Due diligence checklist when hiring a builder
Now that you’ve had the quotes back, it is almost time to hire a builder for your extension. Almost. It is incumbent on you to carry out the necessary due …
6 steps to get the best building quotes from the right builders
The perennial paradox of home improvement sees homeowners wanting top quality work for the best price possible, but the cheapest rarely equates to the best. One of the key stages …
Extend house or move house – making the decision to extend
The fact you are reading this post indicates that you have already, at least partially, invested in the idea of extending your home. However, making the full commitment is a …
Alternatives to using an architect
Are there alternatives to using an architect to design your home extension? The title ‘architect’ is legally protected – it takes seven years of rigorous study in all areas of …
What to look for in a building quote
Now you have shortlisted your preferred builders and received quotes from your top three, let’s spend a moment on what to look for in a building quote. Note: this is …
Prelims for your extension
What are prelims? Prelims (short for preliminaries) in construction are the costs associated with running the project, outside of labour and materials. Prelims are a miscellaneous assortment of items, and …
Seven things leaseholders need to consider before extending
Leaseholders must be aware of a mix of specific considerations you are likely to encounter at various touchpoints in the house extension process, e.g. the number of party wall notices …
Agreeing a fair payment schedule with your builder
The payment schedule for your home extension project will form part of the contract of work and it’s necessary to provide dedicated commentary to this important topic to help avoid …
Why you need an Architect
Let’s address one thing from the get-go – using an architect to plan and design your extension is not mandatory. You could try DIY-ing the planning application, or use an …
What to expect when building work starts
The big day has finally arrived and construction of your extension is about to get underway, but do you know what to expect when building work starts? Well, it’s not …