When September arrives, many homeowners ask the same question: “Have I missed my chance to start a home extension this year?” At Go Plans, we work with clients across the UK on both small residential projects and larger house extensions, and the good news is: it’s not too late. In fact, September is the perfect moment to begin planning.
The key is understanding what can be achieved before Christmas, and which projects need more time but can still be organised over the autumn and winter months, ready to break ground in the spring.
If you’re looking to enjoy extra space during the festive season, you’ll be pleased to know that some smaller-scale projects can be designed, approved, and built before the year is out. These usually don’t require lengthy planning applications and can often be signed off quickly under permitted development rights or without any application.
Knocking through a wall, opening up your kitchen and dining area, or reworking an awkward floor plan can often be designed and completed in just a few weeks. These projects rarely require planning permission, and by December you could be enjoying a bright, open-plan living space perfect for hosting Christmas dinner.
If you have an underused garage, converting it into a home office, playroom, or snug is one of the quickest ways to add usable space. With straightforward drawings and minimal permissions, this is a project that could be completed in time for Christmas.
Garden rooms or bespoke outdoor offices are another popular option. With proper planning and design support from our team, you could have your own warm, insulated workspace set up before the end of the year.
While most loft conversions are too complex to complete before the holidays, some simpler projects—such as boarding out your loft for storage or creating a basic bedroom space under permitted development rights—can be realistic. If no major dormer or structural alterations are needed, and you begin the process now, completion before Christmas may be possible.
If your home has a gap that allows for a tiny side-return or single-storey infill extension, these can sometimes be carried out under permitted development and built in just a few months. With the right planning and a quick start, you might enjoy the extra space by the festive season.
Larger home extensions take longer. Even if you start in September, it’s unlikely you’ll have them built and finished by Christmas. However, starting now means you’ll use the winter months productively—getting all permissions, drawings, and contractor schedules lined up. That way, when the ground thaws and builders’ diaries open up early spring, you’re first in line.
A spacious open-plan kitchen-diner is one of the most popular extension types in the UK. These projects require architectural drawings, planning permission (in many cases), and building regulations approval. By starting in September, you’ll have everything approved by the time spring arrives, ready for construction.
Adding an extra bedroom, office, or ensuite in your loft is a fantastic way to increase your property value. However, more complex conversions—especially those involving dormers, bathrooms, or structural changes—will not be ready before Christmas. By starting now, you’ll be perfectly placed to begin work in early spring and secure a builder for a reasonable price.
More complex extensions, particularly those adding multiple bedrooms or bathrooms, will require full planning applications and careful design work. Starting in September means you can navigate planning over the winter months, saving valuable time and avoiding delays in spring.
At Go Plans, we provide both online and on-site architectural services, tailored to your project and your property. From the first consultation to the final approval, we make the process simple and stress-free.
We’ll guide you through:
So, is it too late to start planning a home extension in September? Absolutely not. Smaller projects—such as garage conversions, internal layout changes, garden rooms, simpler loft conversions, or very small infill extensions—can be completed in time for Christmas if you get started right away. Larger projects—like kitchen extensions, complex loft conversions, and two-storey builds—are better planned now, so you can use the autumn and winter months to prepare and be ready for a spring start.
By working with a professional residential architect like Go Plans, you’ll stay ahead of the curve and ensure your dream project is completed smoothly, on time, and within budget.
👉 Start planning your home extension today with Go Plans
At Go Plans, we believe that your dream home shouldn’t come with nightmare costs or endless delays. We’ve rebuilt the process from the ground up to deliver high-quality extension plans at half the price and in half the time.
How do we do it? Simple. We combine expert design, smart digital workflows, and honest communication — all focused on saving you time and money from start to finish without compromising on quality.
We don’t believe in wasting your time or charging you just to have a conversation. That’s why we offer a free online consultation to kick things off.
Once you decide to move forward, we’ll book a site visit within a week to carry out the architectural and engineering survey and capture all necessary information and details for your project.
Most delays and rising costs in home projects happen because of disorganisation, miscommunication or slow-moving teams. At Go Plans, we’ve tackled all of that.
Here’s how we keep things moving:
By using efficient communication tools and assignint to every project a dedicated account manager, we make sure you always know exactly where your project stands and what comes next.
You won’t be left chasing updates or wondering who to talk to. From planning permission to design approval, your dedicated account manager is there to guide you at every stage.
Need to clarify something quickly? We’re just a message away.
