Help does anyone have any suggestions?

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

We are in a very difficult situation. We had estimates earlier in the year for a modest 2 storey extension(see proposed plans), all four estimates were between 70-75k including vat (without kitchen, bathroom, floors or decorating). Since securing our planning and remortgaging our house the quotes we have now been given are between 105-113k (without kitchen, bathroom, floors or decorating) which we can't afford this and even if we could we don't think our house would be worth that investment at the end. We are now stuck with a fixed mortgage for 5 years. We feel really frustrated and understand that building materials have gone up in price but surely not by 50% in a matter of months. We have a 2 year old and a 1 year old and our current set up just doesn't work for us. Our kitchen is tiny which means we can't see the children properly whilst cooking or in the garden and we have to do our washing outside in a small outbuilding (see plans). Storage is a big issue for us. We also don't have central heating either and our bathroom needs ripping out. We have a large garden which we would like to be able to utilise more. Does anyone have any clever ideas of how to use the space we have and be able to utilise our large garden? Our original budget without finishes was £82,000 (but is obviously much less if we don't do any building work) Thanks in advance!

Comments (5)

sarh123
2 years ago
We had the same experience with estimates escalating -we spoke to the two builders we liked and talked through how we could bring it back within budget. It turned out that there were some design features which involved a disproportionate amount of structural work and other money saving simplifications. We also shopped round for windows, roof lanterns etc. We didn’t quite get back to the architect’s initial estimates but brought it back to a sensible amount and are delighted with the result.
Sophie thanked sarh123
sharon sutton
2 years ago
Read some articles in Home building and renovating magazine to find the most cost effective ways to extend.
A smaller extension and internal remodeling with an emphasis on storage and multi functionality could be the way to go. Maybe later you could add a garden room or structure. Find an architectural technician who specialises in remodeling. You have a lovely house to work with.
Sophie thanked sharon sutton
Related Discussions
Please help. I need suggestions for exterior redesign of house.
Q
Comments (15)
hello bonnielynn75 and THANK YOU! your comment put a smile on my face re the red on the interior side of the door. It IS red on the inside as well, he insisted on that when we purchased it. no one here has it red on the inside and I wanted it to be white on the inside. do you see my dilemma?;) I agree with everything you are saying, I suppose this is the reason why so far I was not 100% sure about the black for the door either, although I like black...Agree, there is too much wall and I find the house to be looking a bit 'bland' and would like to change that. I LOVE shutters, but read somewhere that you never put shutters on wide windows, so got unsure about that, too...but perhaps just the one as I stated earlier. Would the color on that shutter be the same as the door (if I ever settle on a door color)? Unfortunately window boxes are not an option as we have quite a few cats and they may be used as litter boxes;) please don't tell me to get rid of the cats;)... Regarding the stoop (entrance) : we need to add another step (made of cement) on top of the existing step: it was removed when the new door was fitted. We were thinking of putting slate tiles or something dark to match the roof, if that makes any sense.... It is porous cement so unsuitable for painting, I think. What place in Ireland did you visit, we are close to the Irish Sea in the country surrounded by sheep;)...
...See More
Any Help with updating kitchen greatly appreciated
Q
Comments (11)
Hi PCmom, sstarr and lefty47. Thanks a million for the comments and views. I'm taking it all on board. PCmom I like the frosted glass idea but I think it will block too much light. We are actually thinking of doing this though in our front sitting room as the window is floor to ceiling. Love the recycled lumber idea and it looks great in the photo - think my husband is hell bent on steel shelving though. sstarr - I'm gonna have a look at your profile pics now but I don't think we will have enough wall space for floor to ceiling pantry. lefty47 we are keeping the appliances for now. It is only the oven - its not the prettiest but its functional and we will most definitely get a new fitted one in the future. There are a few other pictures there of the room around and the left wall - can you not see them? If not I can try and add them again. I'm glad you liked the toilet paper. It took me ages to decide where to place that! What does everyone think about colours of the cabinets? I think we might go for a neutral tone on the wall (unless anyone can visualise anything better?) and either with the steel shelving or possibly the recycles ,lumber idea from PCmom? Thanks for your time guys :)
...See More
Any suggestions for finishing my kitchen/living room
Q
Comments (592)
Hi ...Zaz I am not sure what went on here in Houzz .... While I have been away ..(sneezing coughing sweating) Whatever it was Move on from it !! as best you can ... Otherwise these things eat away at you ... And being on a downer that's not good for anyone ..........including you .... You have a Talent truly you do Lots see it ...... Even if you can't ....... So Put it toooooo good use If not for yourself ........ Then for others so they might enjoy it Seeing others smile from Something you have done Is gift.... I know I love toooooo Give that gift of a smile ..... Be it from writing or resisting my Poems Playing my little ukuele Painting So dust yourself off there's work toooooooo be done :@) Get your a@£& In that kitchen ... Today is the start of a new and better year ...... Of which only You Can make happen !!
...See More
I have a small; balcony in my apartment. any idea for planting
Q
Comments (3)
I would grow one or two evergreens in pots so you have some winter interest and then, depending on how sunny your balcony is in summer, try some herbs as previously suggested and also tubs of edibles such as tomatoes and strawberries. Depends how much time you have to look after the plants. Things like pelargoniums are colourful and thrive on very little watering, but won't last through the winter.
...See More
88wj88
2 years ago
The shortage of building supplies has led to a large increase in cost in what supplies are available. Perhaps you could scale back the extension and extend upwards from the kitchen to make enough room for an upstairs shower room. and open up between the kitchen and dining room to make a kitchen diner, and use space under the stairs for a tiny utility. If you have any money left over, put in a garden office for more space, if it still feels tiny and then sell the property for something bigger, but you will have added a lot of value to get something more suited to your family.
Sophie thanked 88wj88
Daisy England
2 years ago
They’re not misleading building estimates but an estimate is just that … an estimate not a firm quotation.

Being in the construction industry myself we too have problems getting customers to realise just how fast materials and prices are increasing. We now only offer a 14 day validity so we can TRY and purchase at the same cost that we have allowed for in our customer’s quote. We have even been quoted a price in the morning and then when we have gone to buy the items in the afternoon they've gone up again.

Perhaps you can get the shell done and then do the finishing touches when funds have been replenished.

These are very difficult times for customers and traders.
clarekelly2002
2 years ago
Just do a single story extension
How many bedrooms do you have?
Focus on doing a really nice kitchen extension and doing it well.
Put in place the steel to do an upper extension
Come back in 10 years when youve saved up and do the upper extension or else the attic instead

Help does anyone have any suggestions?

Comments (5)

sarh123

sharon sutton

Related Discussions

88wj88

Daisy England

clarekelly2002

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US