How Long Will It Take?
The timescale for building work varies depending on scale and complexity.
A straightforward internal kitchen/diner renovation can take 5-6 weeks whilst a two-storey extension may take 26 weeks or more. Ask your builder for a programme of works to help you see how the job will progress.
As an idea, the programme for a basic, single storey extension would be as follows:
Works to create the watertight shell
Weeks 1-2
Demolition, groundworks & foundations
Weeks 3-4
Structure below ground up to damp proof course.
Drainage installed, lintels fixed in place and concrete floor & insulation laid
Weeks 5-7
Build external walls above damp proof course, blockwork, brickwork/stonework and cavity wall insulation
Weeks 8-9
Internal walls, roof structure & covering
Week 9
Windows & doors - possibly temporarily blocked up initially to protect new glazing
THE EXTENSION IS NOW WATERTIGHT & SECURE
Break through into the existing & start connecting old to new
Week 10
This is when you will need to vacate part of the existing house to allow the knock through to take place.
DUST CAN REALLY BEGIN TO AFFECT THE EXISTING HOUSE.
Week 10
Strip out existing rooms and disconnect electrics & plumbing
Weeks 10-11
Insert steels & demolish walls
First Fix (everything up to finished plastered walls)
Week 12
First fix joinery, plumbing & electrics. At this point your builder will need to know where you want switches and sockets, lights and any plumbed items e.g. sink, washing machine, sanitaryware etc
Weeks 13-14
Plasterwork which needs to be left for about a week to dry.
Second Fix (connections are made)
Week 15
Second fix electrics i.e. switches and sockets made live, lights fitted. Second fix plumbing i.e. taps installed and connections made. Flooring, kitchen units, doors, skirtings & architraves fitted.
Week 16
Decoration
Week 17
Snagging & completion i.e. finishing off any remaining items, builder's clean & hand over to the clients.
Any faults or other problems should be reported to the builder as soon as possible so they can be addressed quickly.
