What to expect when you’re extending...

A home extension - equal parts exciting and chaotic, especially if you’re living through it while the work’s going on! If that’s your plan, then don’t worry, you’re in very good company. Many of the families I work with choose to stay put during the build, and while it can be a little dusty and occasionally noisy, it’s absolutely doable with a bit of planning, a good mindset, and the right team on your side!

First things first: expect a bit of mess. It’s part of the process - walls might come down, floors might come up, and there’ll be times when your kitchen feels more like a building site than a breakfast spot. But it is all temporary. The trick is just to prepare for it. Set up a temporary space to eat, keep essentials handy, and accept that for a few weeks, life might run a little differently (paper plates and slow cookers can become your best friends).

If you’ve got children, pets, or a home-working setup, it helps to have a bit of a strategy. Chat with your builder about the schedule such as when will the noisier work happen, or which areas can be sealed off? You want to keep daily life ticking over as smoothly as possible. A good team will clean up at the end of each day, stick to timelines, and keep you updated so there are no unexpected surprises. Communication is key with both your builder and with your family. Knowing what’s coming helps everyone stay a little more sane!

It’s also completely normal to feel a bit up and down during the process. You’re watching your home change shape in real time, which is amazing, but also emotional. One week the space feels huge and full of promise, the next it’s all cables and plaster dust. But hang in there. I’ve seen it (and experienced it) all before, and trust me, the moment it starts coming together, when the walls are painted and the light starts pouring in through those new windows, you’ll start to feel the magic again.

I'm a big believer in making the journey as smooth and supported as possible. I’ve lived through many renovations, so I get it - the good days, the wobbly ones, and the brilliant feeling of finally stepping into a home that truly works for you all.

So, if you’re getting ready to extend and wondering what to expect, just remember: a bit of short-term disruption can lead to a long-term dream!