Whether you’re thinking about an extension, a refurbishment or a bigger building project, now is a good time to start planning it. The builders most homeowners want are booked up well ahead of the spring, so the people who plan now are the ones who get the start date they want.
Get the groundwork done now
When we talk about groundwork, we don’t just mean digging. We mean everything that has to be in place before the work starts: the plans, the permissions and the decisions. Doing this over the autumn and winter, while the days are short and the diary is still open, means you aren’t rushing it later.
1. Sort out what you want
Start with what isn’t working in your home now, and what you’d like it to look like when the work is finished. A bigger kitchen, a downstairs toilet, a room for the children to do homework? Write it down, then split it into must-haves and nice-to-haves. Knowing this early makes every later decision easier.
2. Get your plans drawn up
Good drawings are the foundation of a good project. A builder can only give a fair price for a clear plan, so think about the layout, the windows, the doors and the finishes you want. If you’re not sure where to start, ask a designer or your builder for a site visit. Talking it through on site often answers questions that drawings can’t.
3. Check your planning
Many single-storey extensions in England don’t need planning permission, but the rules are specific, and they’re stricter in the New Forest and in conservation areas. Check with your local council early, before you commit to a design. If you want certainty for a future sale, you can also apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.
4. Choose your preferred builder
Once the plans and the planning are sorted, you’re in a strong position to approach the builder you’d most like to work with. Ask for a written, itemised quote and ask when they can start. Good builders book up, so getting your plans ready early means you can book a start date that suits you.
5. Start when the weather turns
Groundwork and foundations are very weather-dependent, and spring is when the work tends to run best. If the plans and permissions are in place, your builder can get on site as soon as conditions allow, and you won’t be left waiting while the calendar catches up with you.
Ready to start planning?
Our free homeowner’s guide covers budgets, planning, building regulations and choosing a builder. It’s free, with no sign-up. Read the guide here.
If you’d like to talk through your project, get in touch for a free quote or site visit, or call us on 07788 975194.