Ann contacted Lisa Raynes of Pride Road Architects to help with her semi-detached property in Didsbury which was in need of an extension and reconfiguration.
What work was done?
Following a Concept Design Workshop, it was decided to do a single-storey extension to the rear and a two-storey extension to the side.
The ground floor was opened up, and the kitchen moved to the front with interconnecting bifold doors to enable the south-facing rear of the house to be opened up to the garden with 3x french windows. This layout was a deliberate choice so that Ann could sit in living room and see the garden
Ann knew exactly what space she needed and it was designed around treasured family possessions & furniture.
This property now has zoned underfloor heating, which is powered by an air exchange unit – which supplied all hot water and heating. This heating system cost around £12k but there is a bi-annual rebate for a limited period. Ann says, as a result, her heating costs are “really low, gone right down.” Also “because of all the renovations, the house is better insulated, really warm now.”
How long did it take?
“A year in the planning, from original Concept Design Workshop and revisions, and taking it to planning, planning revisions, final drawings, QS, and getting tenders, builder being able to start, and then delays, it took 2 and a half years start to finish.”
What is your favourite part of the house?
“The best bit about the house for me is the living room, oak flooring”
Were there any unforeseen circumstances?
There were some issues with the builder which meant that it took a year to build – longer than anticipated. There was also an issue with the state of the rear wall, which wouldn’t be discovered until taking the house apart.
From the outset, Ann looked at quite a modern design, but she had to move away from that because of Planners – but she doesn’t regret that now, “if we had a modern design, I would’ve enjoyed, but this fits in with the street, plus the bin shelter to fit in the bins (which the planners insisted on) has been a bonus for deliveries”
Is there anything you’d change?
“Nothing except possibly convert shower room to wet room upstairs, but that was decided on cost.”
About the final result, Ann said;
“Thank you really because I’m really pleased! Really really pleased with it, despite all difficulties with builders and the odd lingering thing to rectify yes its good!”
When asked how long she would want to stay here, Ann said “Until I have to be moved out! Forever home!”
"Thank you really because I’m really pleased! Really really pleased with it, despite all difficulties with builders and the odd lingering thing to rectify yes its good!"
Ann
"Thank you really because I’m really pleased! Really really pleased with it"
