Time scale from planning approved to building work starting

[LillyLeaf]

We only submitted plans a month ago so I know we're still in the early stages but keep wondering when we would even start building once they are approved? I know people are struggling to find builders at the moment. Can anyone give me any insight to their experience. Thanks

Depending on your builder's availability and your party wall agreement if needed. If both are ready, you can start immediately.
Good builders have less availability, some of them we contacted were fully booked for the next 18 months. Some could start in 3 weeks.

Before you choose your builder, ask to see a couple of his previous projects. Take to the owners about their experiences. A good builder is likely to be busy so waiting 6-12 months is not unusual. If a builder is available immediately, there might be a reason why.

Also think about the practicalities of taking down an external wall, and having your house open to the elements. Once you have planning permission, you do not want to be living in a building site in February.

Building supplies can take time to source, especially if you want to match bricks or need a particular kind of slate.

I was granted planning in March one year and work started in April the following year.

We have submitted planning and should get approval before Christmas. Have had my builder round to quote. Our best case scenario is April but worst case Winter 2022. I'm happy to wait for our builder as he is very good.

We got our planning permission in November 2020, organised builders soon after and they started end of August 2021.

First time, waited about 18 months for builder. He was brilliant.

Second time, found someone who could start within weeks (we were desperate for the work to be done). It's dragged on and on and has been really stressful, several things have been done wrong and still not sure when it'll be finished. We should have just waited for trusted builder again.

Thanks to everyone that has replied. I think I really need to adjust my expectations of when we might start work. I really hope we don't have to wait 18 months as the house just doesn't work well for us right now.