How to build a house extension
Phases of a construction Project
When considering building a house extension it is important to understand the different phases before you engage with a local builder. The phases of a standard residential construction project are spit into two sections. The Pre-Construction phase covers all the design, planning approval and quotation activities while the Construction phase covers the physical construction, quality checks and sign off activities.
Pre-Construction Phases
1 – Survey and Brief
Working with an architect and interior designer (if budget allows) during this phase, you will need to identify exactly what you want to achieve from your project and your architect will make a site visit to carry out a measured survey. This will allow them to produce accurate existing plans and 3d elevations of your property.
2 – Concept Designs
Armed with the existing plans and the brief your architect can then conduct feasibility studies and produce 2D/3D concept designs. Working closely with you the architect will adjust the concept drawings to achieve your vision whilst also considering the expectations of the local authority, historic restrictions and local bylaws. One tip here is to take a look around your local area and see if it has been done before, for smaller house extensions you may even be able to avoid having to go through planning if you qualify for permitted development rights.
3 – Planning Application
Upon sign off of the concept drawings the architect will then prepare the drawings and documents for planning application. This will then be submitted and the planning application fee will need to be paid. The local authority will review the plans and when satisfied send notification to the relevant neighbours who may be able to object to some degree.
4 – Technical Drawings
Once the planning approval is confirmed the architect can begin work on a set of construction drawings, these drawings are used to communicate materiality and building methods to the contractor and include structural calculations, mechanical and electrical drawings and a schedule of products such as windows and doors to be used on the project. These drawings are very important to the builder and often missed out by the cheaper architects, make sure your architect quote is going to cover technical drawings.
5 – Construction Quotation
Only with a full set of technical drawings can we provide an accurate and fixed quotation. At this stage our quantity surveyor will work from the technical drawings and conduct a site visit to make final checks and clarify access. We will then be able to provide you with a quotation or your project. Warning – Be very wary of any builder who will give you a quote without full technical drawings as costs can spiral after the job has started.
6 – Scheduling and scope of works
Upon acceptance of the quotation and receipt of the booking fee our team will schedule your project, liaise with the various suppliers and authorities and provide you with a comprehensive schedule of works with all proposed construction phase dates and timescales along with the staged payment plan. In addition we will also prepare the health and safety construction, design and management paperwork at this stage. This is the final pre-construction stage and we can now move onto building your house extension.
Construction Phases
7 – Enabling and Mobilisation
This phase of the project includes notification to the local authority building control, booking of waste removal, scaffolding and notification to your neighbours, site preparation and site documentation.
8 – Demolition and Groundworks
This phase would cover drainage, utilities, foundations, underpinning, any demolition works and hoarding construction to keep the site secure. Along with any other minor works required to get the project ready for the next phase.
9 – Superstructure Build
This phase is the construction of the outer shell covering the masonry works, steel works and roof covering getting a watertight shell. Once this shell is constructed there may also be another element of demolition to break through from the existing house into the new extension.
10 – First Fix
Construction of internal walls, ceilings and floors, electrical wiring, plumbing and heating pipes run in place.
11 – Second Fix
Plastering works and rendering. Joinery works including installation of fixtures and fittings including (bathrooms, kitchens, flooring etc). Electrical works, installation of switches, sockets and appliances fitted. Plumbing and Heating works all connections made and radiators fitted.
12 – Finishing & Sign Off
The final phase is the finishing works, trimming, sealing, decorating and any snagging works required. Once you are fully happy with every element of your project it can be signed off with all certificates and building controls final approval.
Hopefully this has given you an overview of all the stages to be considered when building a house extension and should you need a builder in Newcastle upon Tyne please consider our services.
