© 2026 APN Extensions | apnextensions.co.uk
How It Works
Practical help for your house extension project
Planning an extension can feel complicated, particularly if you are not yet sure which professionals you need or what should happen first.
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APN Extensions has been created to make the process easier to understand.
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You can use the website to explore your options, learn more about the different stages of an extension project and request introductions to suitable professionals where additional support would be helpful.
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There is no obligation to proceed with any introduction. You remain free to compare quotations, ask questions and decide which professionals or contractors are right for your project.
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Step 1: Tell us about your extension
Start by telling us a little about your property and the type of extension you are considering.
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You do not need to have everything worked out.
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Some homeowners already have planning drawings and are ready to approach builders. Others are at a much earlier stage and simply want to understand whether a rear extension, side-return extension, wraparound design or double-storey addition would make the most sense.
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The form allows you to explain:
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The type of property;
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The location of the project;
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The kind of extension you are considering;
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The stage you have reached;
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The services you may need;
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Any particular questions or concerns.
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You can also let us know whether you are exploring ideas, preparing for planning, getting ready to build or dealing with a project that is already underway.
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Step 2: We review the information
Once we receive your details, we review the project and consider what type of support may be helpful.
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Every project is different.
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A homeowner at the earliest stage may need architectural design and planning advice.
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A homeowner with approved drawings may be looking for Building Regulations information, structural calculations, a Registered Building Control Approver or a suitable extension builder.
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A project that is already underway may need help with glazing, rooflights, doors, party wall matters, drainage, structural alterations or project management.
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The objective is not to recommend services you do not need.
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It is to help identify the most sensible next step based on the information you provide.
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Step 3: Select the services you need
Depending on the stage of your extension project, you may want help with one or more of the following:
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Extension builders;
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Architectural design and planning;
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Building Regulations drawings;
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Structural engineering;
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Building Control and Registered Building Control Approvers;
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Party wall surveyors;
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Project management;
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Glazing, rooflights and doors;
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Kitchens, flooring and interior finishes;
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Patios, landscaping and external works.
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Some homeowners need a complete package.
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Others may only need one specialist service.
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There is no requirement to select every category. You can choose the areas where an introduction would be useful and deal with the remaining parts of the project yourself.
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Step 4: Receive suitable introductions
Where appropriate, we may introduce you to relevant professionals or contractors through the Architectural Partner Network (APN).
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APN is not intended to operate as a mass lead-selling website.
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The aim is to provide homeowners with a more considered route to suitable professionals who work in the residential property sector.
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Where possible, introductions are based on:
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The type of project;
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The services required;
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The location of the property;
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The stage the project has reached;
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The availability of suitable professionals.
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Not every project will require an introduction, and availability will vary by service and location.
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Any introduction is optional.
Step 5: Compare quotations and decide how to proceed
Once you have spoken with the relevant professionals or contractors, you can ask questions, review the proposed scope of work and compare quotations.
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You are not required to appoint anyone introduced through APN Extensions.
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The final decision remains entirely yours.
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When comparing quotations, look beyond the headline price.
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Check what is included, what is excluded, whether VAT has been allowed for and whether important items such as drainage, structural steelwork, glazing, internal finishes, waste removal and landscaping have been properly considered.
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The cheapest quotation is not always the best value.
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A clear quotation from an experienced professional or contractor may save money and avoid unnecessary problems later in the project.
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Start at the stage that suits you
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You do not need to begin at the very start of the process.
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APN Extensions can be useful at several different stages.
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Exploring Your Options
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You may be considering whether an extension is worthwhile and trying to understand what type of design would suit your home.
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Our extension guides can help you explore rear extensions, side-return extensions, wraparound additions, full-width extensions, double-storey extensions, bungalow extensions, kitchen and dining extensions, orangeries and conservatory extensions.
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Planning and Design
You may already have an idea of the extension you want and need help preparing drawings or understanding the planning position.
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This is usually the stage where the layout, appearance, planning strategy and likely professional requirements should be considered carefully.
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Preparing to Build
You may have planning approval and need to prepare for construction.
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This is often the right time to deal with Building Regulations drawings, structural calculations, Building Control, party wall matters, builder quotations, glazing, rooflights and the wider project budget.
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Project Already Underway
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You may already have a builder on site but need help with a specialist issue, an additional quotation or a part of the project that was not properly considered at the outset.
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Where appropriate, APN Extensions may still be able to help connect you with relevant professionals.
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A more informed route through your extension project
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A successful extension is rarely about finding one person and asking them to deal with everything without further thought.
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It usually involves a series of decisions:
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What should be built?
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What drawings are required?
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Is planning permission needed?
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How should the project be priced?
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Which specialists need to be involved?
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What should happen before construction begins?
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How can unexpected costs be reduced?
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APN Extensions is designed to help homeowners understand those decisions and move forward with greater confidence.
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Tell Us About Your Extension
Planning an extension, preparing to build or already dealing with work on site?
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Tell us a little about your property and the stage you have reached.
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You can select the services that may be helpful and decide whether you would like suitable professionals or contractors to contact you.
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There is no obligation to proceed with any quotation or introduction.