Adding an extension to your home is an excellent way to improve your living space, but you must have the right house extension specialists to ensure that your project is successful. It doesn’t matter if you are considering a loft conversion, a single-storey extension, or a wraparound extension. Hiring the right company to build the extension can make all the difference.
How do you know if the company you are considering is the right choice, though? You need to ask questions so that you can avoid making mistakes.
Here are some of the main questions you should ask any house extension specialists you are considering. This will help you learn more about their experience, credentials, costs, timelines, planning permissions, and project management.
By asking these questions, you can make the most informed decision and find the perfect builder for your project.
What Experience Do You Have with House Extensions?
It is extremely important that you only work with a home extension specialist that has experience. A house extension is a complex project, and it requires a lot of knowledge and skill. The home extension specialist you choose must understand planning laws, building regulations, and structural work.
You should follow up by asking how long the company has worked on home extensions. It’s also important to look at examples of past projects and find out if they have worked on a property that is similar to yours.
Here at Build Abode, we have worked on home extensions for many years, and we understand planning laws and building regulations. Our Design Director, Jessica, is RIBA/ARB-accredited, and she can help clients along the way.
Are You Fully Licensed and Insured?
Before you hire a contractor, it’s important to make sure that they have the accreditations, licenses, and insurance to operate safely and legally.
A contractor you hire should have Public Liability Insurance, which covers damage to your property. They should also have Employers’ Liability Insurance. This is legally required for any company that has employees. Finally, they should have Professional Indemnity Insurance. This covers design-related errors. Any company that is reputable should be happy to show proof of this.
At Build Abode, we have £5M in Public Liability Insurance, £10M in Employers’ Liability Insurance, and £750,000 in Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Do You Handle Planning Permission & Building Regulations?
Most of the time, you don’t need planning permission, but you should make sure you realise that you might. A good home builder will work with you to guide you through the process of planning permission and building regulations.
You should know if you need planning permission for your extension, who handles the application process if you DO need it, and if the company is familiar with your local council’s planning rules.
It’s also extremely important to ensure that the extension complies with all UK Building Regulations. These cover things like fire safety, insulation, and structural integrity.
What is the Estimated Cost and Payment Structure?
You should only work with house extension specialists who offer a clear and detailed cost breakdown. This will help you avoid any unexpected costs down the road. You should never agree to any type of vague pricing or quote. Though you should expect to make a deposit for the project upfront, you should never pay for the entire project upfront.
Some of the specific questions you should ask include asking for a detailed quote and finding out what’s included in the price. You should also ask about hidden costs that you should be aware of and how the payment schedule works. Finally, find out what happens if the project goes over budget.
At Build Abode, you always get a complete and transparent quote for your project. This way, you will know precisely what you will pay, when payments are due, and what is included in the cost.
How Long Will the Project Take?
You should also fully understand the project timeline. This helps you plan and keeps expectations in line. Though delays can happen on any project, a good house extension builder will have a plan to limit disruptions.
Before you sign a contract, you should know what the estimated timeframe is for completion, and what factors might cause delays. This could include everything from weather and permit approvals to material shortages. You should understand how you will be updated on progress and what happens if the project is delayed.
To help our clients, we set up a WhatsApp group chat to keep everyone up to date on the progress of the project.
Who Will Work on My Project?
Many contractors outsource work to subcontractors, but others have in-house teams. Knowing who will work on your extension is an important part of the project.
You need to find out who is involved in the project, and if the company uses subcontractors, you should have information about their experience, too. Find out who will be your main point of contact and who will be on-site each day. Understanding how the company ensures subcontractor standards is also important.
How Do You Handle Unexpected Issues?
It is extremely unlikely that a renovation project will go 100% smoothly. Things like weather delays, supply chain delays, or hidden structural damage are fairly common. Find out how the company handles these things, and what their contingency plan is.
Can You Provide Reviews and References?
A trustworthy home extension specialist will be highly rated on Google and other sites, and they will have awards and praise from other organisations.
Build Abode has a 5/5-star rating on Google, and we have won Houzz’s “Best Of” awards in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025.
Do You Offer a Guarantee?
The best building companies will offer a guarantee of their work. All of the workmanship should have a warranty, and they should have a policy in place to address any issues that might pop up after the project is complete.
What’s the Best Way to Communicate?
Effective and consistent communication is one of the most crucial aspects of a smooth and stress-free house extension project. Miscommunication can lead to delays, unexpected costs, and misunderstandings about design, materials, or timelines. That’s why it’s essential to establish a clear communication process with your house extension specialist before work begins.
Work with Build Abode for Your House Extension
Hiring the right house extension specialists can make the difference between a smooth, successful project and a stressful, costly experience. By asking these 10 essential questions, you can confidently select an experienced, reliable, and transparent contractor.
If you’re looking for trusted house extension specialists in the UK, contact us today for expert advice and a complimentary consultation.
fixed quotes you can trust- no surprises
