How Long Should Building Work Actually Take?

You've accepted a quote for your extension or loft conversion, and now you want to know: how long will builders actually be at my property? It's one of the most common questions we get, and one of the hardest to answer precisely because every project is different. But after 13 years building across Hull, we can give you realistic timelines and explain what affects them.

Understanding how long work takes helps you plan your life around the disruption. It also helps you spot when projects are taking unreasonably long or being rushed dangerously fast. Here's what you should actually expect.

Single-Storey Rear Extensions

A typical single-storey rear extension of around 4m by 4m usually takes 10 to 14 weeks from start to finish. That includes groundworks, building the structure, roofing, fitting windows and doors, first fix electrics and plumbing, plastering, second fix, and decorating.

Smaller extensions might be slightly quicker, perhaps 8 to 10 weeks. Larger ones or those with complications take longer, potentially 14 to 16 weeks. Anyone quoting significantly less than this is either very optimistic or planning to rush, and neither is good for quality.

Weather affects timelines too, particularly for groundworks and roofing. Winter projects often take a week or two longer because of weather delays. This isn't poor planning: it's reality when working outdoors in Hull.

Two-Storey Extensions

Two-storey extensions take considerably longer because you're essentially building two rooms stacked, with all the structural and finishing work that entails. A typical two-storey rear extension takes 14 to 20 weeks, sometimes longer for complex projects.

The additional storey means more brickwork, more structural work, internal stairs if you're adding bedroom access, additional plumbing for en-suites, and double the finishing work. Everything takes longer, and there's more coordination needed between different trades.

If someone quotes 10 weeks for a two-storey extension, be suspicious. That timeline doesn't allow for proper work or dealing with the inevitable minor complications that arise during any building project.

Loft Conversions

Basic Velux loft conversions typically take 6 to 8 weeks. These are the simplest because they don't extend the roof envelope: you're working within the existing roof space, adding windows, flooring, insulation, and finishing the space.

Dormer loft conversions take longer, usually 8 to 12 weeks. You're building an extension to the roof, which requires structural work, weatherproofing, and more complex finishing. The work is more exposed to the weather, which can cause delays.

Hip-to-gable loft conversions are the most extensive, often taking 10 to 14 weeks. You're rebuilding part of the roof structure entirely, which is major structural work requiring careful sequencing and often scaffolding for extended periods.

Full Renovations

Complete house renovations in Hull vary enormously depending on scope. A full renovation of a three-bedroom Victorian terrace in Hull, including new kitchen and bathrooms, rewiring, replastering throughout, and new heating, typically takes 8 to 16 weeks.

If you're stripping back to brick and completely reconfiguring layouts, allow 12 to 20 weeks or more. These projects involve multiple trades working in sequence, and rushing causes problems. Period property renovations often reveal unexpected issues that add time.

Trying to live in the property during full renovations usually extends timelines because we need to work around you. If you can move out temporarily, the work proceeds faster and is less disruptive for everyone.

What Affects Timeline

Several factors influence how long work actually takes. Building regulations inspections happen at specific stages: foundations, wall plate level, and completion. We can't proceed to the next stage until inspections are passed, which sometimes means waiting a few days for building control to visit.

Weather is unpredictable. Heavy rain stops groundworks and roofing. Extreme cold affects mortar curing. We build weather contingency into timelines, but occasionally projects get delayed by genuinely awful weather that prevents safe or effective work.

Material deliveries sometimes get delayed. We order materials well in advance, but supply chains occasionally fail. Bespoke items like made-to-measure windows take several weeks to manufacture, and we can't fit them until they arrive.

Coordination Between Trades

Quality building work requires multiple trades working in the right sequence. Groundworkers do foundations. Bricklayers build walls. Roofers make it weathertight. Then, electricians and plumbers do first fix, plasterers finish walls and ceilings, then electricians and plumbers return for second fix,and  finally, decorators finish.

Each trade needs the previous one to be complete before starting. Rushing one trade to save time creates problems for the next. We coordinate carefully to minimise gaps between trades, but some waiting is inevitable and actually necessary for proper work.

Building Control Stages

Building control inspections are legally required at specific stages and affect timelines. For Hull extensions, we need inspections after excavating foundations, again when walls reach wall plate level, and finally on completion before getting your completion certificate.

We can't pour concrete foundations until building control inspects the excavation. We can't proceed with roofing until they've checked the wall plate level. These inspections usually happen within a few days, but occasionally take longer during busy periods, which adds time to the overall project.

Why Rushing Is Dangerous

Some builders promise unrealistically fast timelines. They're usually cutting corners. Mortar needs time to cure properly. Plaster needs to dry before decorating. Concrete foundations need adequate curing time before loading with brickwork.

Rushing these processes creates problems that appear months or years later. Cracks appear because the mortar didn't cure properly. Paint peels because the plaster wasn't dry. Structural issues emerge because the foundations were loaded too soon. The time saved initially costs far more to fix later.

We'd rather give you realistic timelines and meet them than promise fast completion and either rush dangerously or miss deadlines. Unreliable timelines cause more stress than slightly longer but dependable ones.

Living Through the Work

The timeline matters because you're living through disruption. No access to your kitchen for weeks. Dust despite our best efforts. Builders arriving early morning. Noise throughout the day. It's genuinely disruptive, and understanding how long it lasts helps you cope.

We're respectful of occupied homes. We clean up daily, contain dust as much as possible, and work predictable hours. But building work is inherently messy and noisy. Most families find it manageable for the quoted timeline, but would struggle if projects dragged on significantly longer.

What Causes Overruns

Sometimes projects take longer than quoted. The most common cause is discovering unexpected problems: worse foundations than expected, hidden structural issues, or problems with services like drains or electrics that need addressing.

We discuss these immediately and give clear timelines for the additional work. We don't spring surprises at the end. If something adds two weeks to the schedule, we will tell you as soon as we know, explain why, and keep you informed throughout.

Changes you request during work also extend timelines. Adding extra sockets, changing window positions, and upgrading finishes: these are fine, but they take extra time. We're clear about the impacts before proceeding with changes.

Our Approach to Timelines

We give realistic timelines in our quotes based on 13 years of experience. We know how long things actually take, including typical complications and weather contingency. We'd rather slightly overestimate and finish early than promise fast completion and overrun.

We keep you informed throughout. If we're ahead of schedule, we'll tell you. If delays occur, you'll know immediately with clear explanations. We're not perfect: occasionally, unexpected things cause delays. But we communicate clearly, so you're never wondering what's happening.

Red Flags on Timelines

Be suspicious of builders who promise very fast completion without caveats. They're either inexperienced and don't understand how long things take, or they're planning to rush and compromise quality.

Also, beware builders who constantly revise completion dates without clear explanations. Occasional delays happen to everyone, but persistent overruns with vague excuses suggest poor project management or overcommitment to multiple jobs.

Getting Started

When you're planning building work, factor realistic timelines into your decision-making. Extensions, loft conversions, and renovations are significant undertakings that need proper time. The disruption is temporary, but the results last for decades.

We're happy to discuss realistic timelines for your specific project. After 13 years of building across Hull, we know how long things actually take, and we're honest about it from the start.

Give us a call on 07934 237607 or email dbconstructionhull@outlook.com to discuss your project and get a realistic timeline alongside your quote.