How to Plan a House Extension

Building an extension in your home can completely transform the way that your home looks.

It can take small rooms in your house and create spacious areas that make your home feel so much more expensive.

However, undertaking a home extension is a significant project that requires careful planning and preparation. 

From navigating design considerations to understanding construction requirements, there’s a lot to tackle even before the actual work begins.

In this guide, I’m breaking down how to plan a house extension so you can go into this process knowing what to expect!

Photo: House & Garden

When Should You Plan a House Extension?

There is no particular time that you should plan a house extension, however, you’ll probably want to avoid starting the extension in the winter.

Depending on where you’re based, the weather can largely affect how quickly the work is completed. There may also be points in the extension where electricity is turned off so you want to ensure that you’re not freezing inside your house!

Timing also depends on factors like obtaining planning permission and the availability of your chosen builders, which might leave the start date out of your control. 

However, if you have the flexibility, early spring is often an ideal time to begin. The milder weather conditions can help keep the project on track.

Photo: Dezeen

How to Plan Your House Extension

Now that you know when to plan your house extension, this is what you need to consider.

1. The Purpose

The first thing you need to consider when planning a house extension is what the purpose is.

Maybe you want to build a conservatory to enjoy the spring and summertime or maybe you’re planning to build extra rooms to accommodate a larger family.

Getting clear on what parts of your house you want to extend is the first step in the design process.

Photo: Fifi McGee

2. Getting Permission

When building a house extension, you may need to receive permission from your local council.

Also, you’ll need to take into account how the extension may affect your neighbours. Having an early conversation with them to discuss your plans is a great way to ensure that there won’t be any problems.

This may feel a little uncomfortable but the clearer that you get with your neighbours the fewer issues you will run into in the long run.

Photo: Pexels

3. Set a Realistic Budget

Before diving too deeply into the house extension process, it’s essential to determine your budget. 

Ideally, you’ll fund the project with your own savings, but if that’s not an option, financing through credit cards or bank loans is also available.

If you’re considering borrowing, take the time to carefully evaluate these options before committing. 

Whilst loans can make the extension achievable, the repayments can add up quickly.

Proper planning will help ensure your project stays within budget and aligns with your financial goals.

Photo: Pexels 

4. Hiring a House Extension Designer

When wondering how to plan a house extension, you’ll need to hire a house extension designer.

It is important to choose an architect who really gets your lifestyle and family life and what you do and don’t want in an extension.

I suggest shopping around for a little bit and even potentially looking for recommendations from people who have had their own successful extensions. You could start off at Design For Me. 

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5. Hiring The Right Building Team

Just like hiring an architect, hiring the right building team is essential.

If you can find recommendations from other people who have had great experiences, you should do that.

It’s even worth considering working with an interior designer as they may have contacts you can use.

Doing your research and speaking with a variety of building teams is your best bet here. You want to make sure to compare prices and suggested length of time for the work before you choose the team for you.

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio

6. Hire a Project Manager

Sometimes a project manager can be within the building team, but if not, you’ll need to find one.

With a dedicated professional managing the project, you’ll have someone consistently monitoring progress, addressing issues and ensuring everything stays on track!

Photo: Darina Belonogova

Key Takeaways on How to Plan a House Extension

Those were all of the foundational steps on how to plan a house extension.

From finding the correct building team to consulting with your neighbours, there is a lot that can go into this process!

However, once everything is in order, you can extend your home and have so much more space to enjoy!

Oh, and when you finally get to design and decorate the new space in your home, it makes it ALL worth it!