Building work advice

2 years ago

Hello,
I am hoping for some advice about our building plans. We are planning to replace an existing conservatory and incorporate into the existing extension and lounge to create an open plan living area. We have been quoted about £48k for the building work alone which is much higher than expected... Is this reasonable for the work required. We have about 35k so any suggestions about how we could rework the space but reduce the costs would be appreciated. We are concerned about going over the ceiling price for the street! The conservatory is leaky and falling apart so really needs to go!
Many thanks in advance 😌

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

Daisy England
2 years ago
I think your new plan makes much more sense regarding the layout.

Prices will vary considerably according to your region and being in the construction trade myself all I will say is that due to Covid (not Brexit) prices are escalating at such a rapid rate that we cannot keep pace with them.

We are now on a 10 week lead time for glass supplies, timber is available at 20% of the availability previously known to us and even the prices on it have increased from the morning to the afternoon. It’s a traders nightmare.
Luisa T
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks so much for your insight!

I was anticipating an increase (we were given estimates around 15k lower!) but just not to that extent. Do you anticipate things settling down at all or ongoing increases?

In terms of the living space it would be a huge improvement and as much as I would love to I'm just not sure we can justify so much on this house 😣
Related Discussions
Advice - work before or after move-in? + about the work
Q
Comments (7)
Thanks Minnie101 and NK With respect to the ground floor WC to bathroom - I was thinking of knocking the wall partition between utility and WC and then utilising some extra space for shower - something probably like this photo attached rather than fully enclosed shower cubicle - If could do this then I am probably thinking to leave the WC and Wash basin as it is in its place Conservatory in the future we have an idea of making it into a proper extension and that use that as entertainment room and making the current living room purely as a sitting room with fireplace - and then knocking the wall between kitchen and dinner and making it as a open plan kitchen / dinner - but thats all after we settle in and then thinking in 1-2 years time I guess
...See More
Need advice on fireplace without working chimney
Q
Comments (13)
Of course. The dimensions would depend on the size of the fireplace/burner you would be going for. The opening would have to be made of non-flammable material, such as brick, stone, metal, porcelain tiles, Vermiculite Board, etc. You could use non-flammable paint over that. For example, our freestanding baskets like the one Richard posted above need 60 cm clearance from the bottom to the top; or if you wanted a contemporary line of fire look you could go for our Regulating Bio Containers like the one in the photo below - all required dimensions are available in the brochure with building advice on our website. We hope that helps :) Good luck with the project!
...See More
I need advice re sharing build costs with neighbours
Q
Comments (2)
I have no expertise in this area but I think you would need to talk to a party wall specialist. They'd be able to advise on cost sharing as well as party wall issues.
...See More
Building Regs advice
Q
Comments (8)
Building regulations will generally apply if you want to build an extension to your home. However, conservatories are normally exempt when they meet a number of conditions: They are built at ground level and are less than 30 square metres in floor area At least half of the new wall and three quarters of the roof is either glazed or translucent material The conservatory is separated from the house by external quality door(s). Glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable building regulations requirements The radiator you mention would only require building reg if it's an independant source unrelated to the main house. Clearly you would need a structural engineer, drawings, calculations and a submission to building control at a later date if you were to wish to remove the door from the main house and open up the wall further. It will be the main wall to the house and therefore, a supporting wall. You could not make the doorway larger without building regs.
...See More
Daisy England
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Personally I don’t think prices will decrease. House prices have risen dramatically so taking everything into account, get a quote you’re happy with, make sure the prices are firm prices and that you won’t be liable for any further increases and book it.
Ellie
2 years ago
You don't have any measurements, how big is the new area that is being added? Say about £2k per sqm. Then, is that 2 big load bearing/ external walls coming down? Quote sounds about right to me.
Luisa T
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you, it is one load bearing wall and about total length will be about 8m including existing extension by 4m out. It's good to have an idea of what is a realistic cost!
arc3d
2 years ago
Hi Luisa,

The quote sounds about right. About 25% higher than pre Brexit/covid, but house prices are also rising so might be an idea to check current value.

There are shortages in some materials and good tradespeople are in high demand too.
Jonathan
2 years ago
The money seems about right. As well as Covid increasing demand for tradespeople it does seem like Brexit has upset the supply chain and made many imports slower and more expensive so it’s unlikely you will get an economy to extend within budget.

Had you considered reconfiguring?
Luisa T
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks Jonathan, that is the layout we originally considered but the conservatory is awful so we really need to do something with it!
Jonathan
2 years ago
A little light demolition is inexpensive
Luisa T
Original Author
2 years ago
Yes, perhaps that's the way to go and create a lovely outdoor area where the conservatory currently is! Thank you for your suggestions 🙂
Gloria GR
2 years ago
Think about moving the door from hallway to lounge to the right. You’ll have views to the garden from the entrance and you’ll improve the lounge layout

Building work advice

Comments (11)

Daisy England

Luisa T
Original Author

Related Discussions

Daisy England

Ellie

Luisa T
Original Author

arc3d

Jonathan

Luisa T
Original Author

Jonathan

Luisa T
Original Author

Gloria GR

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Building work advice

Comments (11)

Daisy England

Luisa TOriginal Author

Related Discussions

Daisy England

Ellie

Luisa TOriginal Author

arc3d

Jonathan

Luisa TOriginal Author

Jonathan

Luisa TOriginal Author

Gloria GR

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Luisa T
Original Author

Luisa T
Original Author

Luisa T
Original Author

Luisa T
Original Author