From Inquiry to Breaking Ground: How Long Does It Take to Start a Home Extension Project?
- MWArchitectural
- Jan 3
- 4 min read
Planning a home extension is an exciting journey, but many homeowners underestimate how long it can take to move from the initial conversation with an architectural designer to the start of construction. Understanding the timeline and key milestones can help you set realistic expectations and plan effectively.
Phase 1: Initial Inquiry and Consultation (1-2 Weeks)
The process begins with reaching out to a suitably qualified architectural technologist or architect. After your inquiry, we will schedule an initial consultation to discuss your ideas, goals, timescales and budget. This phase is vital to establish the project's feasibility and scope.
Phase 2: Design Development – RIBA Work Stages 1-2 (4-10 Weeks)
Once a proposal is agreed, we will begin working alongside you to develop the initial design concept(s). This phase includes:
Site survey: Measuring your property and understanding constraints if this isn’t outsourced.
Preliminary designs: Sketches or 3D models to help visualize the extension.
Revisions: Adjustments based on your feedback.
The duration of this phase depends on the complexity of the ambition and how quickly decisions are made. It is important that the proper amount of time is spent in this phase; rushing to the next step without properly thinking through basic aspects such as space, light, activity, storage, materiality, form etc at this stage can cause serious problems further down the line.
Phase 3: Planning - RIBA Work Stage 3 (8-12 Weeks or More)
Almost all home extension projects require some form of approval, whether this be a Householder planning approval, a recommended Certificate of Lawful Development (if under Permitted Development) or even Listed Building Consent. We can prepare detailed drawings that exactly meet the Local Authority’s (LA) requirements and submit them for review. The timeline can vary depending on:
LA validation processing times depending on case load.
Whether additional documentation or amendments are needed. This is especially important if utilising the expertise of other consultants, some of which might only be able to carry out their services during particular times of year (i.e. ecologists).
The decision making process. If the application goes to committee then you may end up waiting until the next suitable planning committee meeting is scheduled in order to receive a decision.
In some cases, you may only need a simple permission which can reduce the waiting time and we can work with you to specifically ensure that your brief is still met within a simpler application type. Although it is always preferable to receive a fast decision over one that drags out, the balance between a quicker but compromised concept when compared with one that might takes a few weeks longer but gets more of what you really want should be properly analysed given you are likely to be living with these choices for many year. We can help you understand the exact implications of each of these approaches.
Phase 4: Technical Design and Contractor Selection (8-16 Weeks)
After planning approval, we will create technical drawings and specifications to allow a contractor to price the works. Using these as a basis, and with our help, you’ll select a contractor. This involves:
Reviewing bids.
Meeting potential contractors.
Finalising contracts.
We have an established network of contractors that we have worked with for several years who you may be interested in approaching to receive their bid. Bear in mind that some contractors can take a number of weeks to respond to detailed technical information with a price and combing through their inclusions and exclusions while making thorough comparisons with other quotes will take a considerable length of time.
Phase 5: Pre-Construction Preparations (4-12 Weeks or More)
Before breaking ground, there are a few final steps:
Scheduling the start date.
Preparing the site.
Awaiting a contractor to begin.
Most good contractors will have a waiting list in addition to their ongoing projects. Appointing the right company or individual is vital but sometimes this can involve waiting.
Total Timeline: 9 – 12 Months
From the first inquiry to the start of construction for your extension project, the entire process usually takes around 9 to 12 months. Complex projects or delays in planning approval can extend this timeline further and we can work with you to rationalise the process so that your risk is reduced, and timescales are held.
Tips to Streamline the Process
Be decisive: While it is important to give such important decisions the time that they need, working proactively and being responsive during the design phase can save time.
Avoid changing your mind. Design is fluid and may end up in an unexpected place, however, when key milestones are reached, changing your mind can elongate the overall time spent designing.
Prepare documentation early: Have any surveys and previously approved permissions ready to share with us, this could save a lot of time and even reduce our fee!
Communicate openly: Maintain regular communication with us (we love hearing updates at all stages of a project’s life!) along with any other stakeholders involved such as planning consultants/ contractors/ ecologists/ engineers.
While the timeline may seem lengthy, each phase is critical to ensure your home extension meets your expectations and complies with regulations. With proper planning, the wait will be well worth it when you see your vision come to life. Contact us today and set up a free initial consultation to understand exactly how long this process might take your home project…
