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Renovating Design Dilemma

rebuild or extend

4 years ago

We are about to seek planning permission for a extension on a 1930’s bungalow, with the full roof being rebuild and significant remodelling inside. The house needs everything doing from plumbing, electrics to making all the changes according to plan.

I have see our budget grow throughout our discussion and wondered if we would be better demolishing and rebuilding. The existing property is likely to need a lot of repair too.

Any advice would be welcome

Thanks in advance

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Comments (4)

Ellie
4 years ago
Only you know the numbers and can make that decision....
PRO
OnePlan
4 years ago
I have heard builders suggest this very often ... unless your building is of significant architectural or historical value - it’s very often a simpler way of getting the house your totally love rather than one you have compromised on ... ( speaking as someone who’s been designing a new build mews house that will be my perfect home as and when I can get around to building it - a few years off yet I bet !)
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Hi DP, How are you getting on? I know it's been a while but wanted to add some notes on your points. I think the architect plans, whilst lovely, definitely take from the original character of the house and this looks like any other new build you can see with a google search. 1. I would definitely look whether board as I think this is a nice contrast to the lovely old brick and whilst showing it is 'the new part' it doesn't detract from the older areas. It is also easy to 'blend in' to the surroundings so not as to detract from the gorgeous grounds and greenery. 2. Great. It will be safer overall. Is this a feature you think you will miss? 3. Firstly, yes! I don't think you can have this house without one. I have used the corner ones before and they are great and save on keeping the breast. I think you just need to look aesthetically if this works with your overall style of the rooms. If you are having an interior designer they should work on it with you - if not, a good look through Pinterest and a board or two would help. I can take a look with you if you like. 4. Yes. I would say that is a great place for the WC. It is easily accessed from everywhere but far enough away from the kitchen and dining room to not be an issue when entertaining and so on. If I were space planning it I may change the size/layout of the WC slightly to give you a slightly more open hallway. 5. The boot room looks spacious and like a good entrance. Is this an issue for use with guests? The location is not right. If so I think it would be a case of changing the layout completely to get the front boot-room.. did you architect do you a few options or have you consulted a space planner to look at some options for you. We normally produce three option as a standard so you can see what is possible. 6.Again, when we are planning space this is what we look at to determine where windows can be to allow maximum light whilst not compromising how you use the space or the items needed within it. I may play around with the back set of doors/windows in the open-plan space ..and the living room but the rest look OK. It really depends on your overall style here (i.e country is much more furniture than contemporary styles and contemporary maybe more fitted whereas more traditional styles would be freestanding. Same goes for the style of windows.. I am not sure this fits with your aesthetic or the house as a character. 7. Do you mean the roof or the extension? I would always recommend seeing the items together to help you visualise both for texture and colouration. Maybe try ordering some samples of the different finishes (if you haven't already). 3D visuals may also help here - if you have a designer it's worth enquiring about (or if your architect does them) - my clients find the photo-realistic imagery helps much more that the 2D flat plans. I hope it's all going well. Best of luck - Gina
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I think most is echoing what Jonathan has said above. When we begin a project with clients there are some foundation questions we ask: What do you want out of the property? What is possible with the property? Can you afford it? I think you need to get some solid answers to these questions before you move on to the finer details. I would begin by getting a builder in to see what is possible and what the potential costs would be for the work. This may completely rule out having an extension at all and then you can focus on what you can do. Before he comes (Q1) I would have a list of what you really want out of the property - sides access important to you? Can you currently have the size of kitchen you want? Is a utility room important? Is the wow factor important? Another thing to always bear in mind is that furniture and fittings can be purchased or upgraded later, but getting the "layout" or the footprint you want now, is far more important (and adds value) so I would have this as your main goal. Getting that right - first time. Best of luck and if you have any further questions, please do get in touch. Thanks, Gina
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PRO
Create Perfect
4 years ago
This is a really hard question to answer I have done both with clients and it really does depend as each project as each is unique. I had one once where they decided to renovate but we ended up only having the front wall left due to lots of factors and it would have been far to cheaper in the end if they had rebuilt. But I have also had a client who wanted to knock down and rebuild but when we looked at what was there, it didn't take too much jigging around to make it perfect for them.

A few things to consider:

The clients whom have started again ...it is usually because it gives them more design freedom to get what they want. There are no constraints to work with with the old layout or placement of elements. Another big factor is that it is actually usually cheaper to demolish and rebuild than to undergo a full whole-house renovation. May not be what you expect. One reason is that while renovation work has standard (20%) VAT, building a new home is 0% VAT, via a rebate which is a considerable saving.

On the spin side, planning is generally harder and longer with a new-build as it needs to meet 'all' current requirements and legislation's (especially if you have gone straight to an architect and already paid for plans etc rather than a concept planner or an interior designer). It is also not as eco-friendly as it is obviously less wasteful to work with what you can where ever you can then to replace it.

I think the choice really is down to you and what the current house offers you. If it has features that you love, or you have sentimental connections or the layout is perfect ...or something similar then there is merit in keeping the existing house. If not, then it's what is important to you in a build.

Have you spoken to a designer or architect about it?

We often get this question and go through some options and your thoughts at the initial consultations. Sometimes just having a professional ear to talk it through with can help with these major decisions. All the best and I look forward to hearing more.
Jonathan
4 years ago
Speak to your planning office before you get too carried away with planning a brand new house..... there are sometimes situations where they will only permits redeveloping the original house.

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