We moved into our 3 bed detached in April. Before moving in we had already decided that we would like to convert the integral garage to a study (front) and utility (rear). I understand that for this I just need Building Regs approval and no PP.
However... there is also potential to extend the first floor above the garage, which would enlarge the 2nd bedroom. (would then be large enough to divide into 2 bedrooms or have a guest en suite) Our neighbours have done this.
We also have a 'tired' conservatory at the rear, which we would like to replace with something (possible two storey extension) and a parcel of land to the side (approx 2 metres wide)
We cannot afford to do the whole "shebang" (whatever that might be) yet, but my father-in-law thinks that we should submit PP for the whole lot now, get it approved, make a start then continue at our own pace. I plan to do much of the labouring myself and we have a couple of contacts who would be happy to do the structural & electrical stuff as and when. Therefore, you will see that I am not looking to spend unnecessarily.
That seems fairly prudent to me, any advice to the contrary?
Ok- so here's the tricky bit. With the longer term plan, we would like to enlarge the kitchen and have an open plan kitchen/diner. I can think of a couple of ways of using the space to achieve this, but feel that I might not be thinking outside the box enough, or perhaps I also have unrealistic ideas about which walls can be removed or which land can be built on.
I want to ensure that I make the best use of the space available, so I know that I need some professional advice. This work could be anywhere in the region of 10m sq (garage conversion only) to 50m sq (with 2 storey extn back and some kind of structure on the side)
I would also like to ensure that I am going to add value to my property.
Who should I call in to get some advice?
A RIBA architect? A builder? A structural engineer? A Designer, who is not a RIBA architect?
Any advice on the overall project welcome.
However... there is also potential to extend the first floor above the garage, which would enlarge the 2nd bedroom. (would then be large enough to divide into 2 bedrooms or have a guest en suite) Our neighbours have done this.
We also have a 'tired' conservatory at the rear, which we would like to replace with something (possible two storey extension) and a parcel of land to the side (approx 2 metres wide)
We cannot afford to do the whole "shebang" (whatever that might be) yet, but my father-in-law thinks that we should submit PP for the whole lot now, get it approved, make a start then continue at our own pace. I plan to do much of the labouring myself and we have a couple of contacts who would be happy to do the structural & electrical stuff as and when. Therefore, you will see that I am not looking to spend unnecessarily.
That seems fairly prudent to me, any advice to the contrary?
Ok- so here's the tricky bit. With the longer term plan, we would like to enlarge the kitchen and have an open plan kitchen/diner. I can think of a couple of ways of using the space to achieve this, but feel that I might not be thinking outside the box enough, or perhaps I also have unrealistic ideas about which walls can be removed or which land can be built on.
I want to ensure that I make the best use of the space available, so I know that I need some professional advice. This work could be anywhere in the region of 10m sq (garage conversion only) to 50m sq (with 2 storey extn back and some kind of structure on the side)
I would also like to ensure that I am going to add value to my property.
Who should I call in to get some advice?
A RIBA architect? A builder? A structural engineer? A Designer, who is not a RIBA architect?
Any advice on the overall project welcome.
