Planning an extension - when to contact builder?

In my opinion is better to contact the builder after you have the planing permission, this way he will know exactly what he needs to do there, and is easier to give a quotation.
He will know how to plan his time, in many cases the planing permission takes up to 5-6 weeks, maybe more!

Right at the beginning. An experienced builder would be able to see things like drainage, building over or party wall problems that may not be apparent. Would also be able to give a budget price based on your ideas and vision of the extension.

Stage 1 speak to planning in your area they will let you know if planning is needed. Single story 6 x 5 metres may not need planning.
If planning needed then get drawings in asap planning could take 6-12 weeks. Once you know your extension is successful then look for good builder. You might find a company who will draw plans and then do everything else. (We do everything) Hope this useful.

To get a more exact quote it is better to get builder in once you have planning and permissoion in place.

its a good idea to get your builder involved from the start and build a good working relationship with them.
hope this helps.

You can contact a builder from beginning is better for you for his knowledge and he can help you to take the write decisions, plans, permission, etc.

right at the beginning. If the builder gets to know the customer and visa versa
and builds up a rapport. Alternatively, when you have plans and put the job to tender.

I would get plans and permission first, if required

once you have had the plans drawn up..... why.... as no builder will quote without detailed plans, alternatively some builders do the full package

good idea to contact builders asap if they want to help then they are worth looking at some like my self can provide a start to finish service ie plans and permissions for me it depends on your location.

at the begining

if you know of a good builder you should speak to him/her first.
they will be a lot of help for you in choosing how approach the project.
they would probably reccomend a architect for your plans /building notice and submission

For this type of job you'd be best thinking about what type of extension you want .get some ideas from a few builders when your sure you are having the extension .be careful who you use .once the jobs done get it checked by severe .

we think after plan would be better

Once your drawings are completed, you can contact us. We can also provide you with all necessary drawings you required for council and building control. We provide a turn key solutions from design to completion.

you can contact builder after you have a drawings, so a builder can give you a quotation and recommendations if threes a mistakes on the plans

Probably best to wait till you have plans at least/ structural engineer report as builder will need this to provide a more accurate quote

It really depends on what type of service and support you want from your builder. At The Extension Company Wales we offer a complete "Concept to Completion" service so the time to contact us is right at the very beginning. We will then take you through all the stages of your project from plans to planning consent, building control, the build process and finally completion. Other companies may not offer this service so the time to contact them would be once you have planning consent. This demonstrates that you are a serious customer and that it is worth them investing time in you and your project. If you are concerned about how much your project will cost prior to planning then a decent qualified architect should be able to give you a ball park figure during your initial conversations. I hope this helps and good luck with your project

Some companies do offer that service so they'll get the drawings and put in for planning permission if it's required for you but the majority of the time you'd do this yourself then once you've got them in place your builder can use the drawings / plans you've provided to price the job.

Better start a conversation with the builder. He will tell you in which direction you need to move.

You should start to contact builders as soon as you have your drawings and planning permission has been submitted, the builder will need your drawings to price your job

Cheers, Davie

Contact the builder for ideas before you get planning.

Hi
Plans and permission would be best
It would be better for a builder to know if it's on full planning or under a building notice
Regards

The sooner you contact a builder the better. your builder would be able to give you a rough idea of project costs. saves you spending a lot of money on procedures if you wont be in a position to go ahead with project. Also most good builders would have an architect who would be able to draw up your plans and advice of any potential issues.
personally we project manage from start to finish.

Contact a builder once you have planning permission and the plans.

Hello there, I would advise getting a builder by your side from the beginning as the builder can advise on ideas and the stages needed. Alternatively you go through the process yourself and employ a builder once permitted.

Right at the beginning. An experienced builder would be able to see things like drainage, building over or party wall problems that may not be apparent. Would also be able to give a budget price based on your ideas and vision of the extension.

Ideally start looking for a builder as early as possible to gain an idea of the costs and timeframe involved with the project. However a builder will require planning drawings to give a more accurate quotation.

after the granted of the planning and receiving the structural drawings

You can begin speaking to a builder early on, but it depends on the type of company you choose. Firms that only do construction prefer to be approached once you have full drawings, structural details and permissions.

At Planoka, we handle both the design and the build, so you can engage us from the very beginning. This allows us to guide the layout, structural approach, and planning strategy in a way that keeps the project efficient and avoids redesign costs later.

A good rule of thumb:
• Design & planning stage ? speak to a design-build company
• After approvals ? speak to a build-only contractor

Engaging early with a company that manages both sides usually results in a smoother, faster project with fewer surprises.