Home Extension

[Doggymama]

Hello, Hoping you knowledgeable folk can advise. We now know that we are not eligible for a DFG, no surprise there! We are looking at self funding an extension to give my husband a downstairs bedroom and wet room, can anyone tell me how we go about this, and what size we would need? The extension would house a kitchen and wet room and we will convert our existing kitchen into his bedroom, that's what we are thinking at the moment. Hoping to get it done under the permitted planning development rules so no further out than 3m. We will speak to OT to confirm requirements re size etc but wanted to get an idea in advance. What process is involved in building an extension? We really have no idea. Thanks so much xx

[Tabbycat]

This is a useful guide:

https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/wp-con...le-housing.pdf

[Ellie]

The extension would house a kitchen and wet room and we will convert our existing kitchen into his bedroom

Have you an idea of sizes for the wet room and bedroom Alison?

What process is involved in building an extension?

Hmmm 🤔, lots of money and lots of mess?? xx

[Doggymama]

Thanks Ellie, will wait for OT to advise on size, we were hoping for 5m x 3m so it would be within permitted planning but will likely have to go bigger with planning permission oh dear! Just don’t know what other option we have, no room for through floor lift… xx

[Doggymama]

Tabbycat Thanks so much for the link xx

[Stubot]

Doggymama - we used the Govt Doc M building regs to give ourselves an idea which is what sits behind the guide that Tabbycat sent through -> https://assets.publishing.service.go...ndments_V3.pdf
We used an architect to design the modifications to our house to make the best use of space. We had to go through planning permission which the architect pushed through for us as part of the service. Our architect had experience of designing accessible spaces before, so that was very useful, and the council expedited our application once they knew it was for MND related mods. Also meant we had some plans drawn out that were clear and we could then use to get competitive building quotes. The builder we selected also had practical experience of building wetrooms and accessible buildings, so that was really invaluable to be able to turn the drawings into reality.

Extensions generally can be built and then knocked through at the last possible minute to minimise disruption. But there is no getting away from the fact that it will cause mess and upheaval. Make sure you get a builder you like and that you feel is on your wavelength as there will inevitably be a few bumps along the way! Make sure you get an itemised quote so you and the builder are clear what’s been allowed for and what hasn’t. Also, there are some guidelines on the gov.uk website for what you can get VAT free and what you can’t. Will help to save a bit of money.

Check out the permitted development rules if you haven’t already. Your architect will be able to advise, but I believe the 3 metre rule only applies to non-detached houses in a national park or site of special scientific interest. Otherwise you can extend up to 6 metres (non-detached) or 8 metres (detached) providing you are not adding more than 50% to the footprint of the building.

[Doggymama]

Stubot Really helpful, thank you so much. I just keep thinking the mess and upheaval will be worth it to give my husband the best quality of life we can. Thankfully I am able to continue working from home, so my husband won’t have to cope with any of it alone.

[Stubot]

Doggymama - that was the view we took too. It’s made a huge difference - not just for my wife, but for the rest of the family and the Carers too.

[Ellie]

Doggymama I know it's very early on in the process Alison, but I'll most likely forget to say this at a later stage 🙄 for the bedroom, put in plenty of sockets, especially near the bed area. As an example, I use 5 sockets every night, all night, in and around my bed, plus extra in the room for charging the hoist and occassional use of a kettle (to heat water for meds going into my Princessy tummy first thing in the morning 😉) xx

[Doggymama]

Ellie Thanks so much Ellie, I will remember that, good to know xx

[Doggymama]

We have progress! The extension is starting in 2-3 weeks, it will provide a downstairs bedroom with en-suite wet room. Not looking forward to the upheaval and mess but needs must.

[Ellie]

Doggymama That's good progress Alison 👍👍

How long is the build expected to take? xx

[Doggymama]

Ellie The Builder we have is a longstanding family friend and he has pulled in another couple of friends, plumber and electrician and has said 3 months start to finish.

[Doggymama]

It's also including a new kitchen as the bedroom will be where the existing kitchen is, with a small room for an office/snug for me

[DeeH]

That's brilliant news


Donna


carer husband diagnosed MND, fail Arm Type on July 2020.