Hi mate. You just appeared in my feed and I’m hooked. These are really good and informative videos. I’m gradually getting more and more experienced at DIY and would love to buy a doer upper and have a go at extensions etc myself. Quick question on this video - are all these planning and permissions steps same in England and Scotland? I’m assuming you’re talking the Scotland processes?
Great question. Planning permission is pretty similar between Scotland and rest of uk, although different local authorities have different clauses, section 75 for new houses for example, where the developer often has to make a contribution to a local school or community scheme, that doesn’t apply here. Then there’s the culture and staffing of the individual councils, which makes it very unpredictable despite supposedly all councils following common legislation. Some council offices are great, others are run by buffoons . Permitted development criteria are different, in Scotland the height allowance is better so you can have a warm roof on your extension / garden room, in England you can’t. England and Wales Building regulations are parts A,B, C etc, whereas Scotland is 1,2,3,4 etc. Scotland has higher insulation requirements, because Scottish Government requires it, and there’s a few small differences in the regs such as space standards. The upload process will be different everywhere as each local authority throughout UK has its own portal. Thanks a lot for your comment
Hi, Your video is probably the best breakdown for an extension I have seen. We were planning to build an extension and the quotes from builders have increased by 30 %. I have done a tiny bit of DIY work in the past. I am contemplating starting the work myself and getting help where ever necessary. I have enrolled on some fast track programs like brick laying and roofing. These are only 5 day courses . Planning and design will be done by architect and their structural engineers. I can plaster . Do you reckon it is something a novice like myself can take on? What advise would you have for me? I was going to start by building a porch after the classes . Thanks
I think these short 5 day courses are ideal for the likes of brickwork. In my experience, a homeowner who knows how to do it in real life, start to finish through such a class, even if they don’t have much experience, they will do at least as good a job and sometimes way better, than an experienced tradesman, because of the additional care you will give your own place. Plastering is one of the few trades you do need a lot of practice in, but you’ve already got that. I think the most important thing is in the planning of the logistics, figuring out all the tools and materials you need, the order of tasks, deliveries, in advance of actually starting. I’ve made a video about the spreadsheets I use and how I forward plan in a few videos which you can see. Starting the day on your job, and your half an hour in, only to find your missing a key ingredient, or a problem you didn’t plan for, or important tool, usually means a day wasted and demotivated mind set. Repeat that over 7 days and you can understand why people might give up. It sounds to me like you have the perfect mindset and you’re ahead of the game. Go for it
@@build-better-things wow I wish I knew a 5 day course would teach me how to lay bricks, I feel I have wasted the last 40 years of my life as a qualified bricklayer😒
40 years experience indeed?? Impressive. Maybe with all that knowledge you might want to make some positive suggestion what he should do, if you disagree with me, instead of the sarcasm, given he’s looking for ideas and advice for self building his extension.
For what it’s worth, my advice would be to do the courses, see how you get on, and build yourself a shed first. You will either grow in confidence or realise it’s not for you, and either way you’ve learned something and made an informed decision. And hopefully any mistakes are made on the shed and not the extension if you do decide to do it yourself. An extension could be expensive to get wrong, and it may be more difficult to find tradesmen to resume what started out as a DIY project if you decide to get in help part way through. I hope that helps
Always get an architect on board if you can. They'll improve the property value by extracting more useable floor space, have design ideas that laypeople would never even think about and help to manage the stress by taking over lots of the project management. Considering their fees are not that high compared to the other consultants you need for a build I'm surprised more people don't use them
Thanks a lot for your comment. I made another video about this specific thing and explored the options and added value. Architect for House Extension - How much? - Go cheaper instead? ua-cam.com/video/XoDcbZP8a28/v-deo.html
For scale of fees for building control, you just need to demonstrate your logic in showing your costs, they only ask if you are silly with the predicted cost. And this needs to be net of vat, and you would not include for any luxury items that would go beyond the scope of building regulations , so basic kitchen rather than granite etc. For predicting the value of your build, you can see these 2 videos How much did I pay to build this HOUSE EXTENSION? Full price, cost breakdown ua-cam.com/video/Qk_1vCiicMk/v-deo.html How to COST and BUDGET a house extension - Pricing document download EXPLAINED ua-cam.com/video/uiSyqZ7X24A/v-deo.html
@@build-better-things thanks, I found those videos after this they are a great help. I’m only looking at knock down of existing window and bifold door install so should be pretty easy, just add up all materials plus reasonable day rate for me. Whether I get it done in a single day or not…
Hello really love your UA-cam page and been enjoying watching all the videos as I've recently completed a house renovation myself I'm just looking for advice hopefully you can help I bought a house at action that had a building weren't already approved and I've completed most of the works in the plans and now is time to have it signed off however some things in the plans were just completely wrong such as the boiler and humidity fan from the bathroom extracting onto the stairwell (it's a ground floor flat) so obviously i changed it to outside. It also had 3 built-in wardrobes and I only ended up building 1 they were in extremely stupid locations and would take up considerably more space than a flat pack from IKEA or similar. Anyway my question is do I need to alter the plans and resubmit to the council? I'm confident I can do it myself on sketch up after watching the video. Thanks
Presuming you don’t yet have a completion certificate (this should have been clear when the property was put forward for auction) then an amendment is possible but you may have issues if the changes you have made to do not comply with regulations, or you have done the work and deviated without complying with the guidelines. It also depends a bit on how your building control approval application was submitted, and presumably you checked at the auction process….. whether it was ‘full plans application’, or a ‘building notice application’, or a ‘regularisation application’ as each has a slightly different inspection and validation process.
