What does the exterior look like? Terrace?

(as in: would a loft room be an option? so you can put a rooflight in your ground floor extension)

photo below of the exterior, its a semi detached.

we’d prefer not to have a loft room, that could be something later on but right now we dont need another bedroom, we just like the idea of a slightly bigger bedroom and en suite.

we’ll definitely have a rooflight, and still could even with 2 storey extension because it wont go out as far as the ground floor

p.s ignore the horrible hot tub/astro turf/decking/pergoda, its all going!

Had some fun with your floorplan!

First layout has no major ground floor changes, except the kitchen doorway. But the first floor extention and bathroom relocation, will provide a much bigger master bedroom.

Second layout is based on your option 2, though I am not certain if that ensuite toilet is possible. All furniture is just for size reference.

thanks rinked

your 2nd layout is pretty much my ideal plan.

re ground floor, we're just not sure if its viable to remove all those supporting internal walls (note theres a horrible wall just sticking out in the middle of the kitchen as shown on existing floorplans) - this is why other option keeps those, making a utility room and then extends kitchen out further to make up for it. I would much prefer to lose them as per your plan/my option 2 but how do we find out whats feasible?

and first floor extension we would love to do but as we‘re not adding a bedroom were not sure if its worth doing that work for no added house value?

who should we talk to get an idea what is actually viable and what roughly is the price difference between options so that we can make the decision??

Loadbearing walls: Hence why I put in a column next to the island, as a beam will be required in the 'horizontal' wall and two in the 'vertical' line.

And the bedroom extension plus bathroom relocation might be very well be costing a bit more than the added value of extra square footage, but since you'll be living in it and you will enjoy having the extra space, it might be worth it in the end. Not all comfort has to be earnt back.

I'd suggest to invite a structural engineer to talk through the feasibility of your ideas and then get a builder (or two, three) to make some rough quotes. Personally I would skip the architect bit, but you might need decent drawings for planning permission, so I'm not sure you can avoid that, just ask the builder.

thanks rinked, thats really helpful!

its a great point re comfort vs value, I guess we just have to decide if the cost is worth what we gain in quality of living and not worry about house value so much!

totally agree will probably need an architect to do the drawings for planning, but just felt they werent the right first port of call, will look into a strcutural engineer!

thanks for taking the time to help!

Hi Becci!

If you want to redesign then the best start for your project is to work first with an architect.

The first step of working with an architect is to get very clear on what it is that you need and want from your home.

I have a free checklist that will help you start to do just that, which you can get here in exchange for your email address: https://www.i-architect.co.uk/dyhvchecklist.html

Best of luck with your project, Jane :)

Thanks Wumi, I have also considered this as I dont love how the lounge is the corridor to the rest of the house.

At the moment the garage is a gym but eventually we‘d like to build a space for that at the end of the garden so after that we could steal garage space

only problem is gas and electric meters are on that wall in the garage, i wonder if its expensive to have the suppliers move those?

I'm not sure on cost, but you can contact your gas/electricity providers about moving. Another option could be to keep them where they are and conceal within a hallway cupboard if they're not too obtrusive.

Hi Becci, congratulations on your new home! Once you have decided on a layout, we can provide you with a budget cost estimate. The budget cost estimate provides a detailed breakdown of works and expenses as well as highlighting potential areas where you can save money. If this is something of interest please send the plans and photos to hello@nestestimating.co.uk and we can provide you with a quote

www.nestestimating.co.uk

'...removing some internal supporting walls...'

It is very important to identify load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls, be prepared to consult with a structural engineer.

I know there is a new book release with 12 case studies of Home Improvement projects, you might find it's very helpful - HOME IMPROVEMENTS ideas from an architect (by Keith James Clarke)

https://www.keithjamesclarke.com/

Good luck with your project.

Hi Becci,

We have roughly the same floorplan on our semi-detached and are also looking at a rear extension.

Are you allowed to build on first floor at the rear on a semi-detached? We wanted to extend my son's tiny bedroom but were told we couldn't because of the 'right of light' for our neighbours... Is this correct?

Sophie

Hi Sophie,

I dont think for us it will be a problem. our attached neighbour is on the south side of us so we wouldn't be blocking their sun. And the neighbour on our detached side is set back from us, so our extension would end up level with them.

I know there's the 45 degree rule with the right to light so maybe that was your issue?

one of our neighbours has quite a large first floor extension but only on half the house (on the detached side) so we're not sure if we might have to do the same, that would still work for us to make a bigger bedroom and add an en-suite, we just wouldn't also extend the existing bathroom.

Maybe your issue was due to the side you want to extend on, would it work for your layout to extend the other side, perhaps that would be allowed? Or maybe you could get round the 45 degree rule with a cleverly shaped extension? did you get an architect and put in for planning or didnt get that far?