It is a well-known fact that no two extensions are ever alike; there are a comprehensive range of factors that demand a well-educated approach to building services.
This sets your trade specialists above their competition as they will approach each job with the level of professionalism that is required to ensure the smooth running of the project.
There are, however, a schedule of processes that form the basis for every extension.
Being aware of these processes will leave you in a better position to understand the possible timescales of your project.
Your carefully selected builder should provide you with these details so that you can plan accordingly.
Once the extension has gone through the necessary planning permissions and a project start date has arrived, the first step of the process is for the footings to be dug.
Whether you require a digger will depend on the size of the job and the depth of the footings required.
The second part of the process is to build up the damp-proof course, to install the drains, to install the damp-proof course and to pour the concrete slab.
This is an incredibly exciting part of the process for clients as it allows them to first imagine their new space.
From this point, external walls are built using a combination of blocks and brickwork.
Top-quality cavity wall insulation is then fitted throughout each external wall to ensure optimum heat retention and to aid energy efficiency for the structure when built.
Wall ties are used during this process to fix the newly built walls to the existing property.
Any internal walls are then built to split the structure as required.
A selected roof structure is then built; there are variations in style and design of roof and your building contractor will be on hand to offer information and advice on which type will be fit your individual requirements.
He will listen to the design that you desire and will couple his advice with the practical elements to produce the best result.
The project is then at the position where your builder will break through to the existing house.
A top tip if you are still living in your home during the extension process is that you seal the area off so that you can minimise the inevitable mess and dust created from this part of the project.
Windows are doors are then fitted, making the structure water tight.
First fix electrics and plumbing can then be completed.
The extension is brought to life at this stage and follows on seamlessly to the phase where the area is plastered.
After a period of letting the plaster fully dry, second fix electrics, electrics and further plumbing is completed.
The flooring is fitted and the area can be decorated and snagged.
It is not often until you get into a home extension project that you fully understand the demanding intensity of the process.
This many include decision-making, planning queries, building regulation interaction, design ideas and formalities.
This is where time spent on identifying the best-served, local professional will pay dividends.
They will effectively relieve you of this stress and will take on the role of project manager.
This will allow you the benefit of reduced stress; trust in your building contractor is essential and they will guide you seamlessly through the process to completion.