ᐅ Renovation and Extension of a Detached Single-Family House (Two-Family)

Hello,

I am planning to renovate and extend a house that has been in our family for a long time and is in an ideal location (only one neighbor on the left and three across the street) within the next one to two years. The house is currently unlivable (holes in the roof, deep cracks in the exterior plaster, no heating, old wiring).

Unfortunately, I have no idea where to find inspiration or how to start with the planning process.

I have already taken measurements and started modeling the house using Google SketchUp.

Goals:
- Two separate apartments (regardless of whether access points are relocated)
- Both designed to be age-appropriate, as I will be caring for my parents when they are older
- Preserve the garden at the back or on the left side
- Keep the vaulted basement and two half-basement cellars for sure
- Affordable heating system (possibly a water-cooled wood stove/gasifier combined with gas thermal heating; wood supply is not an issue for us)

Apart from the masonry work, about 80% of the remaining work will be done by myself.

I know the structural integrity will be challenging, but first, I want to gather ideas on what can actually be done to achieve these goals. I don’t want to hire an architect yet who might create something I don’t like and cost me around 6,000€. That’s why I want to be able to show him one or two directions beforehand.

Where can I find ideas for a project like this?

How do you intend, as a layperson, to give someone guidance on the direction to take?

Usually, with old houses, only the basic framework is retained and a new structure is built around it or on the existing foundation. So, you need a structural condition assessment and an architect’s plan.

Either you spend the next few months acquiring technical knowledge from specialized literature (modernization, renovation, extensions, and conversions), gathering plenty of ideas from photo books, magazines, and websites, so you can then discuss your thoughts with a trusted contractor, or you bring in professional expertise right away.
That said, if you already lack creative and solid ideas and the imagination needed for practical implementation, you might be missing exactly the understanding required as a self-builder.

By the way, it’s important to first check how the local zoning plan/building regulations might affect any extensions.

Thank you for your contribution and your valuable time, (but even as a layperson, one is still the homeowner).

I would like to emphasize the premise of this post once again:

Looking for ideas and inspiration for such houses and objectives > WHERE to find them (if they exist at all in secondary literature)? I thank all interested parties for their support and assistance.

There are architects and draftsmen in abundance—of varying quality for every approach. This is purely about brainstorming ideas, which is why I registered in a forum, to later select the appropriate expert.

Very interesting project, at least to me as well 😉

I’m planning something similar and am still in the early stages. Unfortunately, I can’t share much about idea development since I have a friend who is a draftsman who came up with a few initial designs, which we then refined based on my/our preferences. With these plans, I’m now approaching several construction companies to coordinate with them...

But as I said, maybe you could share some occasional updates on your progress? I haven’t read much in this forum about extensions, conversions, or adding additional floors in general.

@Koempy: I can believe that, but a simple two-family box-style house isn’t always appealing, and with the land prices here, I have to make the most of the available space…

@ E-Curb: Actually, various ideas are missing on what could be done here (as long as structural engineering, building regulations, and the local authority allow), the goals are as mentioned above. I’d like to preserve some of the old building and possibly create a solid two-family house with a new floor plan by adding a story and an extension, so that I might be able to care for my parents in 10 years and my children won’t face the same situation I’m in now… If I get some really good inspiration, I can also convey my wishes better to the architect.

I wouldn’t start building before summer 2015/spring 2016, but over the next few months things should become clearer.

One option often suggested is to demolish and build new, but then I’d lose the usable floor area because I’d have to set the building back. The house currently sits directly on the curb. The plot measures 19m (62 feet) by 21m (69 feet) and the municipality is the neighbor on the right and at the back, where no building can be erected for reasons of respect.

Thanks again for your interest in this thread.

I also find this terribly difficult to imagine, as it is not at all clear which side it might be possible to extend on.