Home Extensions
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Home Extension: MP Reed Ltd. of Bognor Regis provides a Guide.
Mar 11, 2025
When you plan a home extension you make a significant choice that changes your living space and boosts your property’s value. Any home extension project for a new kitchen or expanded living space and bedroom results in a worthwhile investment. The planning and construction process for home extensions is complex which leads many homeowners to commit mistakes that cause delays while increasing costs and delivering poor results.
MP Reed Ltd., established as a trusted home builder in Bognor Regis serves various homeowners who wanted their dream extensions realized. Our professional experience shows clearly that inadequate preparation can transform an initially promising project into a stressful experience. This guide will identify five frequent planning errors people commit with home extensions and explain how to prevent them.
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Introduction: Plan for Success
Successful home extensions depend on detailed planning together with precise budget management and hiring a dependable builder. MP Reed Ltd. dedicates itself to assisting homeowners throughout Bognor Regis and nearby locations in developing and constructing house extensions that fulfill their requirements and surpass their expectations. By avoiding these mistakes you can ensure that your home extension project runs smoothly throughout its entire duration.
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1. Neglecting to Plan for the Future

Homeowners should anticipate lifestyle changes in the coming years instead of focusing solely on their present needs during home extension planning. Home extensions built for today's purposes may become inadequate as your needs develop over five to ten years.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Many homeowners fail to account for potential future needs such as increased family size or evolving space requirements when planning home extensions. A home extension that fails to consider future demands may eventually require further extensions or expensive adjustments.
How to Avoid It:
It's important to consider long-term flexibility when planning your new extension. Can the space accommodate a growing family? Does the extension have the flexibility to accommodate your changing needs over time? Our team at MP Reed Ltd. collaborates with you to develop an extension that addresses your present requirements and anticipates your future needs.
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2. Underestimating the Budget
Successful home extension planning requires thorough budgeting. Homeowners frequently underestimate their project budgets which leads to financial overruns and unexpected financial burdens.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Initial quotes might appear attractive but typically exclude additional expenses that arise from permits, structural problems, and design modifications. If you don't account for hidden costs you may end up spending more than planned.
How to Avoid It:
Begin with a budget that reflects real-world costs and make sure to add a contingency fund that covers 10-15% of the budget for unforeseen expenses. At MP Reed Ltd., we deliver clear and comprehensive quotes to work alongside you ensuring your extension adheres to budget constraints throughout the entire process.
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3. Ignoring Planning Permissions and Building Regulations
All extension projects require adherence to local planning permissions and building regulations regardless of their size. Not acquiring required approvals will result in serious outcomes that range from project delays to financial penalties.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Homeowners often mistakenly believe that small extensions do not require planning permission. Your local council's particular regulations can impact your extension because every project presents unique requirements.
How to Avoid It:
Make sure to contact your local planning authority for guidance as the first step in your project planning. At MP Reed Ltd., we steer you through planning permission requirements and verify that your extension complies with local regulations to prevent unexpected issues.
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4. Choosing the Wrong Builder
The builder you choose for your home extension project determines whether it succeeds or fails. Homeowners often choose builders based only on the price which ultimately results in substandard workmanship combined with project delays and unforeseen expenses.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Although selecting the least expensive builder appears to be a sensible option, the potential risks frequently exceed the financial benefits. Inexperienced builders or those who ignore proper procedures fail to provide the required quality and detail in their work.
How to Avoid It:
Choose a builder who has established a strong reputation and experience in home extensions and maintains a portfolio of successful projects. MP Reed Ltd. takes pride in providing excellent home extensions because of our focused attention to detail and quality craftsmanship supported by extensive experience. Our team will guide you through each phase of construction to make sure your extension meets top-quality standards.
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5. Not Considering the Impact on Your Neighbours
Home extension projects typically lead to disturbances for neighbours because of construction noise along with privacy issues and alterations to existing boundaries. Lack of prior communication with your neighbours can create tension which leads to complaints that delay or complicate your construction project.
Why It’s a Mistake:
When you don't tell your neighbours about your extension they may file formal complaints to the council and unnecessary disputes can arise. Your project may face delays and additional requirements that could prevent progress.
How to Avoid It:
Make sure to communicate with your neighbours prior to beginning any construction activities. Share your construction plans with your neighbors and resolve any issues they bring up to keep a good relationship during the entire project. This approach helps eliminate confusion between parties while keeping your project moving efficiently.
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Conclusion: Plan with Confidence
Home extension planning in Bognor Regis requires careful consideration but by partnering with the right team and following careful planning you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free building process. You can achieve a smooth-running project that meets your objectives by steering clear of the five common mistakes we've identified which include neglecting future needs, underestimating the budget, ignoring planning permissions, choosing the wrong builder and overlooking the impact on neighbours.
MP Reed Ltd. specializes in guiding homeowners toward building their ideal home extension. Our team works hard to provide high-quality, custom extensions that meet both your personal needs and financial constraints while creating additional space for your family or increasing your property value.
Ready to start your home extension?
Contact us today for a free quote call so our team can assist you in transforming your vision into reality. Our team will lead you through each phase of your extension project from the initial planning stage to final completion to realize your ideal extension.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What criteria determine if I need to obtain planning permission to extend my home in Bognor Regis?
A: The requirement for planning permission depends on the specific dimensions and complexity of your home extension project. We will assess your project needs to determine if planning permission is necessary and we will handle acquiring all required approvals.
Q: How much will my home extension cost?
A: The total expenses for building an extension depend on both the project's size and its complexity. You can request a free quote call from us to discuss your specific requirements and receive an accurate estimate.
Q: What is the expected completion timeline for building my home extension?
A: The completion time for a single-storey extension usually ranges from 8 to 12 weeks and depends on the complexity of the project. After discussing your specific needs we will provide a detailed timeline.
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Get in touch with MP Reed Ltd. today to arrange your no-cost quote consultation! Your dream home extension will become reality with our assistance.


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