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Posted

Hi everyone, my survey on the house that we are buying isn't until tomorrow, but that doesn't stop me thinking of the possibilities!

 

I have a few questions and I'm just thinking out loud really.

 

Current Layout:

83006_26161916_FLP_02_0000_max_600x600.jpg

 

What we want to do is extend across the back (single storey) with roof windows and double doors accessing the garden, and make a massive kitchen diner, kinda like this:

HOUSE CHANGES.png

(apologies for the crude drawing)

 

So we figure we will need 1 or 2 RSJ's (or I call them RJ45's ;) ) Has anyone ever taken out external walls of their house before? I'm assuming Building Control need to assess the work when it's undertaken? I haven't looked at planning laws for a few years, but I don't think we will need planning permission because the extension will be less than 3m. Unless you need it for removing external walls?

 

Also I'm not sure how I feel about the utility being there... might be better closer to the understairs - which we plan on making into a small toilet.

 

Thoughts anyone?

 

Thanks!

Posted

You'd probably get away without Planning Permission, but it looks a relatively simple extension compared to some. As for knocking out load bearing walls, you definitely need to hire the expertise of a builder, plus you'd need a structural engineer to calculate the specification(s) required for your supports.

 

I'd also consider a downstairs WC as it's always advantageous :)

Posted
Do you want the door to your utility room in the hall? If you've got your washing machine in there you would then have to walk round to the kitchen/diner to the back door to hang it out. just a thought :)
Posted

It may come under permitted development, check the floor plan area. There are several caveats for permitted development, one being any existing extensions. It will need to have building inspection certainly - your builder should arrange this unless you project manage it.

 

Your plans may or may not be possible, a survey of the plans will determine it (e.g. weight of wall to be supported, services beneath, depth to foundation level, building regs). Worth spending a bit of money getting this all done for you, as it's hard work!

Posted
I'd also consider a downstairs WC as it's always advantageous :)

Yep, we are planning for that. There is a small window in the understairs cupboard, so would be perfect!

 

Do you want the door to your utility room in the hall? If you've got your washing machine in there you would then have to walk round to the kitchen/diner to the back door to hang it out. just a thought :)

Husband has mentioned this. I think it will all depend on how we layout the kitchen... so many options with a room that size. Enjoy my rubbish drawings!

 

house changes 3.pnghouse changes 4.png

Posted
It may come under permitted development, check the floor plan area. There are several caveats for permitted development, one being any existing extensions. It will need to have building inspection certainly - your builder should arrange this unless you project manage it.

 

Your plans may or may not be possible, a survey of the plans will determine it (e.g. weight of wall to be supported, services beneath, depth to foundation level, building regs). Worth spending a bit of money getting this all done for you, as it's hard work!

 

Yeah it's gonna be one of the first things we do, getting someone in to see if it is possible. We know an architect who I'm sure will be able to help us a lot!

Posted

I took half of the wooden load bearing wall out in my house a couple of years ago when I made downstairs open plan.

I rang the council and spoke to a planning officer about my plans, who informed me I needed a structural engineer's report. An engineer came out and took measurements, his report took a few days and then I sent a copy to the council.

I had to dig out a hole in the middle of my house as the concrete slab wasn't quite thick enough. Once the hole was dug the council inspected it and the council came out again after the brick supporting wall had been built the steel in but no covering up done. I was given verbal confirmation to continue and I got the paper work from the council a few days later.

  • Thanks 1
Posted
Planning "Permitted Development" doesn't mean you won't need "Building Control"; they are two distinct issues.

 

Yeah I'm expecting structural engineers reports and inspections to be taken place throughout. I'll be needing all of the certification when we sell it on.

Posted

We have just got planning permission to extend our house (we have to get permission as at it's largest we are going out by more than 4m)to get an layout similar to what you are planning. We're going out the side of the house to get more width, I've attached our plans so you can see what I mean. I think from what we've been told, you'll need building regs and a structural engineers report.

 

current.JPGfloorplan.JPG

 

The house two doors down from us is also extending to the same footprint as we've planned, but they have removed the wall dividing the rear living room from the corridor/kitchen and will just access their utility directly from their living room. I've badly cut and pasted over our plans to show you their layout. We shared an architect, and according to him, they had to spend £5,000 on a steel girder to remove the wall.

 

nextdoor.jpg

  • Thanks 1
Posted

How are you planning to get into the back garden? Does your kitchen/diner have patio/french doors?

 

I suspect whoever eyeballs your plans will take a dim view of you removing a potential fire exit (the door from the kitchen to the garden) unless you provide an alternate route.

Posted
How are you planning to get into the back garden? Does your kitchen/diner have patio/french doors?

 

I suspect whoever eyeballs your plans will take a dim view of you removing a potential fire exit (the door from the kitchen to the garden) unless you provide an alternate route.

 

Read the original post carefully... ;)

Posted
Fair enough. In my defense, your plan shows a big window there, not a double door :p

 

In my defense I was using publisher to alter the plans! LOLZ! (Mr Pete (not you - my husband) was using paint, so they were even worse!!!)

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