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Hi All, I am looking to carry out a 2 storey wrap around extension. My next door adjoining neighbour has something similar, the only slight difference is a step back from my boundary by about 2m. Therefore, the rear extension that they have is not full width I presume that they have done this to pass the 45 degree rule as I do not have an extension at present. But I am presuming that as they have an extension, I can do a similar rear extension but mine will be across the full width of the house. Will this pass planning , as my neighbour has a somewhat similar extension? Thanks

Hi everyone, Hope you're all well! I recently purchased a 1930s semi detached house and plan to do a single storey rear extension for an open plan kitchen diner. The garage will also be converted into an office and I'm planning to add an en suite upstairs. Feel free to check out the attached drawings. I would love to hear your thoughts and any ideas to consider. Thanks!

Hi, I am just looking for some advice and wanted to see if anyone had any success in soundproofing their house from neighbours in a Semi Detached house. I am not the most savvy at Construction and Building work so I’ll try put as much detail as I can! I have recently moved into a Semi detached property and am experiencing a lot of intrusive noise from our neighbours. Couple with 3 young kids who run around and scream like maniacs. Constantly hear them running up and down their stairs and on the landing. Can also hear everything the family do in their kitchen as it backs onto our lounge. (Cupboards closing, appliances, switches/sockets being used). Can hear all of this clear as day as if it’s a hollow wall separating us. Can also hear them walking up and down the stairs and slamming doors. (Hard to tell whether they are slamming and stomping or if it’s just poor insulation or work between the properties). We have a breeze-block party wall with a layer of plasterboard on our side which I believe is Dot and Dab. Downstairs we have a lounge and kitchen along the party wall with the stairs going up through the middle separating the two. Then upstairs we have our landing and two bedrooms along the party wall. So currently we are going to look at getting the lounge, bedrooms and landing done first and then potentially the kitchen in the future when we get a new kitchen! I am in the process of looking for quotes for this. I want to get the best soundproofing possible on our party walls to block out noise this way. Does anyone know what the best soundproofing method would be to block out the noise coming from them stomping up the stairs and upstairs rooms, as this is the main contributor. Would it be a case of soundproofing under our upstairs floor boards between joists? Want to get professionals in to sort this properly so am happy to pay for the best solution possible. Just wanted to know if anyone has been in a similar situation before and had soundproofing installed and if had much joy? Any information would be appreciated! Thanks, Jack

Hi all, My wife and I bought and Ex-Council house to refurb and extend both for practicality and for a bit more space. The plans have been in for a while and look to go through in January now after being postponed due to the volume in our parish council. We are doing most of the work ourselves but subbing out to the skilled trades. We are fairly competent and push our limits as much as possible. I’ve got a background in Estimating Commissioning of Commercial water and air systems and then Estimating Commercial Roofing & Cladding but have jumped over to become a Trading Standards Officer… a fun conversation with trades people! (Shortly followed by a “don’t worry”!) Joining the forum for help with any areas we may get stuck on. There are plenty being thrown up as we start to scratch the surface! In fact I’ve just posted our first problem here:

Hi My partner and I found a plot we are interested in building on. We think that there is room for two semi detached dwellings. It is my understanding that the VAT refund applies when you are building a property for you or your family to live or holiday in. Strictly speaking this is what we intend on doing. We intend on building a home for us to live in and a home for friends and family to use when they visit us. Essentially my question is, are there legitimate circumstances by which we could achieve a VAT refund on both properties. Things we are open to: * splitting the title and doing two refunds? * building a single dwelling that could later be converted into 2 semis. * ... My partner and I are not yet married, if that has any impact?