@build-better-things sorry didn't make that very clear it was a building warrent and no the demolition was started and I still need to have them inspect it and get a completion certificate. Thanks I think you answered my question anyway I need to get it amended. The changes are minor and I can't see it being an issue unless there is some regulation saying I must have a certain number of built in cupboards?
@craig3415 Best of luck with it. From memory I think it’s approved document section M that applies for the space storage stuff but please correct me to help others here.
Hi. I made a video here that breaks it down in detail and gives you the figures. Architect for House Extension - How much? - Go cheaper instead? ua-cam.com/video/XoDcbZP8a28/v-deo.html Thanks for your comment
Hi big fan I have a terraced property and looking to rear single storey extension now left side neighbour already 4m extension right side neighbour no extension can I bypass 45 45 degree rule how much permitted is this terraced property )
Hi. Difficult to tell without seeing it. Every one is a little different. If ever I have any doubt, I just go for planning permission. Saves any hassle and allows you to get the heights you need.
Hello. Yes, see my other videos below. How much did I pay to build this HOUSE EXTENSION? Full price, cost breakdown ua-cam.com/video/Qk_1vCiicMk/v-deo.html How to COST and BUDGET a house extension - Pricing document download EXPLAINED ua-cam.com/video/uiSyqZ7X24A/v-deo.html
At 4.19 you mention a video about how much the professional fees may be but i can't find it, We have planning permission for our extension and have just contacted a design firm who would make drawings for a builder to go from - but say we'd still need a structural engineer, ground surveyor etc The process from here is quite confusing!
I’ve made recent videos about the fees for structural engineers and for architects. You could start here Need Structural Engineer for my House Extension | HOW MUCH will they cost? ua-cam.com/video/cxsB9OuxMfc/v-deo.html
@CamberKitesurfing no problem and sorry for late reply. The architect fees one was also relevant Architect for House Extension - How much? - Go cheaper instead? ua-cam.com/video/XoDcbZP8a28/v-deo.html
Hello, do you have any direct contact details, email? I would like to ask for your opinion on a design detail, I am at the early stages of thinking about an extension. Cheers Ross
Hi hope you all well many thanks for great video that explains everything in great condition I would like to ask you a big favour just for an advice for an extension to my own house if I can contact yourself directly would be much appreciated
Hello. You can contact me through my Instagram account and for sure I’ll get back to you. Check my “About” page on this channel and thanks for the comment.
These videos are gold dust!
Thank you.
Great videos, really helpful food for thought while trying to cut down the amount of outsourced cost for the extension we’re planning - thank you.
Thank you very much and it’s greatly appreciated. Best of luck with your project
Just wanted to say these videos are genuinely amazing, have helped expand our knowledge tonnes, thanks a lot!
Thank you for your comment and let me know if you’ve any questions
Thanks
Thank you very much. Let me know if you’ve any questions.
Fantastic video...just what I was looking for..
Thanks
Great video and has amazing explanations. Well done
Thanks a lot for your kind comment.
