The most common question we get, after cost, is “how long will the whole thing take?” The honest answer is: longer than you think, but less than you fear if you understand the milestones. Here is a realistic timeline for a typical home extension project with CK Construction in Redditch, Birmingham or Solihull.
Phase 1, Brief and feasibility (2-3 weeks)
- Free initial site visit (we come to you, no obligation)
- Discussion of your brief, budget, timescales
- Advice on planning route (Permitted Development vs full planning)
- Rough budget estimate (“ballpark figure”) so you know whether to proceed
Phase 2, Design and planning (4-14 weeks)
The spread is wide because it depends on planning route.
- Measured survey of the existing property: 1 week
- Design iterations with architect: 2-4 weeks
- Planning application preparation: 1-2 weeks
- Planning determination: 8-10 weeks statutory (if full planning needed)
- Building Regulations drawings and structural calculations: runs alongside planning
Phase 3, Pre-start (3-4 weeks)
- Fixed-price quote finalised against detailed drawings
- Contract signed, deposit paid
- Party Wall notices served if applicable (two months before start)
- Building Control application
- Material lead-times ordered (steels, windows, kitchen)
Phase 4, Construction (varies)
Realistic on-site durations for typical projects:
- Single-storey rear extension (20-30 m²): 10-14 weeks
- Two-storey rear extension: 16-22 weeks
- Wrap-around extension: 14-18 weeks
- Loft conversion with dormer: 8-12 weeks
- Full new build detached home: 36-52 weeks
- Whole house refurbishment: 16-26 weeks
Key construction milestones
- Groundworks and foundations. First Building Control inspection on foundations.
- Oversite and DPC. Insulation and damp proof course laid, slab poured.
- Shell up. Walls built to plate height, steel beams installed, roof structure framed.
- Weathertight. Roof covering on, windows and external doors fitted. From this point internal works continue in any weather.
- First fix. Electrics, plumbing and heating pipework installed in walls and floors.
- Plastering. All walls and ceilings skimmed.
- Second fix. Sockets, switches, radiators, sanitaryware fitted. Kitchen installed.
- Finishes. Decoration, flooring, final cleaning.
- Snagging. Walk-through with the client, snag list raised, all items closed within one week.
- Handover. Keys, warranty paperwork, Building Control completion certificate.
What causes delays?
- Weather during foundation stage (we plan starts around expected weather)
- Client changes mid-build (one of the biggest causes of overruns, worth deciding early and sticking to the plan)
- Material lead-times on bespoke items (specify early)
- Discovered conditions in older properties (hidden damp, rotten joists, poor existing foundations)
How we keep you informed
Every CK Construction project gets a dedicated project manager, a weekly written progress update by email, and site-visit access by prior arrangement. You always know where you are in the programme.
Thinking about starting a project? Call 01527 521835 or use the contact form for a free initial site visit.