🏗 Planning a Home Extension? Here’s What to Know Before You Build

Thinking of adding more space to your home? Whether it’s a rear extension, side return, or wraparound, a home extension is one of the most valuable investments a homeowner can make.

At ShellCo Ltd, we work with both homeowners and main contractors across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Cambridgeshire, providing structural shell services that get your extension up — fast and clean.

Here’s what you need to know before you start building.

📐 1. Get Your Drawings & Permissions in Place

Before the first spade hits the ground, make sure:

• You’ve had architectural drawings created

• You’ve submitted for planning permission (if required)

• You’ve had a structural engineer calculate load-bearing elements

Tip: Many single-storey extensions fall under permitted development, but always check with your local authority or architect.

🧱 2. Decide on Full Build vs. Shell-Only

Are you hiring one builder to do the whole job, or splitting the phases?

A shell-only package (what ShellCo specialises in) includes:

• All groundwork, foundations, drainage

• Brick/block walls, insulation

• Roofing (tiling or flat)

• Steel/lintel installation

• Structural openings (windows/doors)

Once the shell is complete, internal trades like electricians, plumbers, and plasterers can take over.

💷 3. Budget & Fixed Pricing

Extensions can quickly spiral in cost if pricing isn’t clear. ShellCo provides fixed shell-only quotes so you know exactly what the structural phase will cost — no surprises.

We help you budget by:

• Giving breakdowns per phase

• Explaining material options (e.g. block vs. brick finish)

• Offering advice on keeping costs down without sacrificing quality

🛠 4. Site Access & Tool Hire

Think about how materials and machinery will access the site.Will skips, diggers, or scaffold fit easily?

ShellCo also provides tool hire if you're planning to do smaller tasks yourself, such as:

• Wacker plate hire for levelling hardcore

• Cement mixer hire

• Small breakers or grinders

🏁 5. Keep It Clean & On Time

A shell-only builder should hand back the site clean and structurally sound — ready for the next trade.

At ShellCo:

• We remove debris and materials

• Ensure damp proof course and insulation is in

• Leave your extension watertight, level, and structurally finished

🚀 Ready to Start Your Extension?

Whether you’re planning a kitchen extension, new bedroom, or office, ShellCo Ltd is here to build the bones — fast, tidy, and built to last.

📞 Contact us today to discuss your project or request a site visit.