We all know that undertaking a home improvement project, especially a home extension, can be one of life’s most stressful experiences. But at Arcplan, we’re here to help make the process as smooth and manageable as possible. With years of expertise in the UK house extension market, we’ve compiled a list of five key tips to help you survive—and thrive—during your building project.
1. Organise Your Party Wall Agreement
If your home shares a wall with a neighboring property, you’ll need to arrange a party wall agreement before any work begins. Each neighbor must be informed of the proposed work by using a party wall notice form, which needs to be issued at least two months before the project starts. Being organised in advance will save you time and prevent delays.
At Arcplan, we can guide you through this process, and if necessary, we’ll connect you with one of our trusted, certified party wall surveyors to ensure everything runs smoothly.
2. Consider Temporary Relocation
There’s no denying that building work can be disruptive and noisy. At Arcplan, our team works hard to keep noise and mess to a minimum, but there will be times when moving out temporarily might be the best option for your comfort.
If you can, arrange to stay with friends or family, or consider rented accommodation, especially during the most intense parts of the project. If moving out entirely isn’t feasible, plan to be away for a few weeks when the noisiest and dustiest work is being carried out. Our Arcplan Project Manager will be able to advise you on the timing so that you can plan accordingly. Families with small children may also want to arrange extra playdates to keep the kids out of the building zone.
3. Protect Your Furniture and Belongings
Throughout the building process, dust and debris are inevitable. To keep your home in good shape, make sure to protect your furniture by covering it with dust sheets, and close doors wherever possible to prevent dust from spreading.
For items not in use, it’s a good idea to pack them away to prevent damage. For extra peace of mind, ask your Arcplan team to set up temporary partitions to seal off areas where work is being done.
4. Clear Passageways
During your extension, materials will be coming in, and waste will be going out—all of which can be disruptive. To minimize inconvenience and to avoid damage to your home, ensure there is a clear passage for the builders to transport materials in and out of the work area. Keeping pathways open and safe will help the process move more efficiently and protect your existing home from unnecessary wear and tear.
5. Keep Communication Open
Communication is key to a successful home extension. At Arcplan, we assign you a dedicated Project Manager who will serve as your main point of contact throughout the project. Weekly check-ins are a great way to review progress, address any concerns, and ensure everything is on track.
Additionally, if you have urgent questions or issues, our Arcplan Customer Service Team is always available to assist. Whether it’s chasing up queries or answering pressing questions, we ensure that communication remains open and that your requests are promptly addressed.
Final Thoughts
While a home extension project can feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember that once the work is complete, you’ll have a beautiful new space to enjoy for years to come. At Arcplan, our goal is to make your home extension experience as stress-free as possible, guiding you through every step of the journey.
If you’re ready to take the next step in transforming your home—whether it’s a kitchen extension, side return, or rear extension—contact Arcplan today to book your free, no-obligation site survey. Visit us at Arcplan.co.uk or call us to learn more.
