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Building your Extension - what do you need to know?
When you are thinking about building an extension, there are a number of things you need to consider.
Browse our articles and case studies below for advice and inspiration.
Extension Cost Calculator
If you want to get a feel for how much building an extension is iikely to cost, check out our Extension Cost Calculator for a rough guide to the costs involved
Building your home extension
What do you need to know?
Inspiring brickwork
Selecting the perfect brick for your project can seem a daunting task. Here are our top tips to get you started.
Build your own dream house in the countryside
Outstanding design is essential to build a one-off house in the country where permission would normally be refused
Make space for a laundry room
It’s the covetable space that make daily life easier
What can you build for your budget?
Building costs have soared since 2020 - so what can you build for your budget?
Five ways to build faster
Want to make sure your home extension is built as quickly as possible? We look at some structural systems that offer super-speedy builds on site.
How to have a happy build
Building contractor Grant Harrison explains how to run a site as smoothly as possible
Oak frame additions
Stumped for ideas on how to add space and light to your home? Discover the appeal of oak frame construction.
Building a home extension with structurally insulated panels (SIPs): pros and cons
SIPs can deliver ultra-fast build times and airtight, well-insulated homes but there are cons that need to be considered too.
BIPV: the next generation of solar PV?
Solar panels won’t win any beauty contests, but integrated systems can complement your home’s architecture while generating energy.
What to do if your builder goes bust
It’s a nightmare scenario but its always best to be prepared for the worst
How to choose the best insulation for your project
Find out more about the different types of insulation, their pros and cons
Roof tiles: the options
Which type of roofing tile should you choose? We run through the options
Pocket Doors – a good idea?
Space-saving and stylish – pocket doors can be a great option for small rooms and open-plan interiors alike, but choose your kit carefully.
Extending & renovating a listed building
Updating a building for modern life while retaining its original character
Fencing and gates: ideas and inspiration
From sculptural wrought iron to rustic timber designs, there’s a plethora of choice.
Just another brick in the wall?
Building with bricks – handmade or machine-made?
Renovating your basement: what you need to know
Carve out extra living space by digging deep into your basement
Focus on polished concrete vs resin floors
Are you struggling to select the best flooring for your home extension or garage conversion?
Creating an outdoor kitchen
An outdoor kitchen-dining area is a great way to upscale your garden. It offers an entirely new space to entertain as well as a different way to cook.
How do I make the house habitable while we are waiting for the builders to start?
If you are having to live alongside the disruption, what can you do before the work starts to make your house habitable?
How to draw up a contract with your builder
Use our top tips to help your home extension or renovation go to plan
Timber cladding: which wood is best?
Timber cladding is increasingly popular but choosing the right type of wood is often the hardest decision
How to cut the cost of your loft extension
Create your dream space without breaking the bank. How to find savings.
Building with polystyrene blocks – the latest technology
We are used to seeing polystyrene as packaging, but homes can be built out of it, too
How long does a loft conversion take?
Converting your loft into a home office or extra bedroom not only puts this space to better use: it could increase the value of your home and save the expense and hassle of a move. But how long does a loft conversion take?
Timber frame extensions: beginner’s guide
From build time and budget to design freedom – here’s what you need to know.
Do I have to use the same slate when redoing a roof or can I use tiles?
When it comes to your roof, slate looks great but it isn’t cheap. Unless you are on a tight budget, replacing like with like is usually the best option – and your local authority might make it a condition of signing off the work, too.
Getting rid of building waste
From a man with a van to skip hire and diverting waste from landfill – here are some top tips
Besides brick – how to finish your extension
Building an extension? Brick is a brilliant building material but it’s just one way to dress an extension. Check out these other options
What do I need to know when choosing bricks?
There are a number of things you need to consider when choosing your brickwork, such as colour, texture, laying patterns, mortar choices, building regs and cost.
Choosing new windows?
New windows can give your home a facelift, make it a more comfortable place to live and boost kerb appeal. Here’s what you should know when choosing new windows.
How to revive your drive
Ideas to transform old and tired looking driveways – and bring the kerb appeal back to your property.
Adding a two-storey extension
Are you looking for more space? Building a two-storey extension can transform your home and be an opportunity to update the exterior.
Top Tips for dealing with builders’ mess.
If you are staying put during a home extension, there are lots of things you can do to minimise the disruption and dust from building work
Ceiling height: ideas & inspiration
Ceiling height can make all the difference between a cramped room where you are feel boxed-in and a lofty, airy space
Creating a marvellous mezzanine
Building a mezzanine can be a surprisingly cheap way to maximise space and add value to your home
Garage conversions – a beginner’s guide
Garage conversions are one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to add living space to your home
Knocking down internal walls
Demolishing internal walls to go open plan can be a great way to update and improve your home
Should I move out while the builders are in?