Hi mate. You just appeared in my feed and I’m hooked. These are really good and informative videos. I’m gradually getting more and more experienced at DIY and would love to buy a doer upper and have a go at extensions etc myself. Quick question on this video - are all these planning and permissions steps same in England and Scotland? I’m assuming you’re talking the Scotland processes?
Great question. Planning permission is pretty similar between Scotland and rest of uk, although different local authorities have different clauses, section 75 for new houses for example, where the developer often has to make a contribution to a local school or community scheme, that doesn’t apply here. Then there’s the culture and staffing of the individual councils, which makes it very unpredictable despite supposedly all councils following common legislation. Some council offices are great, others are run by buffoons . Permitted development criteria are different, in Scotland the height allowance is better so you can have a warm roof on your extension / garden room, in England you can’t. England and Wales Building regulations are parts A,B, C etc, whereas Scotland is 1,2,3,4 etc. Scotland has higher insulation requirements, because Scottish Government requires it, and there’s a few small differences in the regs such as space standards. The upload process will be different everywhere as each local authority throughout UK has its own portal. Thanks a lot for your comment
Hi, Your video is probably the best breakdown for an extension I have seen. We were planning to build an extension and the quotes from builders have increased by 30 %. I have done a tiny bit of DIY work in the past. I am contemplating starting the work myself and getting help where ever necessary. I have enrolled on some fast track programs like brick laying and roofing. These are only 5 day courses . Planning and design will be done by architect and their structural engineers. I can plaster . Do you reckon it is something a novice like myself can take on? What advise would you have for me? I was going to start by building a porch after the classes . Thanks
I think these short 5 day courses are ideal for the likes of brickwork. In my experience, a homeowner who knows how to do it in real life, start to finish through such a class, even if they don’t have much experience, they will do at least as good a job and sometimes way better, than an experienced tradesman, because of the additional care you will give your own place. Plastering is one of the few trades you do need a lot of practice in, but you’ve already got that. I think the most important thing is in the planning of the logistics, figuring out all the tools and materials you need, the order of tasks, deliveries, in advance of actually starting. I’ve made a video about the spreadsheets I use and how I forward plan in a few videos which you can see. Starting the day on your job, and your half an hour in, only to find your missing a key ingredient, or a problem you didn’t plan for, or important tool, usually means a day wasted and demotivated mind set. Repeat that over 7 days and you can understand why people might give up. It sounds to me like you have the perfect mindset and you’re ahead of the game. Go for it
@@build-better-things wow I wish I knew a 5 day course would teach me how to lay bricks, I feel I have wasted the last 40 years of my life as a qualified bricklayer😒
40 years experience indeed?? Impressive. Maybe with all that knowledge you might want to make some positive suggestion what he should do, if you disagree with me, instead of the sarcasm, given he’s looking for ideas and advice for self building his extension.
For what it’s worth, my advice would be to do the courses, see how you get on, and build yourself a shed first. You will either grow in confidence or realise it’s not for you, and either way you’ve learned something and made an informed decision. And hopefully any mistakes are made on the shed and not the extension if you do decide to do it yourself. An extension could be expensive to get wrong, and it may be more difficult to find tradesmen to resume what started out as a DIY project if you decide to get in help part way through. I hope that helps
Always get an architect on board if you can. They'll improve the property value by extracting more useable floor space, have design ideas that laypeople would never even think about and help to manage the stress by taking over lots of the project management. Considering their fees are not that high compared to the other consultants you need for a build I'm surprised more people don't use them
Thanks a lot for your comment. I made another video about this specific thing and explored the options and added value.
Architect for House Extension - How much? - Go cheaper instead?
ua-cam.com/video/XoDcbZP8a28/v-deo.html
@@build-better-things thanks very much. I’ll have a watch
great videos! any chance you can share the file you show at 11:30? love a good spreadsheet lol
You can get it here
How to COST and BUDGET a house extension - Pricing document download EXPLAINED
ua-cam.com/video/uiSyqZ7X24A/v-deo.html
Great video. For building warrant fee, how you estimate value of works if you’re doing it yourself?
For scale of fees for building control, you just need to demonstrate your logic in showing your costs, they only ask if you are silly with the predicted cost. And this needs to be net of vat, and you would not include for any luxury items that would go beyond the scope of building regulations , so basic kitchen rather than granite etc.
