Construction timelines for converting or expanding your home
I got creative with the design, got a thumbs up on the layout, found the perfect contractor, and even got approval from Building Control.
All that’s left is this all-important build – so how much time do you have left?
Depending on the type of your project, the construction process can take as little as a few weeks, and as long as 6 months.
To help you get the best idea of timings, we’ve provided a guide to UK averages…
Loft room conversion
6-10 weeks
Loft rooming, also known as Velux conversions, are one of the quickest ways to add a new room to your home.
Depending on the condition of your loft, it can be finished in about two months.
This is because your contractor won’t need to do much to the actual structure of the space, and instead will focus on adding new, soundproof and dampening windows.
Besides this, your team will also help in installing the new flooring and plastering the walls – ready for decoration.
You may have a longer build if your stairs need to be replaced, and this may be the case if your existing stairs do not comply with UK Building Regulations.
Attic loft conversion
10-16 weeks
A loft conversion is created by raising the party wall (the wall you share with your neighbours).
The roof remains flat, while one of the exterior walls slopes gently inward. An attic is usually located at the back of the house.
Although they are suitable for many property types, they are most popular for terraced houses.
Lateral return or posterior extension
10-16 weeks
Whether you’re extending your home toward the back of the property or taking advantage of some dead alley space to the side, you’ll be looking at similar timelines for both.
Typically, construction will be divided into these stages:
to prepare
Foundations and foundations
Ground and low level work
External and internal walls
Roof construction
Place the roof cover
Gutter, windows, doors and rendering
Methods and plastering
Final touches such as electricity and plumbing
Final ranking
It’s worth noting that your timing will be affected by your span and complexity, for example, if you include a floating corner or a glass roof, these structural features will require additional time.
What affects the timing of construction?
Of course, the times we have mentioned here are only UK averages. How long your project will take depends on a number of factors, such as…
Project size
complication
location
Access to the construction site
Construction team size
weather
Use long-lead items, such as bi-fold doors and kitchens
Not to mention whether or not your project experiences any unexpected delays, it could be due to some materials taking a long time to arrive or equipment issues.
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