House Extensions: Everything You Need to Know Before You Build
Adding an extension to your home is one of the best ways to create extra living space and increase the value of your property. Whether you're planning a larger kitchen, an open-plan family room, a home office or an additional bedroom, a well-designed extension can completely transform the way you live.
At G&E Construction, we understand that extending your home is a significant investment. That's why careful planning, quality workmanship and experienced project management are essential from the very beginning.
Why Choose a House Extension?
Many homeowners outgrow their property long before they want to move. Rising house prices, stamp duty and moving costs often make extending your existing home a far more attractive option.
A professionally built extension can provide:
More living space
Increased property value
A modern open-plan layout
Better natural light
Improved energy efficiency
Space for a growing family
A dedicated home office
A larger kitchen or dining area
Rather than moving house, many families find that extending their current home allows them to stay in the area they love while creating a property perfectly suited to their lifestyle.
Types of House Extensions
Every property is different, and choosing the right type of extension depends on your home, budget and future plans.
Single Storey Extensions
One of the most popular options for homeowners looking to enlarge their kitchen or create an open-plan living area.
Ideal for:
Kitchen extensions
Family rooms
Dining rooms
Utility rooms
Double Storey Extensions
A cost-effective way of adding significant space to both floors of your property.
Perfect for:
Additional bedrooms
Larger bathrooms
Home offices
Extended living areas
Side Return Extensions
Often found on Victorian and Edwardian properties, these extensions make use of narrow unused space alongside the house.
A fantastic option for creating spacious open-plan kitchens.
Rear Extensions
A rear extension opens up the back of your property and creates seamless access to the garden.
Many homeowners combine this with bi-fold or sliding doors to maximise natural light.
Wrap Around Extensions
Combining both side and rear extensions creates one of the most dramatic transformations available.
Although more substantial, wrap-around extensions provide incredible flexibility in layout and design.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
Not every extension requires full planning permission.
Many smaller extensions fall under Permitted Development Rights, although there are size limits and conditions that must be met.
Planning requirements can also vary depending on:
Conservation areas
Listed buildings
Previous extensions
Property location
Overall extension size
Even where planning permission isn't required, Building Regulations approval is normally still necessary.
Seeking professional advice early in the process can help avoid delays later on.
Building Regulations
Building Regulations ensure your extension is safe, structurally sound and energy efficient.
These regulations cover areas such as:
Foundations
Structural steelwork
Insulation
Fire safety
Ventilation
Drainage
Electrical installations
Heating systems
Throughout the build, Building Control inspectors will usually carry out inspections at key stages before issuing final approval.
Choosing the Right Builder
Selecting the right construction company is one of the most important decisions you'll make.
Look for a contractor who offers:
Clear quotations
Transparent communication
Proper insurance
High-quality workmanship
Experienced project management
Trusted subcontractors where required
Strong customer reviews
A good builder won't simply construct your extension—they'll help guide you through every stage of the project.
What Happens During an Extension Project?
Although every project is unique, most follow a similar process:
Initial consultation
Site survey
Design and planning
Structural calculations (where required)
Groundworks and foundations
Brickwork and structural construction
Roof installation
First fix services
Windows and doors
Plastering
Second fix
Decorating
Final inspection and completion
Careful planning at each stage helps keep projects running smoothly and minimises disruption to your home.
How Long Does a House Extension Take?
Timescales vary depending on the size and complexity of the project.
As a general guide:
Extension TypeTypical Build TimeSmall Single Storey8–12 weeksLarge Single Storey12–16 weeksDouble Storey16–24 weeksWrap Around20–28 weeks
These estimates can vary depending on weather conditions, planning requirements, material availability and the complexity of the design.
Why Choose G&E Construction?
At G&E Construction, we deliver high-quality building projects using trusted trades and experienced project management.
From the first consultation through to completion, we coordinate every aspect of your extension—including building work, electrical installations, plumbing, roofing and finishing trades—providing homeowners with one reliable point of contact throughout the project.
Our aim is simple: to build beautiful, practical spaces that families can enjoy for many years to come.
Thinking About Extending Your Home?
Whether you're planning a kitchen extension, extra bedroom or a complete transformation of your property, we'd be happy to discuss your ideas.
Contact G&E Construction today to arrange a consultation and take the first step towards creating your ideal home.
