Making Plans ... Part 2
With the first plans finished and planning granted, all looked good as we awaited the detailed building quote from several builders.
Here's the final floor plan of the first plan. It had got to 137 square meters enclosed area and a total of 187 square meters including the decking. Then of course there was a very large mezzanine above. Only one bedroom, but availability for another bedroom extension quite easily. Very spacious, but a lot of area used by entrance, hallways and corridors, large utility, bathroom and dressing room. Lovely feature staircase leads upstairs. Wow... but...
Now before we go on, it is worth reiterating that getting to this stage took months; we had been through many versions of the plan before arriving at the definitive floor plan, along with detailed build specifications, electrics, water, lighting,finishes etc.
This is one of my renders of my architect's final design from the plan illustrated above. I was having some serious fun with Chief Architect Software. But ...
Another of my renders, yes, I was getting quite good at this..if I say so myself :)
When the quotes came it was a bit of a shock. We had gone over budget by about 80,000 Euros on the most expensive quote and 50,000 on the best quote. Time stamp July 2017.
Oh dear. Essentially not affordable. There's no blame for this; my architect had his dream plan, and I got a bit carried away with the size of the mezzanine and decking. Between the two of us we hit a fair few more square meters than intended, along with some seriously arty type architectural tricks and features. I'd also specified some trick finishes.
I had got carried away - there are beams, stone fireplace, many huge glass doors... impressive kitchen / diner, massive decks... 'erm... someone put the brakes on - ah, that will be the builders quote then. Bump. Bump. Bloody Bump.
Also, build prices had increased from the expected 1000 Euros per square meter, and I'd been a bit fussy on the finishes... and of course Brexit had its big effect on the exchange rate, so the pound wasn't buying what it had when I first thought of buying in the Azores. This aspect has been a particular annoyance to me!
As we can see, the value of the Pound against the Euro fell off a cliff edge with the Brexit Vote. Nutters. This sort of devaluation of the currency seriously affects your buying power. And of course, the value of any future pension...
Now, it's easy to get to feeling down about this sort of thing. I did indeed feel pretty gutted for a while. But I knew that if the cloth had to be cut, then there was indeed plenty to cut away at.
You think to yourself "What do I really need to enjoy my own place? Do I need a supermassive everything?" Of course not! I'm a single guy (currently; application by email please ladies). A house for two would be perfect. Space for guests could be found, if required.
If we look at the average size of a two or three bedroom semi in the UK, you'll see they are actually tiny! My current down stairs living area is about 50 odd square meters, two small bedrooms and a bathroom above to match... so 100 square total living space, and much of that is not used beyond storage and sleeping. I've got a converted loft, but that is used as a dump for studio gear!
RIBA has this to say:
"The average UK home - including older and new-build properties is 85 sq m and has 5.2 rooms - with an average area of 16.3 sq m per room.
So I asked my architect for advice on where to go... this resulted in a cut down version of the first plan. Now, that's not so good, because when you have your heart set on 'The Big Version' looking at a smaller version tends to disappoint. I was also aware of the investment of the extra time and any potential additional cost. Before full drawings of an adapted plan, or even a new plan, an opportunity presented itself... by now it was August 2017. Time flies...
Here's my render of the cut down version of 'The Plan' - the big front deck had gone, along with the wrap around walkway, the stairs had gone, ditto the upstairs studio (to be replaced with a little cubby off the living room) The halls had gone. Everything was tightened in. Although not bad by any means it was not grooving me in the same way. Outside inspiration was required... just like "rip it up and start again"...
Next Up .... Making Plans ... part 3 (Solution)
