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Planning an extension or renovation? Start here.
Our free homeowner’s guide covers budgets, planning permission, building regulations, choosing a builder and what to expect during the build. No sign-up and no email address needed.
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The homeowner's guide to planning your project
An extension or a big renovation is one of the largest things most families ever spend money on. We’ve been building around Southampton for over 40 years, and the projects that go most smoothly are the ones where the homeowner did a bit of homework first.
This guide is the advice we’d give a friend who asked, “Where do I start?” It’s written in plain English, with a tick-box checklist at the end.
- Setting a realistic budget, and what's usually left out
- Planning permission and permitted development, in plain English
- Building regulations and the Party Wall Act
- How to choose a builder, with warning signs to look out for
- What happens at each stage of the build
- A planning checklist you can print and tick off
Opens as a PDF. Save it to your phone, print it, or share it with anyone planning a project.
Eight steps to a smoother project
How you want to live
Needs, wants and the next 10 years.
A realistic budget
Where the money goes, and why you need a contingency.
Planning permission
Permitted development rules, and when they’re stricter.
Building regs & party walls
Inspections, certificates and neighbour notices.
Drawings and design
Who you need, and decisions to make early.
Choosing a builder
What to look for, and the warning signs.
During the build
The stages of a typical extension, in order.
Living through it
Staying at home while the work’s done.
Planning an extension or new build?
Tell us about your project and we’ll arrange a free site visit.
Family-run builders of extensions, renovations, new homes and outdoor spaces in Southampton and across Hampshire.
07788 975194
Maidanbuild@gmail.com
Tagus House, 9 Ocean Way
Southampton SO14 3TJ
© 2026 Maidanbuild Homes Limited · Company no. 11122127