For predicting the value of your build, you can see these 2 videos
How much did I pay to build this HOUSE EXTENSION? Full price, cost breakdown
ua-cam.com/video/Qk_1vCiicMk/v-deo.html
How to COST and BUDGET a house extension - Pricing document download EXPLAINED
ua-cam.com/video/uiSyqZ7X24A/v-deo.html
@@build-better-things thanks, I found those videos after this they are a great help. I’m only looking at knock down of existing window and bifold door install so should be pretty easy, just add up all materials plus reasonable day rate for me. Whether I get it done in a single day or not…
Hello really love your UA-cam page and been enjoying watching all the videos as I've recently completed a house renovation myself I'm just looking for advice hopefully you can help
I bought a house at action that had a building weren't already approved and I've completed most of the works in the plans and now is time to have it signed off however some things in the plans were just completely wrong such as the boiler and humidity fan from the bathroom extracting onto the stairwell (it's a ground floor flat) so obviously i changed it to outside. It also had 3 built-in wardrobes and I only ended up building 1 they were in extremely stupid locations and would take up considerably more space than a flat pack from IKEA or similar.
Anyway my question is do I need to alter the plans and resubmit to the council? I'm confident I can do it myself on sketch up after watching the video.
Thanks
Presuming you don’t yet have a completion certificate (this should have been clear when the property was put forward for auction) then an amendment is possible but you may have issues if the changes you have made to do not comply with regulations, or you have done the work and deviated without complying with the guidelines.
It also depends a bit on how your building control approval application was submitted, and presumably you checked at the auction process….. whether it was
‘full plans application’, or a ‘building notice application’, or a ‘regularisation application’ as each has a slightly different inspection and validation process.
@build-better-things sorry didn't make that very clear it was a building warrent and no the demolition was started and I still need to have them inspect it and get a completion certificate. Thanks I think you answered my question anyway I need to get it amended. The changes are minor and I can't see it being an issue unless there is some regulation saying I must have a certain number of built in cupboards?
@craig3415 Best of luck with it. From memory I think it’s approved document section M that applies for the space storage stuff but please correct me to help others here.
Hi great vid, whats the average price for architect on a build this size thanks. Cheers
Hi. I made a video here that breaks it down in detail and gives you the figures.
Architect for House Extension - How much? - Go cheaper instead?
ua-cam.com/video/XoDcbZP8a28/v-deo.html
Thanks for your comment
@@build-better-things great thx
Hi big fan I have a terraced property and looking to rear single storey extension now left side neighbour already 4m extension right side neighbour no extension can I bypass 45 45 degree rule how much permitted is this terraced property )
Hi. Difficult to tell without seeing it. Every one is a little different. If ever I have any doubt, I just go for planning permission. Saves any hassle and allows you to get the heights you need.
Do you have a costing spreadsheet template ? Great content thanks
Hello. Yes, see my other videos below.
How much did I pay to build this HOUSE EXTENSION? Full price, cost breakdown
ua-cam.com/video/Qk_1vCiicMk/v-deo.html
How to COST and BUDGET a house extension - Pricing document download EXPLAINED
ua-cam.com/video/uiSyqZ7X24A/v-deo.html
At 4.19 you mention a video about how much the professional fees may be but i can't find it, We have planning permission for our extension and have just contacted a design firm who would make drawings for a builder to go from - but say we'd still need a structural engineer, ground surveyor etc The process from here is quite confusing!
I’ve made recent videos about the fees for structural engineers and for architects. You could start here
Need Structural Engineer for my House Extension | HOW MUCH will they cost?
ua-cam.com/video/cxsB9OuxMfc/v-deo.html
thanks for that!
@@build-better-things
@CamberKitesurfing no problem and sorry for late reply. The architect fees one was also relevant
Architect for House Extension - How much? - Go cheaper instead?
ua-cam.com/video/XoDcbZP8a28/v-deo.html
Hello, do you have any direct contact details, email? I would like to ask for your opinion on a design detail, I am at the early stages of thinking about an extension. Cheers Ross
Hi. Sure - you can contact me on buildbetterthings at gmail, or though my instagram account which is noted on my info page here on the channel
Hi hope you all well many thanks for great video that explains everything in great condition I would like to ask you a big favour just for an advice for an extension to my own house if I can contact yourself directly would be much appreciated
Hello. You can contact me through my Instagram account and for sure I’ll get back to you. Check my “About” page on this channel and thanks for the comment.