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Hello all
My wife and I are planning on building a single story extension on to the rear of our 3 bed semi.
The kitchen currently projects out from the rear of the house by ~1220mm. This is original.
We'd like to extend out from the main building wall by 3 meters, spanning the full width of the house (~6200mm). This would give us a nice ~18m2 space in which we'll have a larger kitchen with open plan dining/kids area.
I have had some quotes from architects to do detailed drawings but i am shocked at what they are looking for to assist. Both quotes have come in at around £3000 plus VAT to do the drawings, assist with building warrant and have the engineers work done too.
I am aware I cannot hide from the latter two, but I don't think i'll see £2000 worth of benefit from the architects drawings.
My questions for this forum are the following....
Most importantly, do people agree that this small extension could be carried out without an architect, and would the tradesmen be able to complete the work to as good a standard without detailed drawings? My opinion, right or wrong, is that the tradesmen will see this project as a jolly. Its a square and shouldn't require any special materials.
How much work are people prepared to carry out themselves? Personally, i think i am happy to hire in a mini digger and get the ground leveled off, prior to a builder coming in to dig the trenches and do the cement work. Concrete is not something i've ever played with before so would rather this was done right.
Would you suggest having roof trusses manufactured, or could a joiner knock these together to the correct spec with his own materials?
Does cash still talk in the building trade? I.e. would tradesmen still be willing to negotiate rates based on part cash, part through the business. Should I ask for this or just hope they propose it?
Some pictures of the current house as well as something we threw together in Sketchup really quickly. I'm concerned about heating the space if i have the living room > new space open plan completely. What would peoples recommendations be here?
Note, the bifold doors and window are put in purely for illustration. I will likely re-use my current french doors.
I will update this thread if/when the project kicks off but please, advice is required!!
Thanks
Stuart
My wife and I are planning on building a single story extension on to the rear of our 3 bed semi.
The kitchen currently projects out from the rear of the house by ~1220mm. This is original.
We'd like to extend out from the main building wall by 3 meters, spanning the full width of the house (~6200mm). This would give us a nice ~18m2 space in which we'll have a larger kitchen with open plan dining/kids area.
I have had some quotes from architects to do detailed drawings but i am shocked at what they are looking for to assist. Both quotes have come in at around £3000 plus VAT to do the drawings, assist with building warrant and have the engineers work done too.
I am aware I cannot hide from the latter two, but I don't think i'll see £2000 worth of benefit from the architects drawings.
My questions for this forum are the following....
Most importantly, do people agree that this small extension could be carried out without an architect, and would the tradesmen be able to complete the work to as good a standard without detailed drawings? My opinion, right or wrong, is that the tradesmen will see this project as a jolly. Its a square and shouldn't require any special materials.
How much work are people prepared to carry out themselves? Personally, i think i am happy to hire in a mini digger and get the ground leveled off, prior to a builder coming in to dig the trenches and do the cement work. Concrete is not something i've ever played with before so would rather this was done right.
Would you suggest having roof trusses manufactured, or could a joiner knock these together to the correct spec with his own materials?
Does cash still talk in the building trade? I.e. would tradesmen still be willing to negotiate rates based on part cash, part through the business. Should I ask for this or just hope they propose it?
Some pictures of the current house as well as something we threw together in Sketchup really quickly. I'm concerned about heating the space if i have the living room > new space open plan completely. What would peoples recommendations be here?
Note, the bifold doors and window are put in purely for illustration. I will likely re-use my current french doors.
I will update this thread if/when the project kicks off but please, advice is required!!
Thanks
Stuart