Can You Stay in Your Home While anExtension Is Being Built?
It’s a question we hear all the time at Plan It UK, and understandably so. If you’re planning an
extension, you’ll want to know how much of your daily life will be affected — and whether you’ll
need to pack up and move out for a while.
The honest answer is: yes, many people do stay in their homes during the build, but it really
depends on the type of extension and how the work is planned.
We design extensions across Bexleyheath, Bexley, South East London, Kent and Essex, and
part of our job is helping homeowners understand what to expect long before the builders arrive.
What Determines Whether You Can Stay at Home?
Every project is different, but a few key factors usually make the biggest difference.
1. The Type of Extension
Some extensions are naturally less disruptive than others:
Single-storey rear extensions are often the easiest to live through, especially if your
kitchen can stay usable for most of the build.
Side return extensions are usually manageable too, though you may temporarily lose
access to certain rooms.
Double-storey extensions tend to be more disruptive, particularly when openings are
created between floors.
Loft conversions are often the least intrusive, as most of the work happens above your
existing living space.
When we design an extension, we always think about how the build will be phased and how it
will affect day‑to‑day life.
2. Structural Work to the Existing House
The trickiest moments are usually when builders need to:
Remove parts of external walls
Install steel beams
Reconfigure staircases or kitchens
Adjust drainage or services.
During these stages, you may experience:
Noise and vibration
Short periods without heating, water or electricity
Temporary openings that reduce security
Good planning can shorten these phases significantly.
3. Access to Essential Rooms
To stay in the house comfortably, you’ll ideally need:
At least one working bathroom
A usable kitchen (even a temporary one)
Safe access in and out of the property
A lot of homeowners in the Bexleyheath area set up a temporary kitchen in a dining room or
spare room — something we can help plan for early on.
4. Your Household and Lifestyle
It’s also worth thinking about who lives in the home:
Young children
Pets
Anyone working from home
Dust, noise and reduced space can be challenging, even with a tidy building team. While
builders follow safety rules, a live construction site isn’t ideal for everyone.
When Moving Out Might Be the Better Option
There are times when we recommend clients move out temporarily, such as:
Large projects that affect most of the ground floor
Builds where the kitchen and bathroom will be out of action for a while
Homes with very limited space for materials
Projects involving major structural changes
Some clients only move out during the noisiest or messiest stages and return once the structure is watertight.
How Good Design Makes the Build Easier
At Plan It UK, we design with real life in mind — not just planning approval.
That means:
Creating designs that can be built in clear, manageable phases
Minimising disruption to key rooms like kitchens and bathrooms
Working closely with structural engineers from the start
Helping clients understand what each stage of the build involves
Producing clear drawings to avoid delays and surprises on site
A well‑thought‑out design usually leads to a smoother, quicker and far less stressful build.
Our Advice
Most homeowners can stay in their property during extension works — especially for
single‑storey rear or side extensions. The key is planning ahead, knowing what to expect, and
keeping communication open between you, your designer and your builder.
If you’re thinking about an extension in Bexleyheath or South East London, getting advice early
can help you decide what’s realistic for your home and your family.
Thinking About Extending Your Home?
If you’re planning a home extension and want guidance from a team that designs them every
day, we’re here to help.
Visit www.planituk.co.uk
Speak to Plan It UK — your local home extension design specialists in Bexleyheath
We’ll help you design an extension that works in real life, not just on paper.
