by Rowena Noble
A couple of years ago I embarked on an extension to my 3-bed semi which I had been considering for sometime. I was fortunate to be recommended both architect and builder.
Anyone contemplating such a project may be interested in the following:
It is possible to put an extra window on the side elevation if it is Collins style, single glazed and wooden.
It is possible to have either a pent or vaulted roof but the angle to accommodate the tiles is critical and must not interfere with the string course (the row of prominent bricks below the first storey windows).
I wanted to replace the upper windows at the same time as the new extension and this was accepted.
Sourcing bricks was unnecessarily tedious. I was asked several times to build a panel to show how the new bricks would look. I managed to avoid this and eventually a local merchant brought a selection for the conservation architect to choose from.
Roof tiles were another matter. The builder spent much time sourcing the correct tiles before one was considered a good colour match for the existing tiles. It was then discovered that they would not fit the roof; new tiles were found of a nonmatching orange which required a small piece to be removed from each tile. There followed a “discussion” between conservation architect and building inspector, the latter winning the argument because you cannot fit a roof that will leak.
There were many more issues concerning the sourcing of the back door, the material for the new drain pipes, the need to “age” the new bricks with charcoal and new decisions to be made every day.
I now have my shower room, a garden room and a much more functional kitchen.
Would I do it again? I really don’t know.