Planning a luxury home extension? Mistakes to avoid

Expert insights from Acre Design on how to protect your investment, avoid unnecessary stress, and ensure your dream extension is delivered seamlessly.

With more than 1,000 residential projects completed across Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside, the team at Acre Design has seen just how transformative a well-planned extension can be. But we’ve also seen where projects go wrong — often unnecessarily. For many of our clients, their home is their greatest asset, so avoiding costly errors is essential.

If you’re considering investing in a high-quality home extension — whether it’s a light-filled kitchen and dining space, a new master suite, or a complete reconfiguration — here are the ten most common pitfalls to steer clear of:

1. Focusing only on the new space

A successful extension is about more than extra square footage. It should enhance the flow, functionality and value of your whole home. We help clients visualise not just the new room, but how every space will connect and work together.

2. Underestimating timescales

Luxury home extensions are complex projects. Delays can happen — but with realistic schedules, clear planning, and experienced project management, disruption is minimised. Clients who approach the process with patience enjoy a calmer experience and better outcomes.

3. Submitting rushed planning applications

Pushing through a design that is unlikely to secure approval only wastes time and money. Our team has deep knowledge of local planning requirements and conservation constraints, ensuring applications are robust, compliant, and successful.

4. Overlooking neighbour relations

Extensions can impact surrounding properties. By advising on the Party Wall Act and encouraging early, open communication, we help clients avoid disputes and ensure a smoother build.

5. Choosing builders based on price alone

A low quote can mask hidden costs or poor workmanship. We connect clients with reputable, proven contractors and can manage the tender process on your behalf, protecting both quality and budget.

6. Failing to set a clear budget

An undefined budget is one of the quickest routes to stress. We provide transparent, detailed costings early in the process and recommend a contingency to safeguard against surprises.

7. Indecision during the build

Changes mid-project can be expensive. Our Needs & Options Review helps you clarify your vision and explore all design possibilities upfront, so decisions are made with confidence.

8. Using inappropriate materials

Materials should respect the character of your home, comply with planning rules, and stand the test of time. We guide clients in selecting high-quality, energy-efficient finishes that complement both property and lifestyle.

9. Choosing the wrong windows

Poorly considered glazing can compromise both aesthetics and performance. We advise on style, proportion, and technical performance to ensure windows enhance natural light, views, and efficiency.

10. Forgetting insurance

Many homeowners don’t realise their existing insurance may be invalid once building works start. We remind clients early, so cover is in place well before ground is broken.

At Acre Design, our role is to protect you from these pitfalls by managing every stage of your project — from initial concept and planning permissions to contractor coordination and build oversight. The result? A beautifully designed, seamlessly delivered extension that enhances your lifestyle, adds value, and removes the stress of managing it all yourself.

Let’s talk about your project. Book a free Ask the Expert call today.

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