PPCo Guide: How to build a home extension #7 - the build
Updated for 2021/22
This article is the seventh (and final!) in our new PPCo Guide: How to build a home extension - a series which will take you step by step through the process of designing, planning and building your extension.
We’ve now covered the very initial stage of planning a home extension, the design stage, planning permission, building regulations, finding a builder and the different finance options.
And in this final instalment, we’re looking at the build itself - what you’ve been waiting for!
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 (exactly why having a contingency is a good idea!), 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 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.
Other things to consider:
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.
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!).
If this is the first article you’ve seen in this guide, why not check out the first instalment here and catch up!).
And no matter what stage you’re at in your project, our team is here to help. If you’re based in the East Midlands and you’d like to book in with our Nottingham team for a free, no obligation design consultation, please give us a call on 0115 874 8570 - or hit the button below.
If you’re not quite ready to get started, or you’re based elsewhere in the UK, please feel free to check out the rest of our Advice Centre - and connect with us on Instagram and Facebook for tips and inspiration.