Blue Chips
Forum Supporter
- Messages
- 529
- Location
- Maine, USA
I guess we're a bit spoiled here. If all of the plans are in order, I would expect to get a building permit for a residential structure like a house approved within two weeks or less. Larger commercial projects would usually be subject to more review and could take longer. As to costs, we're in more or less the same boat here. I suspect that some materials might be a little cheaper here, but labor might be somewhat higher. Some friends of ours just had a very nice oversize two-car garage with an 11-foot ceiling height built for about $70K USD for everything, including the slab, driveway paving, wiring, insulated door, and accessories, but it's not heated, and it's only partially insulated. I suspect, however, that if we shop around, we could shave some off that price, and further savings possible if I do my own wiring and heating.About 6 - 10 months on average for the whole process.
I want to apply now and I plan on taking down mature trees at the back of my house. Getting planning now will be easier with them still standing. There is a new Laurel hedge coming up behind the trees anyway.
Plus there is preparation work such as internal house alterations and Utility room refit into my original boiler room before the old single skin wall Utility room can be demolished.
Besides all that there is a small matter of paying for it all! Materials and steel are very high cost here the past few years. So I'd say this will be £40k or so of materials & labour for the odd very minimal pro I need to get in. I would rather do most of this myself as I go.