NotMyName

Hello, I'm looking to build a simple one story permitted development rear extension to the back of a semi-detached house. Please can anyone recommend an architect who could draw up the plans for my builder? I've also heard that there are private building inspectors that can draw the plans and also sign off the property (i.e. instead of using the council building control inspector) - does anyone have any experience of this? Many thanks.

Hi all, I'm just thinking of setting up as a sole trader and would like to use an accountant for advice etc. If I approached one of the accountants mentioned above, what sort of fee would I expect them to charge? Cheers.

Thanks Se7enhills, Unfortunately there's a shared drive to the side so we can only build backwards. There is a garage to the rear (about 4 meters back from the existing house). I'm thinking of taking the roof off half of it and turning it into a gazebo/BBQ area and using the other half as storage. Do you think adding an extra shower downstairs will add to the saleability of a family home, or would it be best to just stick with the single small bathroom upstairs? ---------- Post added 21-06-2014 at 15:47 ---------- *downstairs shower.

Hi Alice, I'm refurbishing it to be sold, so I want it to appeal to a family.

Thanks Se7enhills, I looked into using the attic space but unfortunately there's no headroom. Thanks Hippogriff, I've spoken to a few people offline and opinion is mixed. I'd be grateful to hear some more opinions on here. Kind Regards, NMN

Hello! I was going to try and post a poll about this but can't figure out how to do it... so I'll just as the question: I've recently bought a 3 bedroom semi. It's in a terrible state but it's in a good part of Sheffield. It has two large reception rooms, a small kitchen, tiny bathroom, bedrooms are good size but couldn't be any smaller (i.e. can't extend bathroom into one of them), and has a large back garden. I'm planning on building a 3m single story extension to the rear to create a kitchen/diner. The existing kitchen would then become a utility room. It already has second toilet under the stairs. The only problem with the property is the small size of the bathroom. I've been looking at a number of options based upon the principle that it's really useful to have x2 washing areas to avoid the morning rush caused by a family of 4 sharing only one bathroom... Options: 1) Put a second 'spa bathroom' downstairs where the current kitchen is, instead of a utility room. I know downstairs bathrooms aren't ideal, but as it's a second bathroom would this be appealing? 2) Just put a shower area in the downstairs utility room. 3) Just put plumbing in for a downstairs shower incase the next owners want to decide for themselves. 4) Forget a second washing area and just make the upstairs bathroom really high spec (this would be difficult as it's tiny - i.e. bath, toilet and WHB are all cramped together). Your thoughts please? Kind Regards, NMN

Hello, I'm new to the forum and this is my first post. I've completed a couple of property refurbishments and I'm looking into doing this full time. Can anyone recommend a good accountant that can advise me of whether to set up as a sole trader or a limited company, and also deal with my tax returns etc? I've had a very brief search on t'web and Sheffield's easyaccountancy's website pops up first, but they look expensive at £30/month + VAT. I'm sure a pal of mine in Doncaster only pays something like £200/year. (I'd rather have someone on Sheffield). I've got loads more questions I'm afraid, but I'd like to clear up my tax status first. Kind Regards, NMN