This simple guide will help you plan your extension and give you the technical knowledge to ensure your project comes in on time and to budget.
WEEK 1
Double check all Contractors are booked in
Ensure clear access to site
Bricks, blocks and materials delivered to site
Double check site safety with the builder
WEEK 2
Ground workers dig foundations
Building control inspect and approve foundations
Reinforcements laid if required
Pipework, drainage and services laid within foundations
Concrete footing poured and levelled
Building control to inspect works and approve
WEEK 3-4
Bricklayers build up to damp-proof course
Drains installed and trenches dug for associated pipework
Insert concrete lintels into brickwork if required for drainage
Sand laid then damp-proof membrane put down
Insulation fitted
Concrete slab poured
Building control to inspect works and approve
WEEK 5
Check materials on site for superstructure - lintels, door/window frames and wall ties
Blockwork starts
Cavity wall insulation fitted
Wall ties inserted to fix the new wall to existing
Lintels for windows and doors fitted
Door and window frames fitted as walls are built
WEEK 6
Internal walls constructed
Check materials on site for roof
WEEK 7
Carpenter starts building the roof structure
Carpenter to fit roof lights if required
Domers will be constructed at this stage
WEEK 8
Roof membrane is laid over newly built rafters
Roof battens cut and fitted over membranes
Tiles/slates laid
Ridge/hip tiles laid and bedded
Valley tiles laid along with flashing
Fascias, soffits and verges primed/stained/painted
Floor screed laid
WEEK 9-10
External rendering if required
Windows and doors fitted into linings and frames
Guttering and downpipes fitted
First fix carpentry, plumbing and electrics
Studwork walls built, door linings fitted and pipes boxed in
WEEK 11
Seal off old home from new extension
Steels and pad stones put into place - sizes approved by building control
Joins made good
WEEK 12
Walls boarded - insulation fitted where applicable
Plastering - followed by a period of drying out
WEEK 13
Second fix electrics (sockets/switches made live), lights fitted
Second fix plumbing
Flooring laid
Kitchen units installed - if applicable
FINAL WEEK - SNAGGING
Snagging - set a date with your contractor/builder to walk around the site and agree a snagging list with a completion date. Get both parties to sign this document. This will eliminate the erosion of good will and keeps everyone focused to complete your project on time and to budget.