How Long Will It Take From Design to Completion?

Understanding Every Stage from First Plans to Final Sign-Off

When you decide to extend or remodel your home, one of the first questions is often, how long will it take?

At Kingdom, we believe that understanding the full process, from early planning and design to the final sign-off, helps our clients feel confident, prepared, and in control.

Every project is unique, but most follow a clear structure that can be divided into five main stages.

1. Discovery and Design (6–12 weeks)

Your journey begins with a design consultation and feasibility review.

During this stage we:

• Discuss your goals, lifestyle, and priorities.
• Review site conditions and existing plans.
• Develop initial concepts and layout ideas.
• Refine materials, finishes, and design details.

By the end of this stage, you will have a clear visual of how your home will look and function.

2. Planning and Approvals (6–10 weeks)

Once the concept design is complete, we prepare all drawings and documentation required for planning permission or Permitted Development confirmation.

Our team handles:

• Submitting applications to your local planning authority.
• Managing Prior Approval where relevant.
• Liaising with planning officers and addressing feedback.
• Applying for a Lawful Development Certificate if your project qualifies under Permitted Development rights.

Typical local authority decisions take around 6–8 weeks. We keep you informed throughout and make any adjustments required to achieve approval.

3. Technical Design, Building Regulations and Procurement (4–6 weeks)

After planning approval, we move into the technical stage. Here we:

• Produce detailed construction drawings.
• Coordinate structural engineer calculations.
• Prepare specifications for Building Control submission.
• Obtain Building Regulations approval through your local authority or an approved inspector.
• Finalise material selections and order long-lead items such as windows, glazing, and bespoke joinery.

This is where design becomes build-ready.

4. On-Site Construction (4–8 months depending on project size)

With permissions in place, the physical build begins.

A typical timeline looks like this:

PhaseDurationKey ActivitiesGroundworks2–4 weeksFoundations, drainage, utilitiesSuperstructure4–8 weeksWalls, framework, roofingFirst Fix4–6 weeksPlumbing, electrical, heating systemsSecond Fix4–6 weeksPlastering, flooring, joineryFinishing2–4 weeksDecoration, fittings, external works

Throughout construction, Kingdom’s site and project managers coordinate every trade, maintain quality control, and communicate progress weekly.

5. Sign-Off, Certification and Aftercare (2–4 weeks)

As your new space nears completion, we carry out a full quality review and snagging process.

This final stage includes:

• Decorating and final detailing.
• Building Control inspection and completion certificate.
• Electrical (NICEIC) and Gas Safe certifications.
• Delivery of warranties and maintenance guidance.
• A detailed handover meeting to walk you through your new space.

Once you’re settled in, our aftercare team remains available for follow-up visits and advice on maintaining your home for the long term.

6. Typical Overall Timeframe

For most home extensions, you can expect:

• Design and Approvals: 3–4 months
• Technical and Procurement: 1–1.5 months
• Construction: 4–6 months
• Finishing and Sign-Off: 1 month

From your first design meeting to final handover, a well-planned project typically spans 9–12 months.

7. The Kingdom Difference

Timelines are important, but so is how you experience them.

Kingdom’s end-to-end management keeps every stage connected with one team, one point of contact, and one continuous schedule.

We balance precision planning with flexibility, ensuring your project runs smoothly, safely, and to the high standard our clients expect.

✉️ Need clarity on your project timeline? From first sketches to Building Control sign-off, we’ll help you understand what to expect at every stage and how to plan realistically. Get in touch to start your schedule consultation today.