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House extension specialists - what you need to know

House and kitchen extensions can transform your property, and add significant value in the process. While they are demanding projects, with the right set of skills and expert knowledge, a specialist can make sure your extension runs smoothly and stays within budget.

But experience and attention to detail are crucial. Just think for a moment about the individual stages and trades involved in a house or kitchen extension. Planning and design, groundwork, brickwork, carpentry and joinery, electrical work, plumbing, plastering, decorating, potentially even roofing and glazing too.

Taking on a house or kitchen extension needs a specialist with a solid track record of transforming their customers’ homes to a high standard, as well as someone who can advise you along the way. An extension can be as much an emotional investment as a financial one, so you need a builder you have confidence in.

Look for a tradesperson or builder who is able to confidently and clearly communicate how they’d approach your project, rather than someone who’ll just “turn their hand” to the varied and unique trades involved.

A reliable and reputable extension specialist will give you a thorough plan for the project: how they’d assist you with the design and layout, the key phases and trades involved, a realistic completion date, and an accurate quote (which they’ll stick to).

Overall, it’s important to consider the scale of the project. Remember, you’re looking for a project partner rather than just a tradesperson.

Cost of house and kitchen extension work

Cost per m2

• Low: £1,200 per m2
• Average: £1,500 per m2
• High: £1,750+ per m2

How long does a kitchen extension take?

Ultimately, this depends on the scale of the project in question and the specification or finish you expect your extension to meet.

A basic single-storey kitchen extension could be turned around in 10 weeks, whereas a more-involved project could take 14 weeks or longer.

How long does a house extension take?

House extensions are usually larger projects – indeed, they could even feature a kitchen as part of the extension.

A two-storey extension consisting of a kitchen or WC on the ground floor and a bedroom on the first floor is likely to take at least 12 weeks to complete, while a larger-scale project with more rooms, floors or intricate features could take 18 weeks or more.

The qualifications your extension specialist needs

Given the breadth of trades that may be required to complete an extension, there can be a number of qualifications and accreditations involved.

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is an established and reputable association, but not every builder will be a member. Some trades will be able to produce their City & Guilds or NVQ qualifications, but as these aren’t formally required, plenty of perfectly competent professionals might not necessarily hold these.

However, there are some qualifications that are mandatory for certain types of work. Gas and heating engineers must be Gas Safe registered, while electricians should be signed up to NICEIC in order to commission your electrical work. You may also want to check that your builder adheres to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) best practices when it comes to risk assessment and safe working.

Planning permission for extension projects

Planning permission requirements will vary according to the location of your property and the surrounding buildings. There’s always the potential for grumpy neighbours to throw a metaphorical spanner in the works too.

Official guidelines are fairly easy to understand, but can include puzzling intricacies. No additional planning permission is required as long as the extension doesn’t exceed more than half the area of land around the "original house". You also won’t need to seek additional permission if your extension is no higher than your existing roof.

However, there are some restrictions it’s worth being aware of. You can find the full list on the planning portal website. Single-storey rear extensions, two-storey extensions and those conducted on properties facing a public highway will need to adhere to certain limitations.

Insurance for extension projects

Public liability insurance is critical, covering you for damage to your property caused by a builder. However, you’ll want to confer with your home or buildings insurance provider and let them know about the work to ensure you’re covered, too.

Home renovation and extension insurance is available from some providers, which may be worth investigating if your existing insurer can’t cover your work. Some builders may provide a warranty on their work too.

Questions you should ask your extension specialist

• Will they provide a copy of their public liability insurance?
• Can they provide a warranty for their work?
• Do they have examples of their previous renovation projects?
• Can they give you multiple references of recent extensions they’ve completed?
• Are they willing to assist with the planning and design phase?