Everything You Need to Plan a Smooth Build
Extending your home is an exciting prospect. Whether you’re adding an extra bedroom, a bigger kitchen, or a home office, a well-planned extension can add space, value, and practicality to your property. But with all the moving parts involved, staying organised is key to keeping the project on track and stress-free.
This home extension checklist covers everything you need to consider, from planning permission to keeping your home functional while work is underway.
1. Define Your Goals and Budget
Before you dive in, take time to think about why you’re extending and what you want to achieve. Are you making room for a growing family? Do you need a larger, more functional kitchen? Having a clear vision will help you make better decisions along the way.
Budgeting is equally important. Costs can quickly spiral if you’re not careful, so set a realistic budget that covers:
- Design and architectural fees
- Planning permissions and surveys
- Construction costs
- Fixtures and fittings
- Unexpected expenses (always allow at least 10-15% extra)
Getting detailed quotes from multiple contractors can help you understand costs and avoid any nasty surprises.
2. Check If You Need Planning Permission
Not all home extensions require planning permission, but it’s crucial to check before starting work. Many small-scale extensions fall under Permitted Development Rights, meaning you won’t need to seek approval. However, larger projects, or those on listed buildings or in conservation areas, may require full planning permission.
To find out where you stand, visit your local council’s planning portal or consult an architect or planning consultant. If you need approval, factor in extra time for the process, as it can take 8-12 weeks for a decision.
3. Hire the Right Professionals
A successful extension project relies on the right team. Depending on your build, you may need:
- Architect or architectural designer – For designing your extension and submitting planning applications
- Structural engineer – To assess load-bearing walls and ensure your plans are safe
- Builder or contractor – To carry out the work
- Electrician and plumber – For utilities and fittings
- Project manager – If you prefer someone else to oversee the entire process
Choosing experienced professionals with good reviews and references will help keep your project on schedule and within budget.
4. Plan for Disruptions – Including Temporary Toilets!
A home extension means construction workers on-site, dust, noise, and disruption. If your bathroom or kitchen will be out of action at any point, you’ll need a backup plan.
One essential hire that many homeowners overlook is a portable toilet. Construction teams need facilities, and using your home’s only bathroom can quickly become inconvenient. Hiring a site portable toilet ensures that workers have a designated space, keeping your home clean and functional.
At WC Portables, we provide hygienic, self-contained portable toilets for home renovations, ensuring a stress-free build. Our units are delivered, serviced, and collected at your convenience, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
If you’re still not sure whether you need a portable toilet for your house extension, read this guide.
5. Arrange Necessary Surveys and Permissions
Before work starts, you may need additional approvals, including:
- Building Regulations Approval – Even if you don’t need planning permission, your extension must meet safety and environmental standards. Your builder or architect can help handle this.
- Party Wall Agreement – If your extension affects a shared boundary with a neighbour, you’ll need to serve them a Party Wall Notice.
- Utility Checks – If your build affects gas, water, or electricity connections, arrange for surveys and any necessary adjustments before construction begins.
Taking care of these early avoids delays later in the process.
6. Plan the Build Timeline and Order Materials in Advance
Work with your contractor to set a realistic timeline. While most extensions take 3-6 months, unexpected delays can happen, especially with weather, material shortages, or planning approvals.
Where possible, order materials early to prevent hold-ups. This includes bricks, windows, doors, and any bespoke features that may take longer to arrive.
7. Keep Communication Open and Monitor Progress
Once work begins, stay in regular contact with your builder and project team. It’s much easier to address small issues early than to correct major mistakes later.
Check progress against your agreed timeline and budget. If anything changes, discuss it promptly to avoid unexpected costs creeping in.
8. Final Inspections and Finishing Touches
As your extension nears completion, schedule a final inspection with your builder to check that everything meets regulations and your expectations. This is the time to flag any concerns, from small snags to major issues.
If all is well, it’s time for the fun part—decorating and furnishing your new space!
Make Your Home Extension Stress-Free
A home extension is a big project, but with the right planning and preparation, it can be a smooth and rewarding process.
Key takeaways to remember:
- Plan ahead – Get your permissions, hire the right team, and set a realistic budget.
- Prepare for disruption – A portable toilet hire can make life much easier during construction.
- Stay organised – Keep track of timelines, materials, and unexpected costs.
If you’re planning a home extension and need a reliable site toilet, get in touch with WC Portables today. We provide clean, convenient, and fully serviced portable toilets to keep your home running smoothly throughout your project.
