Home extensions and renovations Extensions: running the project
There's a lot to consider when building an extension
Building an extension is a complicated job, with a long list of key stages.
Planning the build
- Decide where you want the extension
- Work out your maximum and minimum budget, and how much you have for a contingency
- Create the plans for your extension
- Run the plans past your neighbours
- Apply for planning permission and building regulations approval
- Make any required changes to the plans
- Appoint contractors or sub-contractors.
- Agree with neighbours any times during the day you can start and finish the build
- Organise your current space to provide easy access for contractors and less disruption for yourself (for example, if you have a spare bedroom, consider making it a temporary sitting room away from the mess)
Construction
- Create the foundations, including drainage
- Build the walls
- Construct the roof
- Put in the windows and external doors
- Create internal partitions
- First fix electrics, plumbing and telecommunications
- Insulate the extension
- Finish the walls and plaster
- Install the heating
- Second fix electrics, plumbing and telecoms
- Fit internal doors, skirting and other carpentry
- Decorate and furnish
- Get appropriate certificates
During this time you will also need to sign off from building control.
Employing contractors and sub-contractors
You have a choice of using one company or main contractor to do everything for you from start to finish – including getting planning and building regulations approval – or you could bring in sub-contractors, employing an architect through to bricklayers, roofers and general builders.
