because we have no idea what we’re doing. Will they be able to say like “right, go and choose your internal doors” or similar?

focus your efforts on finding a good PM. Mine was with my builder. You will need one and they will guide you on timeline.

do you have a builder lined up?

I’m nervous about the whole thing because I just have no clue what the actual process is.

you will really need professional support OP!

We absolutely will!

We’re not in a huge rush to actually start the work yet so the plan is to wait for planning permission and the drawings from the structural engineer before we go out to builders. Although we do any some forms in mind to get quotes from.

Do building firms often offer a PM service? I wasn’t sure if I should start looking into a PM separately.

We just absolutely need someone who knows what they’re doing to guide us through what we need to do and when. I’m completely prepared to pay the extra money for this.

yes builders often do

so you have submitted plans (with help of a professional)

but no builder lined up for a very big job?

That’s right.

Plans submitted by architect. He’s said once the permission is through he’ll work with a structural engineer to prepare the detailed drawings so we can tender builders.

I paid i guess over and above for for the architect to design the layout of my sizeable extension, the types of doors , windows, radiator calculations, positing of sockets etc.

Then I hired a stylist.. who basically helped choose floors sockets, furniture, paints , ironmongery, lights, and final positioning.

I must say I'm very happy with the layout.

Thr builder providing timelines as to what was needed when.

For reference my extension was 80sqm wraparound.

And housed kitchen, dining living area. Utility room, larder , cloakroom, downstairs shower room and gym.

Don’t think you do tbh. We found our builder very helpful as he wanted things done in right order. We looked at kitchens early on and found out about lead times. Builder checked lead times for windows etc. it was covid times for us and there was. 6 month lead times for some stuff…hopefully it’s better now.

I agree you dont need a PM.

Following with interest as I'm in the same position as you OP, planning just gone through for a very similar build and structural engineer coming out within the next few weeks. Defo planning on getting a builder who can also PM the project, I'd love to but have a full time job and as a first timer I may make expensive fuckups that I can't afford! I've been onsite at several renovations and there is a LOT to manage. If I find any helpful tips I'll post on here 🙂

Amazing. Good luck with yours!

it sounds like our priority will be to find the right builder who can PM too. Finding the right builder is an obvious thing to do at least!

Im super excited to make all the fixtures and fitting choices just don’t want to get ahead of myself and do it at the right time. There’s so much to think about, it makes my head hurt.