We've just completed a side and back extension - and love it, we now spend most of our time in it!
With regard to planning, there's quite a lot to think of - here's an 'off-the-top-of-my-head' list of things that I was ignorant to going into the process. Don't let it put you off though
- If you can afford (and want) a rear extension at the same time, go for it as revisiting will be expensive
- Party Wall agreement can cost £1k+, dependant on number of neighbours it will effect.
- Where the beam (RSJ) will go, and will there be a bump in the ceiling.
- moving the boiler costs £££
- moving a electricity meter or gas meter costs £££
- letting your neighbours know and keeping them on board as the builders will need access to their property
- Skip hire can be expensive - a man and van clearance team can work out more economical, but some won't pick up rubble
- Ask the builder to quote for everything before at tender stage - any work you ask them to quote for when they're already 'in' will in our experience be vastly inflated.
- Light coming into the main room off the previous alleyway.
- Protect all areas the builders will have access too - dust!!!
- Make sure there is at least a 6 month clause where you keep a small percentage back until all snagging is done. Leaks can only show themselves after prolonged use and after heavy rain.
I'm sure there's many more things, but I've run out of time on my lunch break! Happy to help further, or if you want to take a look at ours (Balham), get in touch via PM.