For selfbuilder Carys and her family, their project has been an ongoing journey from a bungalow fit for retirement to a complete demolition and rebuild, all the while knowing that the value is in the plot rather than the bricks…
We had absolutely no intention of demolishing our bungalow when we first bought it in 2013. It was a standard, retirement style bungalow with questionable decor and it certainly wasn’t what we had imagined as our first home together. However, it was in a beautiful rural location and my father wisely told us that the value was in the plot, not the bricks, and encouraged us to imagine its potential. We enjoyed updating its interior, knowing that one day we would like to extend.
Seven years and two children later we enlisted the help of Matthew Jones Architects to draw up some plans for an extension. Despite coming up with a great design we realised that this would not satisfy our wish list without major structural work. After considering our options we went back to Matthew several months later and asked him to design a new replacement dwelling. Matthew immediately recognised our vision and designed our perfect house at first attempt, with only a few minor changes required. To our surprise the planning process was smooth and we were granted permission in November 2022.
Being complete novices to building, we took guidance from Matthew and his team and the following months were taken up waiting for structural design drawings and sustainable drainage designs (SuDS).
Navigating the SuDS process has probably been one of the most frustrating and stressful aspects so far. The initial proposed design would have taken a considerable chunk of our budget. Being in a rural location with no immediate neighbours, and having experience of living there for a decade, we did not agree with the proposed changes. After several discussions with the design engineer we were unable to reach an agreement and we made the decision to approach another engineer for a second opinion and another design. Following realistic discussions about the options and involving the local SuDS Approval Body (SAB) we were able to secure approval for a much more straightforward design. This whole process took months and we had to pay twice for drainage surveys and designs, but we estimate it will still have saved money overall.
One of the planning conditions, relating to the bat survey, was the requirement to complete demolition work between the months of November and March. We were keen to start work in early 2024, and so with the expert help of our quantity surveyor we had several competitive tender responses and were able to confirm the appointment of our building contractors in November 2023. The following two months were a hectic time of packing, decluttering and enjoying our last Christmas in the old house before moving out in mid January 2024. There were early delays due to snow and the unexpected finding of asbestos, but by mid February the bungalow was demolished; a bittersweet mix of emotions and excitement for what lay ahead.
We are now almost a year into the build and it’s been great to see the progress. We are lucky to have found a great building firm, who are project managing and are reliable, very tidy and friendly. We are currently aiming to finish in summer 2025 – it can’t come soon enough!
I’m sure we have much more to learn as the project evolves, but some of our main learning points and top tips so far are:
- Find a local architect and have a look at their typical style of design. They will be familiar with your local planning department and what they are likely to accept, which could save you a headache! They will also be able to recommend local building contractors and trades.
- Don’t underestimate the upfront costs before you even put a spade in the ground. The architectural and structural designs, drainage surveys and designs, ground surveys, ecological surveys, energy efficiency reports, to name a few, all add up. After all this expense we felt too far in to turn back!
- Don’t take recommendations at face value and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- For a big project, unless you already have experience, we would recommend employing a quantity surveyor. Although he or she will be an extra person to pay, we feel our QS has held our hands through the process and has helped everything run smoothly. Their experience and guidance in writing up the tender documents, drawing up contracts, monitoring costs and chairing monthly progress meetings is invaluable.
- Meet your builders before employing them. I’m sure that all the contractors who submitted a tender for the project would have done a great job, but it was so important for us to have a friendly, communicative team on board who we wouldn’t be afraid to call in the event of any problems.
- Have a healthy contingency!
To follow our progress, take a look at our Instagram @dyffrynconwy.new.build