1) Protect the “non-negotiables” in your routine
Before work starts, decide what you need to keep working throughout:
- School runs and bedtime routines
- Work-from-home days and quiet hours
- A usable bathroom
- A basic cooking setup
If we know what matters most, we can plan the programme and site setup around it.
4) Expect the messy phases — and plan around them
There are predictable high-disruption moments:
- Demolition and structural openings
- Steel installation
- First fix (electrics/plumbing)
- Plastering and drying time
If you know when these are coming, you can plan work-from-home days, childcare, or short trips away.
Mini guide: living through an extension (without losing your mind)
Most extension stress comes from day-to-day disruption — not the idea of the extension itself. Here’s how to plan for a smoother build.
2) Plan a temporary kitchen setup (even if it’s basic)
If your kitchen is being extended or knocked through, assume you’ll need a temporary setup for a period of time. Typically that means:
- Kettle + microwave / air fryer
- A small worktop or folding table
- A place to wash up (sometimes a utility sink or temporary tap arrangement)
- A clear plan for food storage
The goal isn’t “perfect cooking” — it’s keeping family life functional.
5) Keep decisions ahead of the build
Late decisions are one of the biggest causes of delays and budget creep. The earlier you choose:
- Kitchen layout and appliance positions
- Lighting plan
- Flooring and finishes
…the smoother the build tends to run.
3) Agree access, working hours, and “no-go” zones
A simple plan prevents daily friction:
- Where trades will enter/exit
- Which rooms are out of bounds
- Where materials will be stored
- Where kids/pets must not go