Rear extension or loft conversion

6 years ago

We have small railway workers' cottage in Whitstable which we'd like to re-imagine for modern living. However, our budget cannot run to both projects and we want to spend wisely.

On the first floor we have two smallish double bedrooms, a tiny study/box room (that just takes a single bed) and a tiny 2.2m x 1.5m bathroom that needs refurbishing, but we could convert the loft into master bedroom with en suite to free up a bedroom for family & guests.

Then, on the ground floor, we have a 3.6m x 3m lounge leading to a 3.6m x 4.5m kitchen/diner from the 1990s . On the back there's a leaky 2.2m x 4m conservatory that may soon fall down. We'd love to extend out the back to enlarge the kitchen/diner.

The dilemma is, we can only afford one project! Any ideas? Or can anyone recommend a designer in the Kent coastal region who might help us realise our dream?

Mark & Annabelle

Featured Answer

kikiamack

6 years ago

If this is the home that you are intending to live in for a good number of years, and this is not a project that is just about adding value, then I would advise you to do whichever project will most improve your day to day lives. If you have family and friends to stay every weekend then you might decide the loft conversion is best. If you have guests twice a year then you personally won't benefit much from having a spare room, but an improved downstairs would get used every day.

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Comments (8)

PRO
FPA architects
6 years ago
Hi

A couple of thoughts on your options;

Loft conversions can be a great way to increase habitable space but they can sometimes be mistaken as a cheaper option -there is usually a lot of work involved in doing it properly. Also a loft conversion can be quite invasive, it is often easy to overlook the amount of space required at first floor level to accommodate the staircase to the next floor - if space is tight, sometimes this can result in a double room becoming a single or even losing a single room. Adding a third floor to the house will mean that you will have to replace all of the doors to rooms that open onto the hall and landing with fire doors.

It is worth remembering that replacing the conservatory with an extension might require planning. The local planning authority might be prepared to discuss the requirement with you, but you design consultant will be able to advise.

Have you tried the Find A Pro section of Houzz? its worth a look to see if there are any consultants in your area. If it looks like they do house extension work its worth messaging them - even if they don't have a photo of a project similar to yours, they may well undertake such commission but didn't photograph it. Architects always welcome new enquires, if they cant help they might be able to put you on the right tracks to someone who can.
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Hey SS, if you want some expert advice from us then we offer free consultations to people like yourself. We've got over 30 years of experience and we do all the leg work for our clients when it comes to planning permissions and regulations. You can check out what we can do for you here if you like https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/north-london-loft-conversion-architecht-required-dsvw-vd~4271175?n=3 we hope you get the advice you need either way! Good luck!
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Wow, just wow! This looks amazing, well done.
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I'm sorry your dilemma got missed! Are you butting your loft extension up to next door's or are you having a gap? I wouldn't chose slate as it will clash with your roof tiles. You could have the same as next door, but with your style of window in it. Or you could have brick edges so that it ties in with your exposed brick lintels above your windows, with the rest render. On the bottom, you could have brick or block and render ( the second one's cheaper ), as either will fit with your house. The brick finish would stand out, the render would blend in, depends on what you fancy.
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Hi guys, please do reach out if you have any questions regarding - Planning drawings and Permission, Rear extension, Loft conversion, Building Surveys, Architectural planning design, Construction work, Building Control Regulations. We have a good local knowledge of Planning and Building Control Regulations required by the Local Council. Plans can be Prepared for Loft Conversions, Rear and Side Extensions, Sheds, Out Buildings. New Homes, Flats, Flat Conversions, Basements. We will offer you a 📞Free consultation and advice☝🏻🏡 Phone number: 📞0 7 999 329 377📞
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PRO
Orange Key Design Studios
6 years ago
Hi Mark, we would echo the excellent comments above. Getting advice from a design professional will pay you back in the long run. Have a think about what will best suit the way you live and get advice on how to put that into practice. Do what is right for your lifestyle, and whatever you do, make it the best version you possibly can. Good luck!
Christophe Ovaere
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Hi Mark, big decisions :) Check out Opun. I think they might be able to help
PRO
Opun
6 years ago
Hi Annabelle &Mark! First to your question as to what to do :)

Two elements here come into play: a) your personal return in terms of space & enjoyment b) financial return with regard to the value of your house.

In the London area, lofts are the buzzword and will in most cases increase the value of your home more than extending outwards.

That being said, from experience, we agree with FPA architects above, lofst prices are always pitched as 'cheap' but when it gets down to the detail, cost will creep up. We always do a full survey to get a genuine cost down on paper. All our loft surveyors are at the same time our extension experts and are always able to have the conversation with customers what is right for their needs and budget. Believe us, a lot of home owners have the same dilemma!

Hope this helps!!

Kind regards,

Opun
cazzajo
6 years ago
It's just a question of timing. What is more important in your life at the moment? How many people live in the house? Which extension would be most beneficial? How do you need to use the space?

Young children? or busy social life ? Just renovating for resale value? then maybe an extension

Too many visitors? or teenagers in the house? Working for home? Loft extension!

Good luck! let us know what you decide
PRO
BetterSpace: The Floor Plan Experts
6 years ago
To make a decision like this you should prioritise your needs. Which one is more pressing, adding a decent master bedroom or enlarging the lounge/kitchen/dining area.

Can you post your current layout or photos? perhaps you can get a better design for the ground floor even without an extension.

Check out what we do, we specialise in house layout design and are always happy to help if you need any further advice.

visit our website: www.betterspace.co/hmhzf

We offer a package that include tailored design, furniture layout recommendations and a professional floor-plan drawing as well as a 3D package which includes a 3D floor-plan and photo-realistic images that will help you visualise your new design.

You can use promo code ‘houzz’ for a further 15% discount!
A B
6 years ago
I would go for a downstairs extension 100%. It will improve the way you live in the cottage. You have 3 bedrooms, If you are struggling for space in the third bedroom, I would consider things like pinching a bit of space from another room, built in furniture and cabin beds.

Rear extension or loft conversion

kikiamack

Comments (8)

FPA architects

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