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New homeowner looking for extension advice
Hi, I’m in my first house and I have just got enough money together to start on some of the bigger bits that I Hi, I’m in my first house and I have just got enough money together to start on some of the bigger bits that I want to do.
I want to modify an existing ground floor extension at the back to move the back door from the side to the back, take the existing ceiling out/up and put in 2 velux windows in the roof to improve the use of the space – not changing the footprint, and I don’t think the velux windows will change anyone’s privacy etc as they will point to the sky!
Can you tell me if I might need an architect or oversight from building control, and also if there is anything that comes to mind that I should look out for when getting quotes from builders? I had the bathroom done last year, and it was much more hassle than I was expecting and I learned a lot, so I’m hoping to try and find out some things before I have to find them out the hard way! thank you!
thank you!
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3 Replies
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Just to add yes you will need building control and then will have to submit your plans to them with the right noice period before starting the work.
You wouldn’t need an architect but as you’re moving doors there are some structural factors of creating a new door and blocking an old door.
Also if you’re taking the ceiling out and up on an extension find out if you have a warm or cold roof and how that change will affect that.
Also is it an opportunity to look at improving the roofs insulation and look at the roof if adding windows.
Adding windows alone requires building control sign off.
When installing velux windows, the alteration to the roof must not exceed the highest point of the current roof plane.
I would look at having some drawings done more so that you know that everything has been considered structurally, and it also gives you an exact document to get a builder to accurately quote against.
It’s very hard from builders estimates to know they are going to do exactly as agreed unless their estimates are very detailed down to materials and method of construction.
Quick question if they are moving the side door are the blocking that up and creating a new opening for a new door?
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Try searching Trustmark for a builder near you. You can also search NFRC for a roofer. Insist on paying by credit card for protection. Request a contract that sets out when stage payments are due.
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You shouldn’t need an architect, just a decent builder who knows what they’re doing. but as you are changing the thermal element (putting in new windows) then you will need building control.
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