Top 7 myths about extending your home (and what’s actually true)!

If you’ve been thinking about extending your home, chances are you’ve heard a lot of advice. Some helpful, some... not so much.

I’ve lost count of how many 'myths' I’ve come across during those first kitchen-table chats with homeowners. From planning permission panic to wildly off-base cost expectations, misinformation can easily derail a project before it even begins. So I thought I’d help try and clear the air. Here are seven of the most common myths I hear, and what’s actually true…

1. “You’ll definitely need planning permission.”

Not always! Thanks to permitted development rights, many single-storey rear extensions, loft conversions, and even some two-storey additions can be built without full planning permission - depending on your home and location! There are limits and rules, of course, and these can be more restricted in conservation areas or for listed buildings. But don’t assume you’re automatically headed into a lengthy planning process.

2. “It’s cheaper to move than extend.”

This one really depends. Moving comes with all sorts of hidden costs such as stamp duty, solicitor fees, removals, surveys, and not to mention the emotional cost of leaving a home and area you love. While extensions aren’t cheap, they can add serious value to your property and give you exactly the space you need, right where you already live. It’s worth comparing both options carefully, but don’t write off extending as the more expensive choice by default.

3. “Builders can start next month.”

In a word: no. A good builder is usually booked months in advance, sometimes longer. Design, planning, and approvals all take time too. I always say, allow at least 6–9 months from your first idea to the first dig, depending on the size of the project. It might sound slow, but it gives you the breathing space to make decisions properly and avoid costly last-minute changes.

4. “You can’t live at home during the build.”

You can, and many people do. Yes, there’ll be dust, disruption, and days when the kettle’s on the floor in the hallway but with careful planning and a team that’s respectful and communicative, you can absolutely stay put. It’s all about organisation, clear boundaries, temporary setups, and managing expectations.

5. “You’ll never get it past the neighbours.”

Neighbours do have a say, especially if you need planning permission or if the Party Wall Act applies but that doesn’t mean they can stop your build without reason. Most concerns can be addressed early on with a bit of friendly communication. In fact, in many cases, simply keeping neighbours informed and involved from the start can prevent issues later on.

6. “Bigger is always better.”

Not true. More space isn’t automatically better space. I’ve seen modest extensions completely transform how a family lives, simply because they were designed thoughtfully, not just stretched out. It’s about flow, light, function, and how the new space connects with the existing home. Quality over quantity, every time.

7. “You can just ‘add on’ a room.”

Technically you can, but a great extension should feel integrated, not tacked on. It’s not just about extra space, it’s about how that space works and how it feels. The transitions between old and new matter. So do materials, proportions, and how light moves through the space. That’s where good design makes all the difference.

So, my advice? Don’t panic. The reality is often a lot more straightforward (and exciting!) than the horror stories suggest. The key is getting good advice early, asking questions, and working with people who care about making the process smooth and enjoyable.