Initial Stages Of A House Extension

Lisa Raynes

by Lisa Raynes

18/03/2021, in Main Blog

With so much to consider, navigating a house extension without an architect can be very difficult. Here’s an outline of the initial stages of our unique, hassle free process, with plenty of links to more info.

Book A Free 1 Hour Initial Consultation

workshop

This is a low commitment way to consider your options and see how we can help you.

At Pride Road, we give an honest assessment on whether your extension is viable as we don’t believe in putting you in negative equity. Our initial consultation and Concept Design Workshop allow us to help you to choose the best option for you, based on our decades of experience, technical knowledge, understanding of the practicalities of a space, and innovative solutions.

Consider Your Options In A Workshop

Should I get an Architect

During an online concept design workshop we will draw out the possible options in front of you, while discussing their pros and cons in real time. Whether you just want to find out more, or have built a model of your dream house, (like our client John), our process is perfect for exploring your options with little commitment early on.

Think About Your Long Term Plan

You might want to perform your extension in stages, such as Pride Road clients Emma and Sam who conducted a single storey extension to the rear, then a two storey extension to the side. However, you always need to plan ahead and think about the big picture.

For example, you shouldn’t renovate your bathroom then conduct a loft conversion as you might have to drop the ceiling down, forcing you to retile the bathroom.

Likewise, if you’re thinking of doing a single storey wrap-around extension with a view to doing a two storey extension at a later date, you might have to put a beam across a vaulted ceiling with a skylight in it, and remove tall fitted furniture.

Moreover, If you’re thinking of doing an open plan ground floor and then a loft conversion, you need to start introducing fire doors. Generally, most 1930s houses can accommodate that, but terrace houses or stone cottages might be trickier, so you might have to consider moving stairs. There’s lots of regulations surrounding building projects, but we can help you navigate them.

Consider Costs And Viability

Some extensions are going to be more cost effective than others. A single storey extension to the side is much cheaper than a wrap-around, (because with a wrap-around you have to hold up the rear corner of the house). At Pride Road we will use our expertise to give you an objective understanding of your options.

After the workshop, we will give you a month to speak to builders to get an idea of costs, (we will help you find them), to speak to estate agents to get an idea of value, and to ensure there aren’t any neighbour objections.

We then have a one hour follow up meeting, included in the cost of the workshop, to discuss any changes to the plan and whether you want to proceed.

Later Stages

You’ll need an architect to help you with the next stages which are: planning, building regulations, and tender. For information on how we navigate those steps, click here.