Process of getting an extension done

[curium]

Hi All,

I've exchanged on my house purchase in time to beat the stamp-duty deadline which has been extended anyway but it's all good!

I want to get the ball rolling on a loft extension with the gable wall being built up to get rid of the roof hip and give more loft space for conversion into a bedroom with ensuite.

I'd also like to get some quotes on a two storey extension where the garage currently adjacent to the house is but doubtful the funds would stretch to that but I'd like an idea of the cost...just in case.

What I'm actually here for is advice on where to start with an extension (loft or side). Do I call up some builders for quotes first or do I need to get an architect/engineer to assess the property and draw up plans first and then approach builders to quote from the plans.
Do I get planning permission before calling builders?

All advice gratefully received.

Cheers

 

[cross thread]

Have a good think and find a good architect then discuss your ideas first,he will probably know what will get through planning.

 

[^woody^]

A designer (Architect or technician or anyone who is competent) designs and tells you what you can and can't have and what is best to do or not do, what is involved, and what costs you may incur in getting all the required permissions. Part of the design work may involve other specialists such as structural engineers.

There may be a planning permission requirement unless the work is classed as permitted development, and then a building regulation requirement.

Only once you have completed (and approved) building regulation plans and specification should you get quotes from builders.

 

[A_Novice]

A designer (Architect or technician or anyone who is competent) designs and tells you what you can and can't have and what is best to do or not do, what is involved, and what costs you may incur in getting all the required permissions. Part of the design work may involve other specialists such as structural engineers.

There may be a planning permission requirement unless the work is classed as permitted development, and then a building regulation requirement.

Only once you have completed (and approved) building regulation plans and specification should you get quotes from builders.

Spend 4k on all that and then realise the quotes coming in from the builders are nothing like the architect promised

 

[^woody^]

Spend 4k on all that and then realise the quotes coming in from the builders are nothing like the architect promised

Or spend 4k on all that and realise the thing can't be built because the Architect was complete ****e.

So there is a clue there.

 

[ey143]

There's certainly no harm in doing what my sister did which was to get a few ideas from a couple of builders first in terms of cost for options 1, 2 and 3 to get an "idea" if cost if not an accurate picture and then approach an architect or AT.

 

[^woody^]

Getting an idea from a builder who would love to be paid to build his idea is actually a bad idea. And does the builder know about planning law and if his idea can actually be built?