An extension on a shoe string?
Discussion
trickywoo said:
Get someone to do the structure and you do the finishing.
Finishing is where the time is and if you are handy and have time yourself its possible to do most things.
Very true, but finishing ialso needs the most skills if you want it to look decent, for example plastering, there is only so much rough plastering you can hide with paint.Finishing is where the time is and if you are handy and have time yourself its possible to do most things.
We recently finished an extension and I got involved as much as I could with the build, more out of interest than anything.
One tip, set up an account with you local builders merchant and allow the builder to order materials, that way you get the discount on materials and don’t pay any (possible) mark up if the builder suppliers. This worked really well for me and as it happens I still have the account and get a good discount on stuff I continue to buy.
Edited by skeeterm5 on Tuesday 18th February 07:56
As another poster said, beware of extras! Make sure you are very clear on what you want them to quote for - for example for mine I had to pay 3rd party inspector not the builder. You haven't said if single level - if it is, consider a roof lantern, best thing we did. I had them build the structure (foundations/walls, windows, roof + doors and level floor) then I did the internal ceiling (insulation/plasterboard), all electrics and plumbing, walls (plasterboard) and floor (tiled). Also consider UFH at this point (we decided not too as a lot of glass in the space).
Similar size to yours, price was 23k for the builders work, prob 6k of my work (inc BC). Surprising how the little finish bits add up but it does depend on finish.
Similar size to yours, price was 23k for the builders work, prob 6k of my work (inc BC). Surprising how the little finish bits add up but it does depend on finish.
As above, buy materials yourself via a trade account at the local builders merchants.
We did our extension with a local builder who charged a day rate, and I bought all the materials myself and paid subcontractors direct (scaffolding, electrician, plumber and plasterer - all the builders contacts).
Did doors, skirting, decorating and floor myself, as well as making sure all materials were moved to where they needed to be before the builders turned up, which due to our access issues was a mission in itself!
Managed to get a 5m x 5m double-storey extension done for about £50k all in (apart from my time). That includes carpets, furniture and the retaining wall/patio, which was a big job in itself.
Re-used windows where possible (repositioned them and painted).
From this...
To this:
We did our extension with a local builder who charged a day rate, and I bought all the materials myself and paid subcontractors direct (scaffolding, electrician, plumber and plasterer - all the builders contacts).
Did doors, skirting, decorating and floor myself, as well as making sure all materials were moved to where they needed to be before the builders turned up, which due to our access issues was a mission in itself!
Managed to get a 5m x 5m double-storey extension done for about £50k all in (apart from my time). That includes carpets, furniture and the retaining wall/patio, which was a big job in itself.
Re-used windows where possible (repositioned them and painted).
From this...
To this:
Edited by alfabeat on Tuesday 18th February 10:21
ozzuk said:
As another poster said, beware of extras! Make sure you are very clear on what you want them to quote for - for example for mine I had to pay 3rd party inspector not the builder. You haven't said if single level - if it is, consider a roof lantern, best thing we did. I had them build the structure (foundations/walls, windows, roof + doors and level floor) then I did the internal ceiling (insulation/plasterboard), all electrics and plumbing, walls (plasterboard) and floor (tiled). Also consider UFH at this point (we decided not too as a lot of glass in the space).
Similar size to yours, price was 23k for the builders work, prob 6k of my work (inc BC). Surprising how the little finish bits add up but it does depend on finish.
Looks very good. It is a single storey, we wanted a longer than 4m, but were refused.Similar size to yours, price was 23k for the builders work, prob 6k of my work (inc BC). Surprising how the little finish bits add up but it does depend on finish.
What does BC stand for?
How would one find a builder? Those builder websites seems to be a waste of time to say the least.
alfabeat said:
As above, buy materials yourself via a trade account at the local builders merchants.
We did our extension with a local builder who charged a day rate, and I bought all the materials myself and paid subcontractors direct (scaffolding, electrician, plumber and plasterer - all the builders contacts).
Did doors, skirting, decorating and floor myself, as well as making sure all materials were moved to where they needed to be before the builders turned up, which due to our access issues was a mission in itself!
