So we have chosen our architect for extending tunnie's towers, plans are now submitted to the council, we await their decision. It could just maybe have been done in permitted development, but advice from many was to go full planning so have all paperwork. Also helps when selling it's all in and approved and for the small sum, a no-brainer really.
Had a few builders around, all coming in at same price roughly and splitting payment equally over the term of work.
Where I need advice is:
1) I know work can start 7 days after approval is given, the builder can then have the inspector come out 4 or 5 times to inspect as he goes. EG - Builder digs the foundations ready for concrete, inspector comes out and gives thumbs up. Concrete goes in. Similar things happen at roof stages/structure etc.
2) Other option, is I also get full building engineering plans drawn up. Then submit that to the council, wait another 6 weeks
- For that to be approved, I use that then as my safety net with the builder.
Thoughts on either? One builder we had was very good, showed us loads of photos of work done and will take me to them if we get close do doing the deal. But he favoured option 2. Have another builder coming around next week, who has done work for friends of ours and they were very happy. I'll probably go with him, as early indications show price is same as others but because we know he has done good work and seen his work, is a huge bonus. Also they ploughed on with work during 'beast from east' when snow/ice everywhere, they just carried on as normal which is a good sign to me.
Oh and FYI it will be a single story rear extension, also taking 70% of the garage and will be about 4m by 7m.
