We want an extension - where do we start?

[FlamingoBingo]

That's it

What do we do first? And then what?

erm. right. do you know if you will be allowed to build one? has anyone in the street done something similar?

I am in the very early stages of this and so far have done:

-had lots of arguments over whether we should / shouldn't have extension
-reviewed finances to see if it's possible
-nosied at neighbours houses who have done similar extension
-got 4 quotes from architects
-got (original) architect in to redo existing plans (we bought the house with planning permission in place)
-currently having meetings to finalise plans to submit to planning and to apply for building warrant
-We have also had a builder in to give us a very ball park figure on costs.
-thought through logistics of how to do extension (we have TONS of prep to do like moving boiler, elec meter, doors etc)

So next step for us is to submit plans, wait for them to be passed meanwhile finding a good builder and doing prep stuff.

HTH! Have you done any of the above or are you just thinking about it all?

first thing we did was contact council to apply for planning permission. this takes
AGES - be warned. and costs. i think it took us the best part of a year and cost about a grand to get planning permission and plans drawn up.

you will need to contact someone who can do the plans for you - look locally in the paper of go by word of mouth.

then when youve submitted plans you wait
and wait
and wait and wait

until the say "yay!" or "nay"

then you can contact a builder. get personal recommendations. and get a few quotes so you can see a rough ball park figure. our 6 foot extension on the kitchen cost 7k, plus plans, and that was with an excellent excellent builder. we got quotes from 7 - 10 k so do shop about a bit.

then plan a holiday timed for when your builder knocks through. trust me. you will need it! and a new hoover, cos you will knacker your old one with all the brick dust.
oh the dust.
still. its worth it in the end.