Can I extend my house?

“I would like an Extension to my House” – that’s fine, but before we are able to help with your ideas, there are a few fundamental questions we must ask in order to consider whether an extension is feasible or economically viable for you.

The following short survey will help us to better understand your requirements and enable us to give you an informed opinion.

This survey does not cover loft conversions, which should be considered separately.  Click here to access our loft survey section.

An extension project can be divided into 4 phases

1.  Planning

Your project may require Planning permission, or Building Regulation  Approval, or both. You may undertake this initial investigation yourself by approaching the  Council with rough ideas of what you have in mind.

This survey will help in preparation for some of the questions the Council may raise. It would be wise to ascertain the likelihood of Planning approval being given before you start. If full Planning permission is required, you will need     proper layout plans submitted for approval. We can undertake this and submit on your behalf.

Similarly, once planning approval is obtained (or even before) it is wise to submit more detailed structural plans/specifications for Building Regulation approval, so the builder will have a comprehensive data base to work from. We can also undertake this aspect, and submit plans on your behalf. This will ensure that   subsequent estimated costs are based on structurally sound building practice.

You should now decide how much of the work you want a builder to undertake, and which aspects of the work you feel able to undertake yourself.   This is very much dependent on the budgetary constraints and your organising abilities/time to attend to these matters. It could be false economy to employ a builder to do the   shell construction work, with electrical, plumbing, joinery, and finishing trades by   others, as this could lead to extended timescales, and abortive work in interfacing all the requirements.

2.  Construction

This can involve excavations, demolitions, ground works, drainage, walls, floors, roofs, external doors and windows, and any structural alterations to the existing building. These should all be clearly shown on the plans.

3.  Services

Electrical, plumbing, heating, sanitary ware. Specification of these items can have an impact on the construction work and following trades.

4.  Finishings

Tiles/plasterwork to walls, floors, ceilings. Internal joinery, fitted cupboards / units, painting and decorating.

Of the above, each phase could take as long as the next, dependent on the approach. Good planning and attention to detail will shorten the construction time. Finishings nearly always take longer than expected.

Complete our online survey