Property Development Project - Day 198

Celebrations over and it is time to consider the next move. What do I need to do?

1. Get plans prepared and a Building Regulations application in,
2. Select a shortlist of potential builders to quote for the work,
3. Draw up a specification and associated plans,
4. Do service enquiries to establish the position and depth of the main services (Water, sewerage, gas, electricity and telephone),
5. Do a level survey to establish the route for the foul drainage and the position of Soakaways for surface water drainage,
6. Dig a trial hole to establish the depth down to the subsoil and undertake a percolation test for the soakaways,
7. Appoint a Structural Engineer to design and specify the steels required for the extension plus any underpinning, and
8. Appoint a Quantity surveyor to prepare the build contract and undertake the contract tender.

So, there is plenty to be getting on with, however before all this I am not entirely happy with the design for the new house.

In doing the revised plans to please the Conservation Officer I feel that although they are workable they could be improved to make the house more saleable.

My real concern is with the position of the front door. Having it at the front of the house is fine and traditional, but it means that I have created a situation where the front door opens straight into the living room. In an old traditional cottage this may be acceptable but in a new house where I am hoping to get in the region of £300,000 for the finished product I am not convinced this is the right way forward.

So rather than rushing ahead and having to alter the design later when it will be more expensive and potentially create greater delays I will draw up some ideas and do market research among the local Estate Agents.



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