Often the ideal solution to survive major renovation works is to move off site completely, but that is not always possible
What should I do if a builder refuses to finish a job?
If things aren’t going to plan and your builder has gone AWOL without finishing the job, don’t panic. Before you start shouting breach of contract, or calling in a solicitor, always assess the situation to see if your builder has actually walked off site
Should I go for a building firm or a one-man band?
When you are thinking of doing some building work, who should you hire? Do you use a large, established building firm or opt for the conscientious, more personal sole-trader to build your home extension?
I want to be eco-conscious for my home extension - what do I need to consider?
Building an eco-friendly home extension in today’s climate can be a tricky balance of trying to do the right thing while also keeping tabs on your budget
How to reduce disruption when extending your home
Here are our top tips to help minimise the impact of building work on you and your family.
Is your builder taking the biscuit with too many tea breaks?
Does it seems like only 30 minutes since your builders had their last tea break? Are you constantly peeking through the curtains to check they are not back in their van with a flask, or sitting on your driveway having another sup and a chin wag?
Building an off-street parking space or driveway
Parking is a huge problem in many areas and it’s likely to get worse before it gets better. There are more cars on the road and councils are clamping down on on-street parking even in residential areas. Building a parking space in your front garden makes life easier if your street is overcrowded but how should you go about it?
What builder speak do I need to know?
Every industry has its own niche phrases or specialist terminology and the building is industry is no different. Herringbone or basket weave? A chippie or a sparky? Your chimney rendered or point work?
RSJs - What are they and why do you need them?
RSJs are the reason your home extension will stay up! If you are considering any major structural changes or removing a load-bearing wall, you will need a Rolled Steel Joist (RSJ) installed.
How to choose a builder?
We’ve all heard scare stories of ‘cowboy builders’ who win work and leave the job unfinished. But the vast majority of builders are honest and hard-working. Here are our ten top tips to help prevent your dream home extension turning into a nightmare
Building projects adding most value
From an open-plan kitchen diner to a new garden room, how much value can be added to a home by building projects?
Is it better to do a home extension in the Summer?
Often the start time for an extension build is dictated by your builder’s availability. If they come highly recommended, chances are they’ll be fully booked well in advance and the best advice is to get them booked in as soon as you can. But if you are able to specify a date, is it better to wait until the summer to begin a home extension?
Who comes first: Architect or builder?
If you are planning a home extension it can be tricky to know where to start. Do you call an architect first or a builder?
Do you need extra Insurance?
Insurance may not be top of your to-do list, especially when other costs are starting to mount up. But you need to be aware of the different types of insurance, when you might need it and what it covers.
Things to consider before you knock down an interior wall
Demolishing the wall between a kitchen and dining room is a popular home improvement, but before you start swinging a sledgehammer, there are some important things to consider
What if things go wrong?
Building a home extension can be stressful at the best of times (and we don’t want to put you off) but even more so if things go wrong. What should you do?
A selection of case Studies
see what others have done!
Case study: skylight loft conversion
This loft conversion added two extra bedrooms and en suite bathroom – and its use has grown with the family
Case study: natural swimming pond
Charles built a chemical-free swimming pond in his garden as a DIY project. Here’s what he learned about going au-naturel
Case study: A rear kitchen extension
This 1950s terraced home was extended and updated with a modern kitchen
Case Study - Orangery on back of bungalow in Winchester
A case study detailing a couple's approach to adding an Orangery on to the back of their bungalow
Case study: A family home gains a spacious kitchen-diner and cosy snug.
From a series of small rooms to a light-filled, open-plan layout, this home has had a major makeover
New Garden Shed from Recycled Materials - a Case Study
A case study detailing how one home owner built a brand new garden shed using mainly materials left over from his extension
Case Study - Building a Summer House
Case study describing how one couple made the most of their outdoor space with a Summer House.
Case Study - hiring a builder
A case study on how one owner decided which builders to use for his extension
Case Study - How to save money on an extension or loft conversion project
A case study describing how one home owner worked out the best way to save money when working on a large extension project
Case Study - How to get on with your builder
A case study describing how one home owner worked out the best way to work with his builders
Case Study - Converting a garage and car port
A case study on how one home owner converted his garage and car port into an entertainment space
Case Study - Smelly Room? Nail through a Water Pipe!
A case study showing the need to be aware of all the problems that can occur - even a nail through a pipe can cause unforeseen problems!
Case Study - Garden Redesign
A case study detailing how one home owner redesigned his garden on a very small budget