helped smooth the way and proposed solutions all the time.
Did you work with an architect at any point in the process?
Not directly, Plus Rooms liaised with their architected to get
the plans drawn as agreed with them, surveying happened
but we weren’t involved in the day to day.
the side to ensure the front room wasn’t shut off. Carefully
zoned the areas.
What was the vision and inspiration behind your new home?
We always intended to do an extension from the time we
originally moved in, the timing seemed right as we approached
Plus Rooms. Our inspiration from friends and the platform
Houzz.
How did you approach finalising your design brief?
We had it pretty clear in our head but our original plans
refused by the council, but in a way this was a good thing
as it made us consider more carefully options and we’re
delighted with the results.
How long did it take to gain planning permission?
It was 8 weeks initially, but when we resubmitted the plans
the response came back quickly so about 3 months in total.
The build
Were there any challenging aspects to the project and build?
We lived at the home through the project which wasn’t too
bad as Plus Rooms protected everything and made efforts
to protect us with a temporary kitchen arrangement. But
during a cold spell it was very hard to keep the house at
temperature so rather uncomfortable, but this lasted less
than 2 weeks.
Did you project manage the build yourself?
Plus Rooms handled the whole thing impeccably from end to
end, Alex was simply marvellous! He kept us in the loop but
How did you approach material and product specification?
Braverman Kitchens made things very easy. They, like Plus
Rooms, were introduced to us through friends who had
done a very large project which we loved. Again, we knew
what we wanted so it was great to see the plans come about.
Other items such as door handles, doors, light fittings were
all chosen either online or through seeing them at friends
property. We checked everything with Alex to ensure the
spec’s matched. The floor tiles came from Kettering and we
visited, we’d originally had seen them The Grand Design’s
Show in Docklands.
Are there any particular materials that you would
recommend to others looking to renovate or self build?
We really love those floor tiles from Tiles To You, in
Kettering. They are porcelain 1.2m. The underfloor heating
was a definite must.
How long did the project take and was it the timeframe that
you originally predicted?
It took 12 weeks for the build, but the finishing which
included the kitchen install, décor and floors took quite a
bit longer. We went away for Christmas and we didn’t want
the work being done while we were away, so things were put
on hold briefly hence the slightly longer timeline.
When was it completed and how long before you moved in?
We lived through the whole thing made easier by the
temporary kitchen and sealing of works area that
Plus Rooms did for us, to ensure the dust didn’t travel
throughout the house.
Did you remain within the original budget and if not what
were the unexpected costs?
We had to pay more as we had to dig down deeper at
foundation level and secure ground before the build could
happen – this added another £18,000 to the overall cost.
But there was nothing else unforeseen.
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