Lean-to / extension / conservatory advice (UPDATED with image example)

[Kregler]

I’ve just recently been made redundant and am looking at what projects I can do at home in my “spare time” to do some jobs around the house and make my family home a better place to live.

A few months ago we looked into getting a 3 x 5m extension done on the back of the house to create a space to get the dining table out of the kitchen and to make use of an used area at the back of the house. Suffice to say, prices were coming in we’re sadly out of our budget…and now even more so that I’m now not working.

I’ve since had the idea of building a structure myself (obviously adhering to building regs) along the lines of the below:

1. Create a hard stand with DPC (we have what is required from one of the quotes)

2. Build a timber frame and attach to back wall with flashing and suitable DPC on lower part of frame. This would look something like a pergola (pent roof) in my mind and would also be able to be used during summer as a garden structure.

3. Over time insulate frame, clad, install windows/doors and roof with lightweight composite tiles.

4. Plaster and finish interior

5. One completed DIY extension!!

I’m all ears for any feedback/criticism/advice!

 

[Kregler]

I must also add we are potentially having other works done in the house (partial loft conversion) of which where a bulk of my money will be going…hence looking at doing other jobs myself to save money!

 

[conny]

Electrics?
Heating?
Flooring?
The list could go on and on.

 

[^woody^]

Don't waste your time doing this and that and then converting this and that piecemeal.

If you want an extension, build an extension even if it is over several years.

 

[noseall]

1. Create a hard stand with DPC (we have what is required from one of the quotes)

What does that mean exactly?

Is this structure going to be signed off?

 

[Kregler]

What I mean is from one of the quotes we received they gave a breakdown of what the works will entail including full details of what will be done to the area regarding making the base suitable for a structure to be built on.

With regards to being “signed off” it will be made within permitted developments and to building regs.

 

[noseall]

With regards to being “signed off” it will be made within permitted developments and to building regs.

The building will require foundations. 'Hard stand with DPC' sounds like a shed base.

 

[Kregler]

Sorry, my bad use of terms.

We were given full breakdown (depth of slab, DPC, foundations etc) of the area that the extension is to be built on (was significantly more construction involved than a shed base!) although can’t find the email from June with all this now!!

 

[Notch7]

I’ve just recently been made redundant and am looking at what projects I can do at home in my “spare time” to do some jobs around the house and make my family home a better place to live

A 5m x 3m extension is perfectly possible to DIY.

I strongly recommend you budget enough to build the shell to building regs, don’t build a temporary structure and try and upgrade it.….which is kind of what your outline sounds like.

bear in mind if you want a timber frame construction you still have to use blocks / bricks upto to DPC level - all of which sit on a trench foundation.

bear in mind material costs are still significant - I’m not sure if ratio but maybe a 1/3 of the cost of a builder doing whole job.

 

[^woody^]

Permitted development = similar materials. Not a shed on the back of the house.