What type of building material for extension?

BoardsMember

Hi. We're starting to think about building an extension. Again! Previous plans were put on hold before they even got started. I have been watching various building programmes on television, as you do. One thing I have noticed more and more is the variety of building materials in use for the outer structure. And it does no seem to be that there is necessarily one "right" material for any particular project, i.e. a case could be made depending on the particular requirements/preferences of the client, the location/challenges of the location etc.

Our particular build looks like building a two story extension to the side of the house where there is currently a garage. The upstairs would have a smaller foot print to the downstairs. Downstairs would be approx 50 sq metres. Access to the side of the house is pretty easy.

So I've seen builds that use steel with insulated boards, pre-cast concrete, wooden structures etc, as well as breeze block.

At what stage would the material be decided upon, and by whom? Would it be the QS who would advise before you engage with architect, or would it be the architects decision, in conjunction with the clients preferences.

To me, tt seems to stand to reason that anything pre fabricated off-site should reduce the total build time but maybe that is not the case, or maybe in each instance of this, it would push up the cost beyond what blockwork would cost.

If people had some guidance. My plan is to get a QS on site first to discuss various general ideas we have for the build, and then decide on an architect. I'm a little scared of the architect part of the job, i.e. costly fees and how do you know which one to go with, and how do you avoid the various things you read about here - turns out to be the wrong architect, i.e. didn't "get" the brief but you owe them loads for the designs you want; they go way over budget designing to the brief; or whatever other issues might come up.

Anyhow, I'd welcome input regarding building materials, what might be recommended and why, and who controls this decision.

Thanks.

BryanF

BoardsMember wrote: »

So I've seen builds that use steel with insulated boards, pre-cast concrete, wooden structures etc, as well as breeze block.

1. At what stage would the material be decided upon,
2. and by whom?
3 Would it be the QS who would advise before you engage with architect,
4. or would it be the architects decision,
5. in conjunction with the clients preferences.

6. To me, tt seems to stand to reason that anything pre fabricated off-site should reduce the total build time
7. but maybe that is not the case,
8. or maybe in each instance of this,
9. it would push up the cost beyond what blockwork would cost.

10. If people had some guidance.

11. My plan is to get a QS on site first to discuss various general ideas we have for the build, and then decide on an architect.
12. I'm a little scared of the architect part of the job, i.e. costly fees
13. and how do you know which one to go with,
and how do you avoid the various things you read about here - turns out to be the wrong architect, i.e.
14. didn't "get" the brief but you owe them loads for the designs you want;
15. they go way over budget designing to the brief;
16. or whatever other issues might come up.

17. Anyhow, I'd welcome input regarding building materials,
18. what might be recommended
19. and why,
20. and who controls this decision.

Thanks.

1. Your brief, an architect (design/sustainability/suitability/quality), Qs (price/guarentee/availability) etc
2.you?
3. It usually goes archs design then Qs. But it's up to you.
4. It's your decision, your arch can advise this in terms of suitability/design/planning/building regs etc etc and your Qs may advise on alternates
5. Why don't you research these materials? Measure them by your own criteria, For example: What's your style ? Do you care about Co2 consumption? or 'conc hse better hse' propaganda
6. Is time your main requirement?
7. Is price? Or comfort? Or how carbon neutral the materials are?
8.
9. Your Qs &/or architect will advise. What's your house built from?
10.
11. Unconventional but up to you. How design orentated are you, are you interested in maximising floor space or making the best of space/flow/connections/views etc?
12.
13.
14.
15.
16. Would you be clear and concise with one of say 3 architects you interview?
17. Can you be more specific, perhaps you could use the search function and look at some other posts. Perhaps pick on or two materials and ask for the membership to compare?
18. As an arch tech I'd look to use/specify low embodied energy, low VOC's, local materials that are detailed appropriately/ fully and understood by your chosen tradesmen. + materials integrated to ensure low energy in the extensions/houses use.
19. Climate change, health etc
20. 2 or 5.

BoardsMember

Thanks a mill for taking so much time to answer in such detail. I'll add some responses when off the mobile/touch

BoardsMember

BryanF wrote: »

1. Your brief, an architect (design/sustainability/suitability/quality), Qs (price/guarentee/availability) etc
2.you?
3. It usually goes archs design then Qs. But it's up to you.
4. It's your decision, your arch can advise this in terms of suitability/design/planning/building regs etc etc and your Qs may advise on alternates
5. Why don't you research these materials? Measure them by your own criteria, For example: What's your style ? Do you care about Co2 consumption? or 'conc hse better hse' propaganda
6. Is time your main requirement?
7. Is price? Or comfort? Or how carbon neutral the materials are?
8.
9. Your Qs &/or architect will advise. What's your house built from?
10.
11. Unconventional but up to you. How design orentated are you, are you interested in maximising floor space or making the best of space/flow/connections/views etc?
12.
13.
14.
15.
16. Would you be clear and concise with one of say 3 architects you interview?
17. Can you be more specific, perhaps you could use the search function and look at some other posts. Perhaps pick on or two materials and ask for the membership to compare?
18. As an arch tech I'd look to use/specify low embodied energy, low VOC's, local materials that are detailed appropriately/ fully and understood by your chosen tradesmen. + materials integrated to ensure low energy in the extensions/houses use.
19. Climate change, health etc
20. 2 or 5.

Ok, so will probably try to get 3 recommendations for architects and work from there. Once we feel we have the right one we can talk to QS. I'd be happier with the QS managing the tender/project etc, and stick to the architect for the design element.

As regards design and space usage etc, we would be pretty demanding I think, i.e. we have a set of criteria that I think will be hard to meet, i.e. the need to get maximum use of existing rooms rather than just moving into the new space, incorporating new upstairs into existing upstairs, where to locate things like utility and storage, trying to get a snug room...so much. And we come to the table with lots of ideas and some drawing from before. Nightmare clients on the one hand, but patient and open minded too

I'll do some research on the materials. We'll be in this house forever, its a 1920 four bed block built house, so its important to get the thing right tather than done quickly. I think I'd just go with the architect recommendation, but performance/warmth/insulation would be important, cost too, time I suppose is not as important as getting the other things right.

BryanF

1920's.. How much have you allowed for the existing reorganisation/plumbing/heating/electrics/ insulation/ air-tightness/decoration?

BoardsMember

BryanF wrote: »

1920's.. How much have you allowed for the existing reorganisation/plumbing/heating/electrics/ insulation/ air-tightness/decoration?

Thanks. Yes I have a list of other stuff we need to get done. Look at some way of sealing floors. Some external insulation, somw internal. Insulating the roof, there is only an old layer of crumbling lime under the tiles at the moment.
Plumbing is ok, new boiler when we moved in. Need to rewire, fair amound decoration too. Also need to do some bits and pieces like gutters, pointing chimneys, lining one of them. When you say "allowed for", I haven't worked out how much we want to spend, so we may end up doing a single storey wotha view to adding a second down the line.