Side return & and loft conversion recommendations Post Reply

[DelilahBear]

Hi all, we're wanting to get our side return done and probably get another room on top and do a loft conversion. Quite a lot of work! I have a few questions that I'm hoping someone can help with...
1. How does everyone afford this kind of work??? Would be interested to hear. Does everyone else just have that much extra cash lying around?
2. Does anyone fancy giving me a very brief step by step guide on how you go about getting this kind of work done? I have no idea how to even start this process. Do you get an architect round first?
3. Does anyone have any recommendations for architects, builders etc that you've used to have similar work done. Obviously I have the usual requirements of someone who will do a good job but is reasonably priced!
Would really appreciate any thoughts on any of this as the thought of this work is overwhelming xx

[Seb]

Hi
We looked at Simply Extend and Landmark.

It's really about fit, find the ones you like and ask to see jobs they've done before.

[Anna_Benett]

Hi!

I can recommend you this company:
http://www.wernerandwerner.co.uk/loft-conversions.html

I did refurbishment with them, but I am sure that they are experienced with extensions and loft conversions! They do free quote and consultation at your place, so just call them for advice. And their prices are reasonable and not too high compared to other companies.

I was very pleased with their work: great cooperation with owners and you are paying step by step as the work progresses!

Hope I helped you

[belld]

i run an architects office in SW18 and we undertake extensions and whole house refurbs for our clients.
www.atelierdb.com
Having just undergone my own whole house refurb I am now totally and utterly in tune with clients from every angle!
It should be an exciting time for you, if you approach it in the right way with all 'risks' and 'opportunities' identified.
Call the office if you wanted to discuss in more detail.
D

[tomphilippewhite]

I can recommend www.APTRenovation.co.uk

They are very good and good ppl to deal with.
They came and gave us a free quote and no from payments

Check them out www.aptrenovation.co.uk

[sadialifestyle]

Hello,

You are not alone when you say the whole process of renovation is overwhelming. It can be very stressful however if you do your initial homework you will find making a decision will not be difficult.
In answer to your questions:

1.Normally people have savings and raise some money from the house.

2. Get several quotes from companies with an in-house architect as it makes the process easier. They will come around , discuss the project and provide you with a quotation.

3. You have several recommendations already , get a quote and go with a company you feel most comfortable with. Ensure the contract has a penalty clause in order for the building company to finish the work on time.

All the best with your project !

[Sarahsea]

I've posted on another thread about these builders: http://www.bashtan.co.uk/ I don't work for them but out of a few builders I've used, these were by far the best - really good attention to detail, reliable, honest and easy to deal with. It might be worth getting them around for a quote and they can probably recommend the other specialists you need - engineer, tech drawings. planning consultant. I find that builders often know what's doable, especially if they do work in the same type of house, so I go slightly against the trend of using an architect first.

[delsh]

We did a side return and full house refurb in 2014. We used an architect but wished we hadn't - it was an utter waste of time and money and we learned afterwards that most building contractors retain the services of an architect, or have an in-house architect who can do the drawings and planning applications for you.

We used PVAD builders - http://pvad.co.uk - and they were fantastic. They weren't the cheapest quote we had but they came recommended by friends and I've since recommended them to other friends who have recently had large projects completed by them and have also been very happy with them. We're currently saving our pennies again to have a loft extension done and will def ask them to do that as well.

If you can find a decent builder with lots of recommendations, that's half the job done and means a lot less stress, plus they'll have done loads of lofts and side returns and will be able to give you advice and support throughout the planning and build processes.

[patsymn]

Hi, don't know if you've already done the work as this post is old. We had an extension put in at the back of our house. I used local building company called London One (london-one.co.uk). The guy Alex runs the business and is professionally qualified and experienced and he really did make the process stress free as possible especially with the lead up to completing before Christmas.

[belld]

Just picking up on 'delsh' comment that the architect route was a waste of time. I would be interested to know who you used as never good to hear negative feedback on my own profession.

[belld]

re my last comment - i appreciate probably best to not name names on such a forum so please ignore my last comment. With any ARB/RIBA Architect I am disappointed to hear you felt it was a waste of time. You could have addressed your concerns to the ARB/RIBA if they performed that badly.

[Canook]

I can recommend Clapham Construction. They installed a new kitchen for me last year for a reasonable price and I am very happy with the results. They finished on budget and on time! Here's their site: http://claphamconstruction.com

[AshvilleInc]

Hello,

We have seen your post and hope you do not mind us introducing ourselves.

We are writing to you from Ashville Inc; London's leading building contractor.
We offer full Design & Build service from our showroom at 541 Kings Road, London. We present proposed plans, specify fixtures/fittings and show before/afters of past projects for all Home Extensions, Refurbishment, Loft & Basement Conversion projects.

Please call 0207 736 0355 or message us to book an appointment to discuss your project.

Ashville Inc
www.ashvilleinc.com

[ramdays]

UpsherHarrison are exceptionally good. Using them on our house now. Can't be more pleased with trusting them to the job. Google for website/contact details or PM me if you want more specific feedback.

[miymiysmum]

We used APT Renovation also last year for a renovation and extension in Clapham Junction, I am totally clueless in the building world and contacted a few builders and was left so confused when i contacted apt, i had lost hope but they were great they are actually design and build builders and did everything for me, the architects, building control, planning, and the full build and renovation and i must say... the work they did is perfect, very clean finishes no cutting corners at all!

highly recommended company and lovely staff they really did help with our investment