Managed to get a 5m x 5m double-storey extension done for about £50k all in (apart from my time). That includes carpets, furniture and the retaining wall/patio, which was a big job in itself.
Re-used windows where possible (repositioned them and painted).
From this...
To this:
This looks great. I assume this is a detached house. We did our extension with a local builder who charged a day rate, and I bought all the materials myself and paid subcontractors direct (scaffolding, electrician, plumber and plasterer - all the builders contacts).
Did doors, skirting, decorating and floor myself, as well as making sure all materials were moved to where they needed to be before the builders turned up, which due to our access issues was a mission in itself!
Managed to get a 5m x 5m double-storey extension done for about £50k all in (apart from my time). That includes carpets, furniture and the retaining wall/patio, which was a big job in itself.
Re-used windows where possible (repositioned them and painted).
From this...
To this:
Edited by alfabeat on Tuesday 18th February 10:21
ozzuk said:
As another poster said, beware of extras! Make sure you are very clear on what you want them to quote for - for example for mine I had to pay 3rd party inspector not the builder. You haven't said if single level - if it is, consider a roof lantern, best thing we did. I had them build the structure (foundations/walls, windows, roof + doors and level floor) then I did the internal ceiling (insulation/plasterboard), all electrics and plumbing, walls (plasterboard) and floor (tiled). Also consider UFH at this point (we decided not too as a lot of glass in the space).
Similar size to yours, price was 23k for the builders work, prob 6k of my work (inc BC). Surprising how the little finish bits add up but it does depend on finish.
And why are the radiator pipes on the surface in a new extension?Similar size to yours, price was 23k for the builders work, prob 6k of my work (inc BC). Surprising how the little finish bits add up but it does depend on finish.
From what I can see it looks a right bodge.
martynr said:
Looks very good. It is a single storey, we wanted a longer than 4m, but were refused.
What does BC stand for?
How would one find a builder? Those builder websites seems to be a waste of time to say the least.
BC building controlWhat does BC stand for?
How would one find a builder? Those builder websites seems to be a waste of time to say the least.
We found our builder by local word of mouth recommendation.
lrdisco said:
And why are the radiator pipes on the surface in a new extension?
From what I can see it looks a right bodge.
Um because it is my extension and I wanted it done like that?? I like the look when the copper is polished. May not be to your standard but nothing was a bodge. To add, this is a thread on extensions on a shoe string, not powerfully built PH director style constructions. Not that I bit at all From what I can see it looks a right bodge.
. Its also not the full picture, the other half being more industrial look with exposed metal beams, upright rad, glass panels and wooden walls but I've decided you are too rude to see that . Only this part of build applies to OP though.To OP, I found a builder by asking work colleagues for recommendations, was able to view the work a builder had done for one of them. BC...building control.
Edited by ozzuk on Wednesday 19th February 16:34
tty thing to say. martynr said:
Cheers for the replies. I did have a few builders come, but they did not look very reliable and/or experienced. Maybe, I am too picky.
I’m curious o know what a reliable and experienced builder looks like ?A guy in a van and dressed in scruffy work clothes but who can read a set of plans is usually your best option .
You said your looking to do it cheaply , don’t get fixated on the financial side if your not willing to get stuck in yourself .
There’s an old saying in the building trade , it’s about monkeys and peanuts .
paulwirral said:
I’m curious o know what a reliable and experienced builder looks like ?
A guy in a van and dressed in scruffy work clothes but who can read a set of plans is usually your best option .
You said your looking to do it cheaply , don’t get fixated on the financial side if your not willing to get stuck in yourself .
There’s an old saying in the building trade , it’s about monkeys and peanuts .
Someone who can turn up to an appointment on time. There were folk asking if they should get a quote for foundation made as that wasn't part of the quote. Also there are lots of "managers" who give a quote and then get contractors to do the work. I don't think good builders are short of jobs.A guy in a van and dressed in scruffy work clothes but who can read a set of plans is usually your best option .
You said your looking to do it cheaply , don’t get fixated on the financial side if your not willing to get stuck in yourself .
There’s an old saying in the building trade , it’s about monkeys and peanuts .
It was similar to roof tile replacement quotes until I saw a work done at nearby street and enquired the owner of whom he used.
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