Good project management can make the difference between a successful project completed on time or a frustrating and costly outcome affecting your house and home life. Good project management starts with embarking on a realistic time scale that will enable the process of good design, successful negotiations with the Local Authority and the appointment of a good contractor to take place.

This starts with a realistic timescale to the project with both client and their professional team working to realistic and achievable time scales. As a guide these are the typical time scales for obtaining the Local Authority and statutory approvals together with identifying and appointing a reliable contractor that will complete the job within agreed time scales. As an example, for a typical two-storey rear extension the following time scales should be included in the overall project programme.

Planning consent.

To submit a planning application and obtain consent, the Council requires eight weeks to determine the application.

Building Control Approval.

Normally this is applied for after the planning consent has been obtained and will take at least six weeks to obtain approval.

Competitive tenders.

Normally for a medium sized contract, contractors will require at least four weeks to price and return the tenders. After tenders are returned at least two weeks is normally required to appoint the contractor and start the work on site. Total six weeks for issuing tenders.

Construction period for a two-storey rear extension is normally between sixteen to eighteen weeks.

This provides a total of 36 weeks and does not include the design time required for the preparation of drawings and specifications.

In some instances it is possible to combine the Building Control and tendering process which can reduce this overall period by approximately six weeks. A further reduction is also possible if the project does not require planning permission.

WHS Associates provide a full support service for our clients from inception to successful completion.

• Initial project planning


• Planning application


• Building Control approval


• Party Wall procedures


• Competitive tendering


• Appointing the builder. Preparation of contracts and contract administration


• Progress meetings, stage payment valuations


• Inspection of the works


• Agreeing contractors final account and release of retentions