Attic conversions or extension

Kash

Hello everyone,

I've trawled posts going back to 2007, and I'm still lost, so hoping someone can take pity on me and answer my questions!

With a growing family, our little bungalow is too small. We technically have a 3 bedroom but have converted one into a home office as we both work from home so not much room for feet to pitter patter.

I would love (ideally) to add a master bedroom with an ensuite and room for a superking, and one or two average size rooms (which would be play/hobby rooms)

Could I accomplish this within an attic conversion?
Would an extension would be better (or even a combination?).

I would also love to get a quote for the work, but I'm not sure if i should approach a builder or an architect first to get an approximate figure. It's like a chicken and egg scenario for me - I just don't know where to begin!

Any and all help greatly appreciated

BryanF

Kash wrote: »

Hello everyone,

I've trawled posts going back to 2007, and I'm still lost, so hoping someone can take pity on me and answer my questions!

With a growing family, our little bungalow is too small. We technically have a 3 bedroom but have converted one into a home office as we both work from home so not much room for feet to pitter patter.

I would love (ideally) to add a master bedroom with an ensuite and room for a superking, and one or two average size rooms (which would be play/hobby rooms)

Could I accomplish this within an attic conversion?
Would an extension would be better (or even a combination?).

I would also love to get a quote for the work, but I'm not sure if i should approach a builder or an architect first to get an approximate figure. It's like a chicken and egg scenario for me - I just don't know where to begin!

Any and all help greatly appreciated

a site specific survey is required
contact a local architect/arch tech
once you have a layout/scope of work a builder can price

Kash

Thanks so much BryanF!

Most of the reading I've done today indicates that an architect is typically paid a percentage of the construction price. As I wouldn't have a clue of the construction price until after the architect has scoped the work, how does that work in practice? Are there fixed fees for design only? (apologies if this should be in the costs sub forum now- feel free to move if so)

kilburn

Lots of architects charge a set for up to the planning stage and a different fee to supervise on site.

Kash

Thanks kilburn. I think the unknown of it all is what kills me, I don't know whether to expect a quote in the region of 20k or 120k. But I am firmly of the opinion that if I make any changes to the house then I want them to be ones I won't regret in 5 years time, so I'm happier to pay for an architect to design it.