How to build an extension

[OldieNewbie]

I’m fascinated with how extensions and works of that nature get done. Next year, or perhaps 2026, weeks will be extending our house with a rear extension. I would love to manage this myself but I don’t think I would be able to. 

 

I am curious about the order in which these works are done. Would the below layout be somewhat close?

 

1. Secure the services of a designer / architect 

2. Approach builders with drawings etc to allow them price it.

3. They go to their surveyors etc to get it costed and plan the work if they do get it i.e - checking their tradesmen are available etc. 

4. Builders come back with their prices

5. We review 

6. Builder selected

7. Would there be contracts? If so, who draws them up??

8. Start date given

9. Work starts

10. Work finishes ON TIME & BUDGET and we all live happily ever after 😂 

 

What have I missed? Left out? As always - input appreciated. 

[mjc55]

Depending on what work is required you will need to go through the planning and Building Regs process.

 

Planning would probably come between points 1 & 2 (unless you need to work out if you can afford it in the first place - in which case planning comes after point 4)

 

BR process would come after planning approval.

[OldieNewbie]

6 hours ago, mjc55 said:

Depending on what work is required you will need to go through the planning and Building Regs process.

 

Planning would probably come between points 1 & 2 (unless you need to work out if you can afford it in the first place - in which case planning comes after point 4)

 

BR process would come after planning approval.

tanks for the response. Completely forgot about planning 🙈 

 

not sure if I need to worry about building regs here in ireland. Builder looks after that with with sign off from designer (i think)

[syne]

Before any of that, draw a measured (scale) plan of your house and property. Then get to drawing your extension yourself,  imagine walking through it, how the existing rooms will be affected, stairs, landings windows ect.

A lot of decisions will be constrained by the existing house (and budget)

Do this with the people who will live in the house, get their input. 

Sketch different layouts ect, consider final finishes and landscaping.

Then when you do call in proffesional designers youll have a much better idea of what you do/dont want

 

 

 

[joe90]

1 hour ago, syne said:

Then when you do call in proffesional designers youll have a much better idea of what you do/dont want

I think many people don’t consider what THEY want enough. Why get a professional designer in IF you know what you want, Yes they can make suggestions about what will work but it’s you that will live there.

[ProDave]

Crucial to the viability of an extension is how it would fit with the rooms that are there, i.e. not leaving existing rooms without windows or too small, and not making it awkward to get around i.e. it must flow well.

 

If there are similar houses to your with extensions look up their planning applications or even go and ask the owners if you can have a quick look around to see how it works.

[Iceverge]

20 hours ago, ProDave said:

there are similar houses to your with extensions look up their planning applications or even go and ask the owners if you can have a quick look around to see how it works

 

Absolutely. People love showing off their building jobs. You'll make plenty of contacts and recommendations along the way. 

[ProDave]

1 hour ago, Iceverge said:

 

Absolutely. People love showing off their building jobs. You'll make plenty of contacts and recommendations along the way. 

And ask them if they were happy with their builders.  Only is they say yes, ask them who the builders were. A surprising number we spoke to said they would not recommend them. 

[Markuz]

On 18/12/2024 at 17:09, OldieNewbie said:

 

 

not sure if I need to worry about building regs here in ireland. Builder looks after that with with sign off from designer (i think)

 

Looks like the same as the UK

 

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3e711-building-control/

 

31 Local Authorities are designated as Building Control Authorities under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014.

 

 

https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/d9729-technical-guidance-documents/

 

 

 

[OldieNewbie]

On 16/01/2025 at 15:18, Markuz said:

 

Looks like the same as the UK

 

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3e711-building-control/

 

31 Local Authorities are designated as Building Control Authorities under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014.

 

 

https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/d9729-technical-guidance-documents/

 

 

 

Thanks Markuz. 
 

Would the builder and designer not be the ones looking after building control or assigned certifier?