What Are the Stages of Planning an Extension?

Stages of Planning an Extension

An extension is a valuable addition to any home. You can use it for so many things, from additional living spaces to extra storage. However, before you can dive into the process, it’s essential to understand the stages of planning an extension.

What is an Extension? Is It Worth It?

Many homeowners choose to add extensions to their homes because they need the extra square footage – whether for additional family members or simply for storage. However, extensions provide more than instant gratification to homeowners. For example, extensions can prove beneficial and add significant value when it comes time to sell a home.
In fact, one study showed that an extension, when done correctly, can add up to 23% to the value of your property! Another report stated that adding a home office extension could lead to a 43% increase in value, while an additional bathroom could increase your home’s value by approximately 78%.

What Are the Stages of Planning an Extension: Everything You Need to Know

Knowing the stages of planning an extension is the first step to a successful project. Of course, depending on who you are working with, the number of stages can vary. However, there are several primary stages of planning a home/room extension that almost every build will follow, including:

1. Design, Permission & Planning

This is the first and most important step in the process. Your extension will need to be designed by an architect or architectural technician and depending on the type of extension you may need to apply for planning permission. It is important to contact your local authority to find out what the local legislation in your area is.
Once planning is approved or if it is deemed unnecessary for your space you will need to instruct a structural engineer. They will detail out the structural capacity of your architect’s plans and instruct what structural materials are required to build your extension in a safe way in line with building control. Obviously, if you have any specific ideas for your extension such as a steel frame or sips panels you can discuss this with your architect and engineer who will design to your brief.
Once all the drawings are ready a budget can be prepared, costing up all the building materials required and set out by your plans.

2. Construction and Installation

Once all the planning and budget work has been completed it is time to start construction. Depending on what type of extension you are completing this will usually follow a process of groundworks and demolition, structural works eg. steel frame and blockwork, brickwork, walls and roofing, windows, first fix plumbing and electrics, plastering, followed by flooring, second fix and all internals such as kitchen installations and then decorating. Depending on the type of extension you are doing the entire process could take anywhere from a few weeks to up to a year and onward but it usually takes a few months.

Require advice about Steels for your extension project?
Steels Direct is your one-stop shop for all your structural steel needs.
Our experienced and friendly team will work with you to understand your needs and ensure that the steels for your project are manufactured to the highest safety standards and are manufactured and delivered on time to fit your project schedule.

Ready to get started? Then contact our team with your steel requirements and drawings for a quote today!