How long does a house extension take? Our architects reveal all
Timeframes are a primary consideration for every project – from a house extension to new build properties – that comes into our team.
Every home transformation or new commercial project is different. And the completion date always depends on multiple factors.
However, these guidelines from our Leeds architect team can help set realistic expectations.
House extension projects – consider the builder’s schedule first
When it comes to a single-storey house extension or double-storey house extensions, don’t expect the latter to take twice as long.
A smaller project will take less time, but the duration difference between these two types of house extension could be just a few weeks.
What will have a significant impact is when your builders are available to start and how long it will take them to complete the build.
A small building company with two staff members may be able to begin on-site sooner. But the work could take them far longer than if a larger firm with more staff took it on later. The key is to ask when they can finish, not when they can start. This applies to every type of architecture project.
For an average house extension, we advise clients to plan for between nine to 12 months. That’s from our extension architects’ first visit to measure up to project completion. Small kitchen extensions and loft conversions can be even faster, typically at around six months’ duration.
Expect more paperwork with new build properties
The complexity increases when clients want to create a new build property. And so does the number of approvals needed.
If you are hoping to create your dream home next to a listed building, you will need a historical survey, for example. Depending on the location of the chosen site, you may also need to consider other specialist factors. That’s all on top of normal building regulations and planning permission, which also apply to any new build and most house extensions.
Planning applications can feel overwhelming, as once submitted to a local authority, they are a waiting game. But our extension architects have experience with hundreds of projects and will help you through the process smoothly.
For a new property, we advise allowing between one and two years into your project timeline. Depending on the size and complexities.
Timelines for commercial projects
New shops or business headquarters can need a slightly different approach from a planning permission point of view. Different regulations apply when you are building a restaurant, rather than a house extension, and also if you are changing the use of an existing building.
That said, many of the same principles apply. You can expect similar timelines, depending on the following:
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Size of the project
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Builder availability
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Planning permission
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Design complexity
A typical timeframe for the size of commercial projects we work on would be around one year.
Major developments of offices, however, can take much longer, between five and ten years and often longer!
Let’s talk timescales for your house extension
We’d love to hear about your project – and the key dates you have in mind.
Get in touch with our team of Wakefield architects to discuss your home extension project.
