Living through an extension build is one of the most disruptive things you can do to your home. Knowing what is coming makes it much easier. Here is a real, week-by-week breakdown based on a typical single-storey kitchen extension we deliver in Worcestershire.
Week 0: Pre-start
Final pre-start checks: skip permit if needed, scaffolding ordered, materials being delivered. We provide you with a project schedule, weekly meeting times, and emergency contact details. We agree access routes, parking, and where the toilet/kettle for the lads will be.
Week 1–2: Groundworks and foundations
Disruption: HIGH. Heavy machinery, deep excavation, lots of dust and noise. Topsoil stripped, footings dug, concrete poured. Building Control inspects before foundations are filled. Drainage diversions if needed.
Week 2–4: Brickwork and structural steel
Disruption: MEDIUM. Walls go up, looks like a proper extension is happening. RSJ steel beams craned in to support the upper structure. By end of week 4, you can usually see the full shape of the new space.
Week 4–5: Roof and weatherproofing
Disruption: MEDIUM. Roof structure built, felted and tiled. Once the roof is on (and any windows/doors fitted), the building is weather-tight. This is a major milestone — internal work can now happen even in bad weather.
Week 5–6: Knock-through (kitchen extensions)
Disruption: VERY HIGH. The existing rear wall comes down. Steel beam is installed. Massive dust. This is typically the worst week of the build, but only lasts 3–5 days. Most clients move out for these few days or use the back room only.
Week 6–8: First fix electrics, plumbing, plastering
Disruption: MEDIUM. Electricians and plumbers run cables and pipes through the structure. Plasterers float and skim every wall and ceiling. Quieter but very busy on site.
Week 8–10: Second fix and floor finishes
Disruption: LOWER. Sockets, switches, lights fitted. Internal doors and skirting boards on. Floor screeded or boarded. The space starts to feel like a finished room.
Week 10–12: Kitchen, decorating, snagging
Disruption: LOW. Kitchen units fitted, appliances installed, decorating. Final snagging list — small fixes and finishing touches. Handover walkthrough, Completion Certificate, photos for our portfolio.
Homeowner survival tips
- Set up a temporary kitchen in another room (microwave, kettle, mini fridge) for the knock-through weeks
- Cover or remove anything precious — dust gets everywhere despite our dust sheets
- Plan for 5 minutes of daily mess in the morning when the lads arrive
- Save the snagging list for the end — small things will be fixed in one go
- Take photos at each stage — they make a great record
- Trust the process — weeks 1–6 always feel worse than weeks 7–12
Our commitment
We treat your home like our own. Clean sites every day, dust sheets and sealed plastic where it matters, polite team, and a single point of contact (Jay) for any concern. Living through 12 weeks of building is hard — but it can be done with minimal stress when the team manages it properly.
Talk to us about your build
A free site visit lets us walk you through your specific timeline and what to expect. Call 07769 225120.
