A single storey side extension and a far from ideal approach to project management!!

In an ideal world all projects would evolve seamlessly through the initial site evaluation, design and discussion phase then pre-construction planning and regulatory compliance before movingly into a clearly structured construction programme. However sometimes things do not go to plan.

1) The Brief:

CN asked us to prepare a single storey side extension design to their semi detached home. This involved demolition of the existing dilapidated garage and dropping the 6m span x 2.8M projecting new build in the rather tight spot that was left.

2) Building Regulations & Planning Compliance. The contemporary design selected was to use an Ultraframe orangery style roof and included a knock through into the existing hallway. The projection off the side wall was less than 50% of the original width of the property and therefore fell within permitted development. No planning was required. However the decision to have a conventional internal door meant that the thermal break was removed and full Building regulations applied to the project.

3) The first wrinkle!

The ground beneath the garage was shocking and therefore deep foundations were required that exceeded the 900MM depth maximum under a standard contract. Additional reinforcement to the foundations was required. Nonetheless all progressed routinely with the slab installation and brickwork to eaves height. However a passing comment by one of the team about the foundations being suitable for a two storey extension if it was required later set the clients mind racing in unexpected directions.

4) The client came back to stop the work just prior to ordering the Ultraframe roof system. We were asked if we could change the whole design and go up an extra storey. THIS IS NOT the best way to plan a project. A two storey extension would require full planning consent. An existing design had been approved for planning within the last 5 years but our footprint was slightly different. In order to progress this we had to get a waiver and variation from the planning department and agreement on a new roof style which had to now be a conventional roof to integrate with the existing roof.

5) Getting on with it - After a six week delay to restructure the entire project and sort out regulatory compliance we started the build to the second storey. The project now approaches completion. Plastering and final electrical work will be done in the next few days but here are some pictures of the project as it progressed.