I would slightly disagree with comments above. I'm coming to the end of a renovation project that has taken 3 years from concept to reality. We initially contacted a local building contractor who put us in contact with his recommended architect. We all sat down together and worked out a design/plan and budget for our renovations. If you don't consult a contractor at the beginning you could find the beautiful architects drawings you have - and have planning permission for, are completely unaffordable! I agree at the design stage a contractor will not be able to give you detailed costs - but they can at least advise what design elements would come within your budget. Also we found good reputable builders can be booked up anything up to a year in advance - so yes if you want to start next spring you need to get started with plans/budgets etc. As for moving out - that would depend on the existing and new layout of your house - and if the building work can be done in stages minimising disruption to your living accommodation. With our project we were left with no choice really but to move out. For us it's made for a much less stressful process and probably a considerably quicker build time. Most of all good luck with your project. I've enjoyed our ours so try to enjoy the process!

So our shed/garage is a stand alone building 10ft 5 by 6ft 5 and we are thinking of 2 bedrooms en-suite and small living/kitchen area, will probably have to get plans drawn up, we are also building another shed the same size, my husband can’t be without a shed 🤦‍♀️. Will let you know how we get on, my husband wants to start next week.

@Roomhe3-by-Room (UK) Ltd thank you for your comment. I did a rough mock up of your suggestions on PPT and the slate tiles and dormer with grey windows makes a dramatic difference. I really like the look of it! The current concrete roof tiles we have are believed to be original from the 1950s when the bungalow was built, and if I have done my research correctly, it has to come to an end of its life span of 50 years so it may be worthwhile to redo the roof too. Would love to opt for slate tiles but have heard these are more expensive than concrete tiles. We don't have a big budget but would like to go for something similar in appearance and durability as slates at a lower cost. Is there something on the market that fits this profile like concrete roof tile in grey slate colour? This is my first building project and knowledge of materials is very limited! Thank you

It’s a few years since we had our loft done, however I contacted our normal general builder and a couple of specialist loft companies before we sorted the finances - I recommend doing this because it will give you an idea of cost before you start. We found that the specialist loft companies gave free advice along with a rough sketch and quote. Our general builder sent round the architect which we had to pay for (which we didn’t realise at the time!!) In the end we went with the specialist loft company and they kept to their original quote. We found that being a specialist loft company, they already knew how to overcome some of the odd issues that we had with our house.