rear extension.

[mrrusty]

I think my project was very similar to the OP - small, single storey with existing openings made wider (in effect making a 1/2 width existing single storey leanto a full width leanto). I do not want to diminish the skills of the engineer (and yes my son is now civil C.Eng but originally M.Eng in civil and structural), but I think the vast majority of SE asked to size a beam on a simple little extension will do little more than what we did - use a calculator. I doubt many will be doing ground investigations, and again I think a good reliable local builder in most cases will know what is needed in the local conditions, especially if he works closely with local BC. And as I say, my builder said we need xyz beam without seeing calcs, and he was right.

My extension re-used old bricks, we re-used many of the slates, stone lintels. I did the joinery myself, and made the patio doors - which were signed off by BC with compliments. The whole project came in under £15K for about a 20m2 extension. £2.5K design and SE fees would have been a big hit.

Point being it is possible to avoid high drawings and SE fees as long as you understand the risks.

 

[cve80671]

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[Leofric]

There seems to be an awful lot of waffle about building a house extension. The original poster obviously doesn't know the procedure or much about building. What is wrong with :-

Wouldn't it be better to employ an architect or architectural technician to draw the plans and obtain the necessary approvals for you. They would also deal with a structural engineer to obtain the necessary structural calculations for approval as part of a Full Plans Submission for Building Regulations approval.

 

[essex123456]

To be honest I have had a couple professional quotes from architects, but I think a lot of it is smoke and mirrors having read there letters. This is essential taking down a rotten wooden conservatory, taking up the brick plinth and then putting in proper foundations and floor. building a box on the back of the building, and removing the existing patio doors. This is not removing the rear supporting wall and knocking the dividing wall out (but that is what they are obsessed with (thank you grand designs)) Not knowing specific regs is not the same as not being able to look them up. I am more than capable of doing the calculations (I have degree in Applied Physics) I already have the drainage plans etc.. I'm not being blase, but this is not a huge project, it does not involve structural work to the original building. It is essential a glorified conservatory. When I have time I will start doing some plans and get on with it. I do feel that architects see this kind of job as easy money. Thanks for all the help it is appreciated.

 

[mikeey84]

Not knowing the regs isn't an issue per se, but not knowing to look up a particular issue can cause an issue.

I've had a couple of times in my project where I thought I knew what I was doing, as I "knew" the regulation. Turns out there were parts to it I wasn't aware of, and I missed bits the BCO picked up. They were not huge, and cost about an hour and £30 to put right, but then my project wasnt very complex.

A building reg drawing will effectively be a guide as to how to build it in line with the regs. Seems like a lot of money, but put that next to the hours you will have to spend reading up and then pondering the best way to fulfill it, or worse the time to correct something you've missed when the BCO pops his head in

 

[Leofric]

I am more than capable of doing the calculations (I have degree in Applied Physics)

Did that include building related calculations

When I have time I will start doing some plans and get on with it.

You started off asking what you needed plan wise and didn't know where to view building regulations , you have obviously learned very quickly from the answers provided on this forum

 

[noseall]

I am more than capable

Do you know how to design a vaulted roof, both in terms of the structure and the insulation detail? Are you aware of the structural nuances associated with wind loading buttressing and stability? Is it your intention to sift through all of the building regulations and keep your fingers crossed that you strike lucky and open the pages that apply to your project?

 

[mikeey84]

That's what caught me out when I converted a flat ceiling to a vaulted one! Luckily I hadn't covered anything and a few straps later BCO was happy

 

[essex123456]

Do you know how to design a vaulted roof, both in terms of the structure and the insulation detail? Are you aware of the structural nuances associated with wind loading buttressing and stability? Is it your intention to sift through all of the building regulations and keep your fingers crossed that you strike lucky and open the pages that apply to your project?

If your going to quote do it correctly I said of doing the calculations. It would seem on reading the comments and speaking to builders I am being sold something by the architect that is not needed. I need drawings for building regs. I have not mentioned a vaulted roof, so don't know why you are.

 

[noseall]

I have not mentioned a vaulted roof, so don't know why you are.

Well it's time you did so that my post becomes relevant.

Time for me to dip out quietly.

 

[cve80671]

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[cve80671]

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[Leofric]

If you have a builder you trust and know they do good job then I agree with you and would not use architect or SE. Many builders are more than capable of getting the structure build correctly especially for small jobs like this.

- and many builders prefer to work to approved drawings

It would seem on reading the comments and speaking to builders I am being sold something by the architect that is not needed.

The architect is probably not trying to 'sell' you anything apart from their idea of what they see as the best solution for your property.