Today a very nice man called Brendon came round to talk to me about loft extensions, extension extensions, permitted development, planning permission, rules and regulations and so on and so forth. Apparently there is a reason that all the loft extensions are clad in ugly tiles. Its a rule. Otherwise you need to get planning permission. go figure. We can't have a wrap around extension - unless we get planning permission, which is unlikely to be granted because they don't like wrap around extensions. Anyway. I am wiser than I was. the lawfulness certificate and the tech spec and design and permissions etc will likely cost £2500. Then the cost of the build at £30-35,000.
I did some investigation into the whole extension and getting a loan to do it and so on, and its unlikely to be affordable or possible - at this stage. So I am going for the loft extension first, and the money we do have access to, might not be enough for an extension but we might be able to move the bathroom upstairs and make an office / downstairs loo / get the ktichen updated (and working) / get a shoffice (shed office) version of things.
So all is good. This might mean that after all we go back to the cheap bish bash bosh loft conversion folk. As its already 2.5 grand cheaper............. or I dunno. Maybe peace of mind is worth paying for?
either way my next task is to read the SPD12 and something else about rules and regulations that must be complied with. And I might learn more about it all. Also to speak with some ex clients of Dave Martin the builder just in case he's dodgy . Though so far he seems alright. And we do know Rafferty's dad and St Lukes Builders too.
Right. Now to stop procrastination on my actual work. Am using Pomodoro technique. And I was surprised to find that time flew. Maybe I don't hate this work as much as I try and avoid it!! off I go!
3 comments:
Hi, is it worth speaking to the planning officer at your local council to get some advice? We had a loft conversion done a few years ago (builder recommended by a friend) and to be honest, in hindsight, we would have gone for a different builder. Definitely worth checking out some of the work the builder has done and whether folks are happy with it :)
am definitely on the case with checking the builders out! can't guarantee any of them am guessing but at least its good to have checked out some past clients and if they are happy. a friend did get horribly burned by a nice seeming but dodgy builder
Hi thanks forr posting this
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