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Hi, sorry, yes, here are some drawings. I think the architect basically suggested not extending beyond 3m because he wants to keep costs down. It's a semi and I ideally would've ligod to go a bit further out than the 3m...and just to clarify I'm not put off by putting in for planning permission . But perhaps, adding on 18sqm is good too. The architect seems to think this is plenty of room, and of course I value his opinion. I'm open for advice in terms of proposed layout please. I know I'm opening myself up to perhaps a varying degree of opinions here, but would like constructive feedback please. The initial drawing included removing almost all of the rear wall so the extension is flush...not sure if that is the right word. But when I raised concerns about having gym equipment (currently marked gym area) open plan along with the kitchen in the extended area (due to travelling cooking smells, steams ot potentially grease), I asked for that area to be located elsewhere so it had a door (and basically had its own enclosed space). I had thought it would be good to be placed in the lower left hand side behind the wc and room next to the wc, and shared this idea. In the second drawing, the architect suggested leaving the rear wall almost in tact, and still suggested having the gym area in the original part or the house (leaving the original window in place), and that to get to the extended area, to remove only one portion of the rear wall, essentially making the current room which has the boiker into a hallway (where the numbers 1080 appears). The boiler will hopefully be moved into the new extended area, as shown. What do people think of this set up? To have essentially a little walkway into the new area? Also, the room where we are thinking of making into a gym/chill room has got concrete floors at the moment. Do I need to get this insulated? Thanks in advance

Hey All, An update. So the retired architect came to visit recently. Only thing is that I thought might be odd was that is that when I asked whether the boiler needed to be moved, they said no, it could stay where it is. But believe this wouldn't be the case, as the rear extension would mean that the boiler wall would become an internal wall, so the steam would be released in the extension area. Even I know that is right, I did flag this and they said yes you can move the boiler if you want...tbh, you wouldn't have a boiler vent releasing the steam inside a house right, so I'm not sure why he would say I didn't need to move it in the first place. He doesn't recommend extending more than 3 meters either. And I am confused, can uoy extend out to 3 or 6 meters without planning permission, I've been fiven conflicting information. Any advice,appreciated.

Hey All, may I ask if I can use the services from a retired architect ? they are still registered on the architect database, but when I spoke to them they advised they don't have a company but he still does drawings after retiring. So, I'm not sure if they will have PII or if they're still OK to engage with for an extension of they're no linger officially practicing/working. Thanks

thanks, George! should I also ask this of my structural engineer, who provided drawings before I decided to go for an extension instead (initially we wanted just a load bearing wall removed)

what do you mean by 'self-build'? wouldn't they just say it is for the builders to be insured? sorry, I'm not overly familiar with this at all 😞 do I need to ask if they are insured in case they mess up on the designs that the builders build, based offa their drawings?

thank you! is that a standard question they expect to be asked? that if I ask about insurance, they won't be offended?

yes, on their email signature. I'd never heard of it until I saw it. On their LinkedIn they describe themselves as a Draughtsman as well. I checked on the ARB, they're definitely not architects. How can I ask for their insurance and certification of competence without offending them?

Hey All, So I thought I had a quote from an architect for a rear-end extension, but upon further research, it turns out they are architectural designers. (I was given their details which was recommended when asked about architects). Is it OK to use architectural designers or is it best to engage with an architect?

Hi, Sorry if this is in the wrong section buy I'm not sure where it belongs if not in this section. I'm wanting to have our current gutters replaced on a semi, I've had quotes and they have both said they would only cap over the existing fascias, it would be extra ro remove. Which is fine, but the question is, is it best to remove the old fasica (if it is not rotting)? or is it normal and OK to cap over? thanks in advance

thanks! will be asking for more quotes. also, just a thought, is it better to get the guttering sorted before a possible extension or perhaps the people doing the extension could do it at the same time, or get it done after the extension?

Hi, Sorry if this is in the wrong section buy I'm not sure where it belongs if not in this section. I'm wanting to have our current gutters replaced on a semi, and we've just been quoted nearly £4k for nee fascias, soffits and downpipes/guttering. This seems exceptionally high...is this the norm? as I know little of gutters, fascias and soffits and the like! For a quote such as rhis, for ehere I'm based, in a town outside in Lancashire, not Manchester...is this sound about right? thanks in advance

it was given to me by the architect

I have been given a extension guide, it says you cannot use material that is different from the house when extending.

thanks!

thanks @adsibob. Get what you're saying. I think maybe our council will be a stickler, the rear extensions around here are still made with stone (you can see them if you go to the park behind the houses). I know stone won't be cheap but what is these days!

thanks @Jilly. Yes, it's an older home and all the house in the neighbourhood were built with stone

Hi Ferdinand, Thanks for your detailed reply! The people living in the houses that have had extensions would not be the original owners that made the extensions choices, or would know which builders were used because the extensions pre-date them unfortunately. We have a builder living nearby and had in the past reached out for a quote, but they couldn't even be bothered calling back after speaking to them a couple of times and leaving messages. So, probably a good thing, can't imagine living near a tradesperson who if they messed up and you having to live near them! Still in the early stages but engaging with architects now

well, I've several articles I have read say the same and an architect has actually confirmed this too. I'm sure most of the houses around my area have extensions made with the same materials as the original house, no mix and matched material...unless they used a more cost efficient material that makes it look like stone? there is a house nearby that looks like a mix match and the extension does look cheaply done. You can see the light shining through the door frames.

ohh hahha. duh. 😊 thanks

Thanks @radian, if I could ask friends or people I know to recommend, I wouldn't be waiting over a year for work to be done. Either they don't know or just don't want to share the information. I know the wrap around should be in stone because the house is made from stone and I know you cannot extend a house using anything other than the material it is built from, so, yes, I know I cannot have a brick extension. Also, houses in the neighbourhood are having extensions in Stone. I cannot ask them who they used as I don't know them and most likely they bought the house with the extension done by the previous owners. The architect didn't mention CAD drawings but more so to come measure up and produce drawings at nowhere near for the cost of £3 to £6k. what is BH, please?

Hi, Would you recommend getting an architect to help with the planning of an extension? I believe it is not required and down to personal choice. But what does everyone think? I was hoping they would help recommend reputable builders to conduct the works too when they produce drawings/designs. We've been looking for over a year to get things done ourselves and nothing. The builders say the will quote, come to visit and quote, but they never turn up. On average, what is the cost of a rear & side extension (1 storey), stone material. Just to get a ballpark if possible. Thanks in advance!

would the brace be the diagonal piece? These are the original doors, I am surprised that without the diagonal piece would 'drop' the door.

i see! thanks for your advice. I will get onto an electrician tomorrow! About the plasterer - least this one didn't dot dab my ceiling this time ha ha!

thanks @SimonD, yes! wow, i really love this forum, so many new thing I learn! a plank/ledge braced door - here is a pic of the door in question

he overboard the ceiling and said that was the only way he could get around the ceiling rose (didn't know this was the name! learn something new every day!). Guessing he didn't want to remove the rose and fix it through the new plasterboard. Can the electrican sort it out with a new rose then?