Building

Expert advice on structural work, home extensions, renovations and understanding building regulations.

Home Extensions Part Three: The Right People for the Job

25th August 2023

Extending your property is a serious investment, so you need to make sure that you put your home (and your money) in the hands of people you know you can trust.

Regardless of whether you need planning permission to undertake your project, you will have to comply with building regulations so the traders you choose will either need to be able to self-certify their work, or they will need to work with the local building control office to make sure that the work is appropriately certified. Failure to do this could leave your insurance policy invalid and can also lead to serious complications if and when you come to sell.

Finding an architect

If your project is on a smaller scale, then you may not need an architect; a skilled builder will be able to provide the advice that you need. However, if you are planning a larger scale project, or you want to consider all of the options available to you before embarking on the project, then it may be wise (or essential) to get an architect’s advice.

When you start speaking to architects, make sure that you give them as much information as possible about what you want to do and what you hope to gain from the work, as well as your overall budget. They should be able to help you to cost out your project more fully and can offer valuable insights and ideas that you may not have considered.

Architects are like houses; some may feel right, and others may not quite hit the mark. Speak to a couple of architects and see what kind of connection you feel. They need to understand you and your needs, and have the skills to make your vision come to life, within budget. Ask to see their portfolio; if you have friends who have had particularly amazing extensions, ask them who they used. To find a local architect that you can trust, check out our online directory.

Structural engineers

If you are planning on making structural changes to your property, you may need to involve a structural engineer. Your builder or architect should be able to advise you on a good local structural engineer to ensure that you comply with building regs.

Choosing a builder

If the architect is the head of the extension and you are the heart, the builder is the hands, so it is vital that you have a builder that you like and can trust. After all, you will be seeing a lot of them! Ask around, check out customer reviews for local builders, and get a few quotes. Different builders charge differently; it is increasingly common for builders to ask for weekly payments to accommodate changing prices of materials and pay for labour directly, rather than making an initial quote and sticking to it.

You may have fallen out of love with your home but with the right vision and the right people to help you achieve it, you may be able to rekindle that love and create your dream home. Follow us on Facebook or X for more inspiration.

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Find clear, practical answers to common building questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

Do I need planning permission for a home extension?

Plenty of extensions don't need planning permission - they fall under Permitted Development. Whether yours qualifies depends on the size, location, and type of build. Single-storey rear extensions up to four metres on a detached house often get the green light, but side extensions, two-storey builds, and properties in conservation areas usually do need permission. Always check with your local planning authority before you start - building without the right approvals can mean being made to undo it all.
What is involved in building a conservatory?

You're looking at groundworks and foundations, the frame and glazing, the roof, and then the internal fit-out - flooring, heating, electrics. Most conservatories under a certain size fall under Permitted Development, but they still need to comply with Building Regulations, especially if you want to use the space as a proper room year-round. On the roof: solid or tiled options make a huge difference to usability - traditional polycarbonate can be unbearably hot in summer and freezing in winter. Most projects take two to six weeks.
Do I need a structural engineer for my home renovation?

Not for everything - but if structural changes are involved, yes. Removing a load-bearing wall, putting in a steel beam, touching the roof structure, or adding a sizeable extension all need a structural engineer to design the solution and produce the calculations for Building Regulations approval. A builder might tell you whether a wall is load-bearing, but only a structural engineer can specify the right beam and carry professional liability for that advice.
Do I need planning permission to install patio doors?

Usually not, if you're replacing an existing door or window in the same opening - that typically falls under Permitted Development. But if you're making the opening larger or creating a new one in an external wall, you may need planning permission or Building Regulations approval. Conservation areas, listed buildings, and properties with an Article 4 Direction have tighter rules, so check before assuming. Any structural work to the opening, like fitting a new lintel, needs Building Regs sign-off regardless.
Does my extension need Building Regulations approval even without planning permission?

Almost always, yes. Planning permission and Building Regulations are two separate things. Extensions need to meet regulations covering structural integrity, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, and drainage - regardless of whether you needed planning approval. Your local authority's building control team can confirm exactly what's required. And don't skip it - missing Building Regs sign-off can cause real headaches when you come to sell.
How long does a typical home extension take?

A small single-storey extension usually takes eight to twelve weeks from groundworks to completion. Add several months if planning permission is needed before work can even begin. Bigger builds - two-storey additions or anything needing significant structural work - can take four to six months or more. Get a realistic timeline from your builder upfront, and factor in a buffer for the unexpected.

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