To renovate or rebuild?
mortaff
3 years ago
Sponsored
Reload the page to not see this specific ad anymore
We have a traditional detached cottage, basically 2 up, 2 down. It has had render on it since at least 1930 covering what we think is local sandstone. I guess the render stopped the building breathing so it is a battle to keep the damp out. I don’t think it has a damp course either. We are suspicious that the stone and mortar has degraded but are a little afraid to investigate too far as there are more issues with the cottage which may well make it better to start again. All 4 downstairs doorways are a maximum of 5’8’’ (one is 5’6’’) kitchen ceiling max 6’ and the living area max 6’ between the ceiling joists. Upstairs height is good. The roof is slate and will need to be replaced if we can extend the upper floor into the unused upstairs space (property has a long sloping roof on one side) and the chimney end of the house leaks substantially.
I am confident that this would fail building regs now! However, we want to retire and spend the rest of our life there so it needs to be right for us. It’s not a pretty cottage but has provided shelter for most of our family and others over the years.
Would I be best advised to get a structural survey first and where do I find a reputable one? I would be grateful of the benefit of someone’s experience as I am a total novice having seen other projects spiral out of control and people loose money but have nothing in return.
What I would like is to rebuild the cottage, utilising as much of the original footprint as possible plus adding a ground floor extension of a kitchen, ground floor bedroom and bathroom. Current kitchen is 2 x 1.5 mts. Property is in Herefordshire so advice from anyone with experience of dealing with this planning department would be gratefully received!
I have had an architect around to see it and am waiting for a list of their fees and a plan ahead. What I don’t want to do is try to renovate only to have to spend more time and money knocking it down, resubmitting plans and so on.
Apologies for waffling...........
Thank you for taking the time to read this!
Reload the page to not see this specific ad anymore
Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. By clicking ‘Accept’ I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking ‘Manage Preferences’.
OnePlan
Ellen Utley Interiors