How long to build extension?

[fourplusfour]

Looking to build two-storey extension on my house to include bedroom & bathroom downstairs, another bedroom upstairs. No plans, builders or planning permission in place as yet, just gathering information. How long would you expect this project to take? I was thinking 18months, is this realistic?

An eternity ... the project will be completed by your great great grandchildren... longer than the sagrada familia...

So many apologies for my sarcasm! We've just started the groundwork on our double storey extension. The architect drew up the first plans over a year ago. If you discount lockdowns then maybe 18 months is realistic.

Depends on getting a builder booked in. We couldn't get quotes until we had all the structural calcs done, then the builders were booked up for months, builder's had issues getting some materials, building inspector got pinged so we missed our slot with the concrete pourer ... it'll all be worth it in the end!

Thanks for replying. Building works is so frustrating but at least you've kept your sense of humour. Family are thinking of extending to care for a relative but I think they may have left it too late and would be better off finding somewhere that can accommodate everyone without so much disruption.

Four years ago it took us 18 months from start to finish. That included a few months wait for the builder .

I would bank now on two years...that's if you can get a builder within price and he can source the materials. Frankly I'd wait rather than try and do now, but get the plans ready

Actual building work, 8-10 months if nothing goes wrong. At a guess. We had a single floor extension that was meant to take 12 weeks but was nearer six months.

How long would you wait for @MarieG10?
We’re in a situation to OP.

I wonder when things will get less busy and congested and slow.

3-4 months if you have a builder who project manages and employs all the contractors

Cost of building materials is likely to be prohibitive

Suggest you get a quote first if you can find a builder to come out

@Dustyboots

Frankly if it was the right builder who had done work for friends..I would wait a year. I saw the nightmare of my neighbour having an OK builder but being a nightmare to control and constantly trying to cut corners. .

My builder was just brilliant...4 years on the quality of what he built is evident wind people still go "wow" when they walk in

Our builder who started in Feb 2020 took until Nov 2020 to complete our 2 storey extension and get building regs sign off. His original estimate was 6 weeks but he did have delays due to covid. Landscaping then took a further 4 months and we are still finishing off odd bits.

Planning was a year prior to starting as we had to go to appeal due to a strange covenant. No neighbours objected which helped.