What a fantastic forum! I’ve looked in a few times recently, and seen some really helpful posts, so thought I’d register and see if any of you could offer me some advice. Ignore the name, I’m female btw, so go easy on me!
We had an insurance payout after a critical illness claim for me, and have been looking into extending our house, something that always seems to be out of reach! Though I know the money will probably fall well short and a mortgage top up will be on the cards, we just don’t know what to do for the best. We had an informal chat with planning and showed them what we’d like to do. They didn’t think there would be an issue with interfering with the neighbours, but said a possible stumbling point could be whether they think it upsets the ‘openness’ of the street. Obviously until we submit a formal application we won’t know whether it is a problem or not. But what should we do now? We are thinking of getting some quotes for what we think we’d like, then applying for PP with our own drawings if it looks affordable, or should we employ the services of an architect first to do accurate drawings, or even show us different ways that we haven’t worked out? Or should we talk to the mortgage co. first and see what they would be willing to lend? And is it really a better option than moving, I’ve read some articles that suggest the cost of extending may not be that much different to buying a ready made bigger home. I grew up hearing it was cheaper to extend than move! My husband is a good diyer, but won't be able to do any of the really scary building stuff.
Basically, extending is a new thing for us and I’m sorry if my questions seem silly, but I’m in a complete muddle! We seem to get our hopes up and think it’s possible, then speak to people and find it is an unrealistic achievement. Just wanted to hear from people that had been there, done it, or are going thru it now, and the best course of action. Thank you for any advice offered.
We had an insurance payout after a critical illness claim for me, and have been looking into extending our house, something that always seems to be out of reach! Though I know the money will probably fall well short and a mortgage top up will be on the cards, we just don’t know what to do for the best. We had an informal chat with planning and showed them what we’d like to do. They didn’t think there would be an issue with interfering with the neighbours, but said a possible stumbling point could be whether they think it upsets the ‘openness’ of the street. Obviously until we submit a formal application we won’t know whether it is a problem or not. But what should we do now? We are thinking of getting some quotes for what we think we’d like, then applying for PP with our own drawings if it looks affordable, or should we employ the services of an architect first to do accurate drawings, or even show us different ways that we haven’t worked out? Or should we talk to the mortgage co. first and see what they would be willing to lend? And is it really a better option than moving, I’ve read some articles that suggest the cost of extending may not be that much different to buying a ready made bigger home. I grew up hearing it was cheaper to extend than move! My husband is a good diyer, but won't be able to do any of the really scary building stuff.
Basically, extending is a new thing for us and I’m sorry if my questions seem silly, but I’m in a complete muddle! We seem to get our hopes up and think it’s possible, then speak to people and find it is an unrealistic achievement. Just wanted to hear from people that had been there, done it, or are going thru it now, and the best course of action. Thank you for any advice offered.