Changing from Extending to full knockdown/rebuild - Conditions?

[Andehh]

We are exploring the prospect of a full knockdown & rebuild instead of a large extension! Touch & go which way it will swing...but just as we factor everything in, are there any more draconian conditions we should factor in? The extension came with several lighter touch ones, but nothing problematic...I imagine a new build is likely to be come with several more?

 

Ie...must have a water meter? Could we get one fitted & change it back out in the 2 year cooling off period? Any others?

 

 

Many thanks

[nod]

Unfortunately new build = new meter 

Rebuild and planning is pretty straight forward 

At least you will have all your services near by 

[Andehh]

Thanks nod.

 

Our water company offer a 2 year cooling off period, I wonder if this could help us get around it? Install one now before we do anything, sort out rebuild & then change back if it proves more expensive? 

 

With 4 girls in the household, I prefer non metered! 

[nod]

 

32 minutes ago, Andehh said:

Thanks nod.

 

Our water company offer a 2 year cooling off period, I wonder if this could help us get around it? Install one now before we do anything, sort out rebuild & then change back if it proves more expensive? 

 

With 4 girls in the household, I prefer non metered! 

Not a new build 

Worse luck 

[Onoff]

In the case of a knock down/ rebuild or a really large extension, as a self builder I think you would want to apply for exemption from the CIL before any work commences?

 

 

[Temp]

+1 Remember you claim the exemption using the proper forms and meet the other conditions required to avoid the CIL.

[Temp]

5 hours ago, Andehh said:

are there any more draconian conditions we should factor in?

 

You would have to look at local planning policy. Some councils mandate a certain ratio of car parking spaces to bedrooms.  There could also be a requirement to carry out Bat surveys that can cause delays. 

[Andehh]

Thanks Temp, parking is fine...Bat's were ruled out when we looked at the extension.

 

My main irrational bug bear is the water meter! Fitting one now...to then remove it later....? Playing the system a little bit, but I am offered a 2 year cooling off period?

 

I will look into CiL - thank you. I presume architects will be able to advise on this as well! They are fully managing this end to end.

[Onoff]

33 minutes ago, Andehh said:

I will look into CiL - thank you. I presume architects will be able to advise on this as well! They are fully managing this end to end.

 

Do so but don't trust the architect. The liability will come back on you even if they advise badly. 

[Bitpipe]

We knocked down, met many other renovators who wish they had. 

 

Zero VAT gives you 20% more money and building from scratch means you have no surprises with existing fabric and can get the footprint & orientation you want plus the same quality of fabric throughout.

 

We did not have to upgrade to a water meter, had no dealings with water co at all during build. Electrics were re-routed to a kiosk where they stayed (non smart meter too) and gas was disconnected (££££) but was quite cheap to reconnect.

 

Most of the onerous conditions were tied to the basement we built also (another benefit of knocking down!) such as ground contamination surveys & archeology etc. 

 

I was able to discharge the rest myself, most were standard ones related to adhering to homes for life policy and plans for considerate construction.

 

You will need an asbestos survey before any demo contractor will engage, quite cheap (unless you find some).