What to Expect During a Home Extension (A Week-by-Week Guide)
So, you’ve decided to make your home bigger. Maybe your kitchen feels like a sardine can. Maybe your kids are growing, and you need an extra room before they start fighting over space. Or maybe you just want more breathing room without moving house.
A home extension sounds great, but you’re probably thinking:
- How long will this take?
- Will my house look like a building site forever?
- Do I need to move out?
Let’s break it down step by step so you know exactly what to expect. No surprises. No builder jargon. Just a clear week-by-week guide to help you feel prepared.
Week 1: Getting Ready For The Build
Before the real work begins, the groundwork is set. You may not see much change, but this stage is crucial for making sure everything runs smoothly.
What Happens First?
✔ Plans are double-checked to ensure everything is correct.
✔ The team measures the space and marks out key areas.
✔ Neighbours may be notified if required by regulations.
✔ Protective barriers and sheets are put up to minimise mess.
How This Affects You
Some parts of your garden or driveway may be sectioned off to create space for equipment and materials. Builders will be visiting the site for inspections, and you might have to accommodate their access. There won’t be much noise or dust at this stage, so it’s still a fairly quiet phase of the project.
Week 2-3: Breaking Ground & Laying The Foundations
This is where things get messy. The team digs deep to prepare the ground for your extension.
Key Steps in This Stage
✔ Excavation begins—builders dig trenches for strong foundations.
✔ Concrete is poured and set to create a solid base.
✔ Drainage and pipework are adjusted if needed.
Changes You’ll Notice
Your garden or driveway may start to resemble a construction zone, with soil and debris from the excavation work. Heavy machinery will be on-site, which means noise levels will increase. Some areas of your home might become harder to access for safety reasons, so it’s a good idea to plan movement around the house accordingly.
Week 4-5: Walls Start To Go Up
Your extension begins to take shape. The empty space you’ve been staring at finally starts to look like a real structure.
What Gets Built?
✔ Brickwork and framework go up, shaping the extension.
✔ Openings for windows and doors are formed.
✔ If it’s a double-storey extension, supports for the second level are installed.
What This Means For You
There will be more dust in the air as materials are cut and shaped on-site. You’ll also notice more activity as the team works to construct the walls and framework. The site will appear much busier than before, with multiple trades working at the same time. While it may still seem like a building site, the extension is now starting to blend in with the rest of your home.
Week 6-7: Roof, Windows & Doors Installed
Your extension is no longer just walls, it’s fully enclosed.
Major Milestones
✔ Roof structure is installed, followed by tiles and waterproofing.
✔ Windows and doors are fitted to make the space weatherproof.
✔ Electrical wiring and plumbing start taking shape inside.
Everyday Impact on Your Home
With the walls, roof, and windows in place, the extension is now sheltered from rain and wind. However, there may be some minor disruptions to power as electricians complete their work. The space will start to feel more like part of your home, rather than just an extra shell attached to it.
Week 8-9: Interior Work Begins
The heavy building work is done. Now it’s time to transform the space inside.
What’s Coming Together?
✔ Walls are plastered, making the space feel smooth and finished.
✔ Floors are prepared for tiles, carpet, or wood.
✔ Kitchen or bathroom fixtures are installed if included in the plan.
Adjustments To Your Routine
The noise levels will drop compared to earlier weeks, but workers will still be moving through the site to complete fittings and installations. Some rooms might be temporarily off-limits, especially if new plumbing or flooring is being worked on. The new space will begin to feel connected to the rest of your home, making it easier to visualise the final result.
Week 10-12: Finishing Touches & Clean-Up
The final stage is all about polishing the details.
Last Steps Before Completion
✔ Walls are painted and final fixtures are installed.
✔ Lights and switches are fully connected.
✔ Everything is cleaned up, so no dust or debris is left behind.
✔ Builders walk through with you to check the work.
What You’ll Experience
At this point, only minor touch-ups may be required. The house will finally feel like it’s back to normal, but with the added bonus of a brand-new space. Once everything is complete, you’ll be able to fully enjoy your extension, knowing that the hard work is done.
Your New Space is Ready! What Now?
You’ve made it through the dust, the drilling, and weeks of builders coming in and out—and now you finally have the extra space you’ve been waiting for.
Now, you might be thinking…
- “Why didn’t we do this sooner?”
- “This feels like a completely different home!”
- “What’s our next project?”
If you haven’t started yet, now you know exactly what to expect.
Why Choose JP Hallam For Your Home Extension?
At JP Hallam, we know a home extension is a big decision. You want more space, but you don’t want the stress of delays, hidden costs, or a messy job. That’s why we promise:
- Clear, upfront pricing – no nasty surprises.
- A fully managed process – so you don’t have to worry.
- On-time completion – so you can enjoy your new space as soon as possible.
- Trusted builders – 10+ years of experience in Nottinghamshire.
We’ve helped countless families extend their homes without the hassle. Want to find out how we can do the same for you?
📞 Get in touch today for a free consultation!
Let’s build the space your home deserves.