How to build a home extension #7: The build

We've reached the last instalment of our ‘How to build a home extension - PPCo’s practical guide’. Either you’ve read these blogs in order, and all in one go, or you’ve dipped in and out depending on what stage you’re at in your project (or perhaps this is the first one you’ve seen - if that’s the case, you’ve missed out on some riveting stuff. Why not check out the first instalment here and catch up!).

Anyway, if you’re now reading this piece, you’re hopefully at the point where you’re ready to begin your build. Exciting, huh?

Whether you’ve commissioned a builder or you’re building your home extension yourself, there are many aspects to take into account, before and during your build. Hopefully you’ve bagged yourself a reliable builder, therefore avoiding any problems with poor timekeeping, shoddy workmanship and a lack of health and safety on site. But, that’s not to say that things can’t go wrong on site, irrespective of how accurate your plans are or how un-cowboy your builder is.

Below we’ve outlined a few tips on how to minimise any nasty surprises…

Trial hole

We would recommend you dig a trial hole to determine the condition of the ground before beginning any construction work. If you come across any issues - such as unsuitable ground or existing footings - you can discuss them with your builder before any money has exchanged hands. If the extra cost is too high, you can stop, your builder can down tools and you can walk away before you risk getting into financial trouble. If the extra cost is something you can handle, though - remember how we talked about the importance of having a contingency budget? - at least you can factor it into your payment schedule and plan into it.

Unfortunately, a trial hole will not help to uncover any hidden drains (unless it’s hidden right by the trial hole - now that would be lucky!). If your builders do come across this on site, there will most likely be an extra cost and involve your building control officer and potentially the water authority.

Communication

Maintaining a good relationship with your builder will ensure that the job runs smoothly, with both sides remaining happy. Communicating often and thoroughly throughout the build will keep things transparent and open - with questions asked and answered promptly and any unforeseen issues dealt with quickly and professionally.

And of course, keep up with your payment plan but if there are any unexpected costs, talk to your builder to see if there is any flexibility around due dates or whether the extra cost can be divided into several payments, particularly if the extra cost is significant. Again, if you have a good relationship, your builder will be open to helping you out.

Party Wall

Something you may require, that’s separate to planning permission and building control, is The Party Wall Act, which comes into play if your extension involves digging foundations within 3m (sometimes 6m depending on the depth of the foundations) of the shared property boundary - or party wall; the boundary you share with your neighbour.

Compliance with the Act involves issuing your neighbours with notices and if they have any objections, a surveyor may need to get involved. If they agree, your building work can go ahead.

If you do not comply with the Party Wall Act, your neighbour can seek an injunction to stop you from continuing, especially if they are concerned that the works will have a negative effect on their home. Plus, if your works cause damage to your neighbour’s property, you may need to pay compensation

An approved Notice allows you to carry out the work, while protecting your interests as well as those of your neighbour.

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There are a couple of other things to keep in mind, before you start your build…

Extra demand on your services

Adding a house extension - particularly a bathroom or kitchen extension - will add demand to your current heating, electrics and plumbing. Your architectural designer should have discussed options and things to consider during the design stage of your project but before you start your build, it’s always a good idea to give your services a health check and make sure they will be able to cope with the extra demand (lighting, heating etc.).

Insurance

Your insurer should be notified before you begin the build; if they don’t provide cover during the works, others do provide dedicated extension products.

If you’re building yourself, you’ll need site insurance in place to cover the works. If you have a builder on board, be sure to check they have sufficient liability cover in place. Be aware that their insurance will likely require that the homeowner proves fault in the event of a claim.

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So that’s it, your full guide to planning, designing and building a home extension. Hopefully it will all go off without a hitch and you’ll soon have your new living space, ready to decorate and enjoy (after you’ve cleaned up all the dust of course!).

No matter what stage you’re at in your project, our team is here to help. If you need architectural design plans for an extension you’re planning, or you just need some guidance, please contact us on hello@practicalplanningco.co.uk or 0115 874 8570.