Need advice about the next step? We’re already on it.
You’re never in the dark.
We don’t just hand over a set of drawings and wish you luck.
Through our Project Management and Quote Appraisal service, we help you:
We act on your behalf to make sure you get the best value and avoid common pitfalls that can derail a build. Our team knows what to look for, and what to avoid so you can move forward with confidence.
Because we’ve removed the bloated overheads, outdated processes, and unnecessary delays found in traditional architecture services.
Here’s how Go Plans delivers faster and more affordable home extensions:
✅ No unnecessary overheads – We don’t run a high-street practice or charge by the hour.
✅ Efficient workflows – From your free online consultation to your site visit, we fast-track every step so you’re never stuck waiting for weeks between updates.
✅ Clear, upfront pricing – Our fixed-fee quotes mean you know exactly what you’re paying for.
✅ Dedicated account manager – One point of contact keeps everything on track and keeps you informed. Whether it’s by email, call, or WhatsApp, you’re always in the loop.
✅ A full in-house team – From concept design to structural engineering and building regulations, everything is handled by our own experts. No need to involve third-party consultants. This keeps your project flowing smoothly and reduces both sky-rocketing costs, endless delays and misunderstandings between teams.
✅ End-to-end service – Go Plans can take you from the initial idea all the way to getting the keys to your finished extension. We’re with you at every stage, from plans to planning, from contractors to completion.
✅ Contractor quote appraisal & negotiation – We help you get the best deal from vetted builders — negotiating on your behalf, flagging red flags, and protecting you from overpaying or falling into hidden-cost traps.
Whether you’re planning a rear extension, side return, loft conversion, or full refurb — we’ll help you get it done better, faster, and more affordably.
If you’re ready to move forward with your extension or full house refurbishment, Go Plans is ready to make it happen — on time, on budget, and without the usual hassle.
Thinking about renovating your home this year? If you want to enjoy your new space before winter sets in, now is the time to act. One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is how long renovations actually take from the first idea to the final coat of paint.
In this post, we’ll break down the full timeline of a typical renovation in England, explain the key stages, and show you how starting in spring means finishing in time for winter comfort.
Every project is unique, but here’s a realistic breakdown of how long a full renovation or extension typically takes:
👉 At GoPlans, we also offer a fast-track service for those who are under tighter deadlines where we complete your drawings at a much faster pace.
Planning your renovation in May offers several smart advantages:
✅ Better contractor availability before the summer/autumn rush
✅ Planning departments are often quicker to respond before peak holidays
✅ Spring weather helps speed up site prep and outdoor works
✅ You’ll be ready to build before colder, wetter months slow everything down
✅ Save money by purchasing fixtures, fittings, and materials now—many suppliers offer spring discounts, and early decisions help avoid expensive last-minute choices
✅ You gain time to plan carefully and avoid rushed, costly decisions during the build phase
Starting now means you’re building from a place of control—not pressure.
Here’s how your renovation journey typically unfolds with GoPlans:
We begin by understanding your vision and goals for the space. What are you trying to achieve? What’s your budget and timeline?
Our designers turn your ideas into detailed architectural plans, refining layouts and making sure your project is feasible and compliant.
Some projects can proceed under Permitted Development, but many need formal permission. We handle all paperwork and liaise with your local authority no matter what type of planning application your project requires.
Once plans are approved, we create technical drawings and structural calculations to ensure your build meets UK standards.
👉 Need this fast? Our GoPlans Fast-Track Service helps you move quicker to the next step.
This comprehensive document includes all architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and FF&F (fixtures, fittings & finishes) plans. It’s essential for obtaining accurate contractor quotes and avoiding budget surprises later.
We can assist you in gathering competitive quotes and selecting the right builder—early planning gives you access to better pricing and availability.
Now the work begins! Depending on the size and scope, construction can take several months. By starting in spring, you dramatically reduce the risk of weather delays and winter slowdowns.
Many delays in renovations come from poor preparation or unclear planning. Here’s how we help you avoid them:
Many homeowners start thinking seriously about renovations later in the year—but by that time, schedules are tighter, material costs may have risen, and the weather can introduce extra challenges. Starting earlier simply gives you more flexibility, better access to trades, and greater peace of mind as your project progresses.
At GoPlans, we help you go from vision to construction-ready with minimal friction and maximum speed if needed.
Let’s make this the year you finally complete the renovation you’ve been dreaming about.
👉 Book a Free Consultation with GoPlans Today
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