Can I build an extension??

[pete47]

Hi guys,

I'm a fairly competent DIYer and we would like to add a single story extension to our bungalow.

I have never done this sort of work before, about the nearest I've come was building an outside garden wall!

I was just wondering what of the work I could do myself and what parts you'd defiantly recommend getting someone in for?

Also, are there any building regs or anything preventing amatuers such as myself doing some of the work?

Thanks in advance,

Pete

 

[noseall]

Hi guys,


Also, are there any building regs or anything preventing amatuers such as myself doing some of the work?



Pete

oh jeeezuz, where do i start.

 

[pete47]

Hi guys,


Also, are there any building regs or anything preventing amatuers such as myself doing some of the work?



Pete

oh jeeezuz, where do i start.

So yes? I'm not talking the whole thing just some of the basics to cut costs

 

[noseall]

i've heard amongst forum members, that there is a b.c. officer down there in Sussex called 'three metre peter'.
you should familiarize yourself with the enemy first.

 

[Richard C]

I was just wondering what of the work I could do myself and what parts you'd defiantly recommend getting someone in for?

Also, are there any building regs or anything preventing amatuers such as myself doing some of the work?

You can do as much or as little as you feel you are competent to do as long as it meets the required standards.

Log on to the ODPM website, download & spend next week reading the Building Regs. & then you will understand enough to decide yourself.

 

[Colin_p]

I'm just second fixing in my new extension and so far I've done the following;

Drew the plans and elevations.
Submitted planning application (form filling).
Got planning permission !
Sorted out the party wall notices / agreements with my neigbour.

Dug the foundations !! (13 skips by hand.. but what a sense of acheivement)

Concreted the foundations, laid the subase, dpm, mesh and then the oversite concrete.

Floor screed and underfloor heating

Built the roof and deck (flat roof on 9"3" joists) and firrings and insualtion.

Fitted the kitchen

Done the plumbing

Done / doing the electrics.

Things I have paid people to do are;

Brick and blockwork
Roof covering
Doors and windows
Gas !!!
Part P testing on the electrics.


Also there are two routes you can go for building control, these are;

Full plans, where everything is agreed and scrutinsed up front

or

Building notice, where you make it up as you go along. This is the route I've used and have found Building Control very helpful. Obvoiusly if you can demonstrate you will comply, you'll have no problems.


Overall, it is a huge amount of work, my extension although only sngle storey is 8.6 x 4.8 m and so far has taken eight months, with most of the time spent in the ground.

All I can say is that research and planning what you are doing are the key. Building regs, simply read them, they are in plain langauge and quite straight forward.

 

[Richard C]

Congrats Colin on both your achievements & reply; spot on, it’s all about planning. I did all my own plans & calcs. Etc. but had to go to full Planning Committee to get my PP as I had several objections but they passed it all anyway. One of my neighbours doesn't talk to me anymore though but am I bovered! I’m following the Building Notice route also; it sounds like your doing nearly as much work as I am at my money pit!

I see your relatively new here but it’s an excellent forum with some very knowledgeable people & the help & very good advice is excellent if you ask direct questions & keep it simple. It’s been very helpful for me so I try to put something back in to help others if I can.

 

[twm.bwen]

Dug the foundations !! (13 skips by hand.. but what a sense of acheivement)



Done / doing the electrics.

Things I have paid people to do are;

Part P testing on the electrics.


Jesus Colin! , on the skip front and hand dug footings, all I can say is YOU NUTTER! You must have arms like thighs and determination like.....determined thing.


Also you're lucky to find an electrician who'll pass new work he/she's not done.

Different to getting it tested.

Well done, you're right about the satisfcation but I'm still gonna hire a mini digger when I do my 4m2 sunroom!

 

[Colin_p]

Also you're lucky to find an electrician who'll pass new work he/she's not done.

quote]

Thanks for the reply.

A bit more on the testing....

Basically my local BC are not interested although me pointing out the they are obligated to test as per the regs cut no ice with them.

As a compromise, we agreed that a 'landlords test' would be adequate. I've got an electrician on board anyway who has done a partial 1st inspection and has had a look at my 'design' LOL. He is quite happy !

So what I'd ask is.... what am I paying my BC fees for ? As with the electrics, in my opinion, I'm having to pay twice !