Paddyflyer

Sounds like a huge project for one person! Do you have any drawings or pictures you could share?

Thanks very much for the replies. Very helpful to get some alternative points of view. I've added a couple of drawings here for clarity on what we are attempting. Sunnyholme_plan_existing.pdf Sunnyholme_plan_extension.pdf

I found a company online that suggests they can get it done in 3 days! https://www.tvmlofts.co.uk/roof-lift-introduction/roof-lift/ Seems unlikely, but having a look at their pictures I can see how they could get another floor + roof on without destroying the ceiling joists below. I'd love to find out more about your conversion Stu.

From my reading of PD rights, it seems that we wouldn't comply, given that the ground floor extension would be in front of the existing principle elevation. I think we'd also bump up against the requirements for no windows on the side elevations AND the change in rood pitch.

The gable ends would need to be built. Are you suggesting framing a kneewall on top of the first story floor?

Hello, I'm searching for options to add a second floor to our newly purchased, L-shaped bungalow. The working idea is to build a ground floor extension to fill in the L and replace the existing roof with attic trusses. To gain some precious useable floor space, stubbed eave attic trusses seem to be a good solution. (example pic below). Upsides, downsides or pitfalls to watch for? (Any input or guidance is valuable and would be much appreciated.)

Ah yes, but the bars/pubs are open all day 'til late!

Yes, I'm beginning to see that a bit already. Certainly different to how it is in the "Colonies", although to be fair, Canada has its fair share of burdensome regulations as well. I think one main difference of note to self-builder/DIYers is that, in most of Canada, you are allowed to do any and all work yourself on your own home (yes, even gas!). Of course, it still needs to pass inspections. The only stopper may be insurance issues, but I've never had a problem after presenting a signed off certificate of completion. Over here in sunny England, I get told on the daily that "you can't do that yourself". Get's a bit disheartening really...

Hello All, We've completed, a couple of weeks ago, on a little bungalow (built 1950/60s) in the Cotswolds. The renos have already begun... Phase 1 consists of repairs and general redo (flooring, strip and paint wall, new bathroom etc.). Following on, Phase 2 will be knocking the wall through from kitchen to living room and new kitchen. Phase 3, should we have any energy left, will hopefully be a ground floor extension. (The current footprint is L shaped... the extension would fill in the empty square) and a new roof over everything (attic trusses). We are in a bit of an odd position from a DIY standpoint. Over the past 15 years we have completely renovated a large (>3000ft2) house, built a small dwelling (800ft2), designed and built a workshop with office over (1400 ft2) and designed and built a 3 storey house (2500 ft2) plus drawing up and building numerous outbuildings. I've done much of the work over most of the projects so I think I am a relatively competent DIYer. The rub is that we have never built anything in the UK. So I am finding it a bit of a learning curve to say the least. Hopefully, you'll all be gentle as I ask some seemingly very simple questions. In return, I am hoping I might be able to add some value to the forums with some "foreign" perspectives on building. Cheers