Really fed up

[marathon]

We can't afford to move so thought we would get the loft converted, lots of our friends have had them done for £20,000 to £25,000 plus we would get a conservatory put on the back of the house been quoted just over £15,000 for complete job.

Taken measurements and the loft pitch is about a foot too low - I just know they will simply confirm this tomorrow lunchtime.

Don't think we can build over the garage as it's linked to the one next door and I'm guessing it would cost a lot more to do.

So I'm really cheesed off right now, can't even go to the lottie as it's raining

[bobleponge]

Gutted for you. Before I moved to France, the last Mme Leponge had hers done, was a fantastic space, think it cost about 25k, but money definitely well spent.

[janeyo]

Sometimes it is possible to put an extra couple of brick courses in to raise the levels so it could still be done. Depends on how high the other rooflines are around you and other factors, but don't despair yet!

[stella]

can you not just go for a bigger conservatory/ extension?

[marathon]

Sometimes it is possible to put an extra couple of brick courses in to raise the levels so it could still be done. Depends on how high the other rooflines are around you and other factors, but don't despair yet!

I'm not sure as we are in a semi. It just would have met all our needs for an amount my OH would agree to

can you not just go for a bigger conservatory/ extension?

Not really it would be 16ft x 10ft which meets our needs without making an impact on our garden.

The other important gain was bedroom space for the children by us moving into the loft

[SueA]

Maybe if you had a word with your neighbours you could build some kind of joint venture over both garages & it might work out a bit cheaper?

[marathon]

Maybe if you had a word with your neighbours you could build some kind of joint venture over both garages & it might work out a bit cheaper?

If only,

The garage side neighbour said she wasn't keen on the idea of an exstension and as their linked I'm not sure if we could do it without her agreement. The ones on the other side of our semi said to me one day "did I hear you were thinking about a sun room, just thought I'd let you know we would object, infact we would object to anything you wanbted to do"

We do actually really get on with garage side, a lady of 77 with 45 year old son and the other side we say hello etc but I've always found them nosey so haven't really wanted to get to know them too much.Both purchased the houses from new which was just in 1955 so I guess the idea of change is not one they like.

A loft conversion and the size conservatory I'm thinking off should mean they couldn't object.

[Incy]

Depending on the size of your house the conservatory you are talking about should not require planning permission only building regs so they won't be able to object unless you will be blocking their light. I'm not sure on the loft extension as we haven't had one done but think you will probably need planning for that and your neighbours will receive a letter advising them and will have the opportunity to object. At least that's what happened with our neighbours loft extension...

[pigletwillie]

Lofts are now included in the permitted developments too so depending upon size, stuff em, building regs only,

[marathon]

Depending on the size of your house the conservatory you are talking about should not require planning permission only building regs so they won't be able to object unless you will be blocking their light. I'm not sure on the loft extension as we haven't had one done but think you will probably need planning for that and your neighbours will receive a letter advising them and will have the opportunity to object. At least that's what happened with our neighbours loft extension...

My friends are having dormer window on back of house with sky lights at front and they haven't needed PP, it looks like the P rules changed 2008 and it seems when checking the web that as long as the dormer is on the back and the height isn't higher than original roof or has balcony no PP should be required. We all overlook each other as we're on a hill and most of the garden are leval with the first floor windows

[bobleponge]

I cant honestly remember for the loft conversion, but I'm pretty sure it was only building regs. I have no recollection of PP being required. Hers was a Victorian mid terrace, with no garage, if thats any help.

[pigletwillie]

Ours is going ahead as a building regs only job, no planning permission required.

[marathon]

Ours is going ahead as a building regs only job, no planning permission required.

apologies for being nosey, are you have an en-suite I'm not sure if to have one or not. We have already planned for a downstairs loo and had a shower put in one corner of the family bathroom.

[bobleponge]

We did have an ensuite in ours, and would definitely recommend if you do get the go-ahead.
There was a bathroom on the upper (later middle) floor, but it was a real boon having the shower and loo in the bedroom.

[weekendwellies]

it might be worth while employing an approved inspector if you are having troubles. They are very good at coming up with ways round these things and would cost very little compared to the amount you plan to spend on your alterations.