How long does side return build take?? Post Reply

[Roxron]

Hi all, as title says just wondering how long I should expect a side return build to take from the first day through to completion.
We are thinking of staying with relatives whilst work is going on but have just had a builder say it could take 5 months, whilst others say 12-14 weeks. If 5 months is more realistic we may have to budget for renting, however that seems really long!??

[Sabine101]

I reckon 3-4 months including fitting kitchen and decorating. The timescale the builders give will be just for the build.

[lifestylebyasq]

It's hard to give a straight answer but I will try!

The short answer

About six to eight weeks assuming planning has been granted and party wall agreed.

The building work itself can be around 6 weeks. However, depending on the specifications especially with bi-fold doors and glass roof this can have a longer lead time depending on the supplier.

The long answer

Assuming that the builders turn up and work solidly throughout and there are no big problems along the way then 6-8 weeks should be enough.

However I have seen/heard of builds take much longer usually because builders weren't reliable or specifications changed.

For example, one build I know of had to redesign the steels in their kitchen half way through because the planners decided that more steel was needed. The client had done everything correctly but simply fell foul of a rule change with the council.

Assuming that you have everything squared away then finding reliable builders is your best bet for a quick finish.

I'd ask to see several (three ideally) of their completed builds and ask the owners directly how long it took from "arrival to dinner party".

What you really want to see is a pattern of rapid solid work with no endless chasing for snagging etc.

Hope all that helps and good luck, you'll love it when it's finished but the process can be a little stressful!

[Roxron]

Thanks both for your replies. Is anyone else able to share how long theirs took?

[LP73]

If you have planning permission and party wall agreements through I would also say around six weeks providing you have brilliant builders who are switched on.
Have a contract drawn up with a finishing date on it.

We are having major work done and some builders were saying one year plus. The builders we have gone with are going to take six months and their work is fantastic. They keep us updated twice a week and the progress is amazing.
If you would like their details message me.

We are lucky enough not to have to live in the property whilst works is going on.

Best of luck with it all

[Roxron]

Would love their details, will message you.

[Tigermum]

Hi Rox,

We had a side return build done last year, in under 2 months, really happy with the work, Bart was very helpful and friendly, Pristine Finish: 07872 338 775 http://pristinefinish.co.uk/ , depending on the scale of the job, he's pretty good at pricing up and giving a time scale quite quickly.

Good luck with everything x