10 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN EXTENDING YOUR HOME

You've got your plans in place and are close to getting started on site, but what other key tasks need completing to keep everything on track? Here's what you need to consider...

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It's inevitable that any building project can, at times, feel like a massive to-do list that needs completing, so it's normal that a few tasks can sometimes slip through the net. Although your designer, builder or project team are there to guide you and offer advice, getting up to speed with everything from site insurance to skip hire early on in the process will ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible when you do begin on site.

1. SITE INSURANCE

When extending, don't assume that your household insurance will cover you for the work. It's possible that undertaking an extension project will invalidate your insurance, leaving you at risk in the event of a robbery or accident.

"Anyone building an extension will normally need specialist 'extension insurance' or 'site insurance," says Emma Lunn, a personal finance journalist. "With your own building project, even if you are not personally doing the work, it's your responsibility to make sure you and your property are adequately covered. Building an extension increases the number of risks to which your home is exposed, making it more likely you'll need to make a claim. For example, at certain points during the build your home could become structurally unstable or exposed to the elements; having builders and other contractors come and go is also a security risk. A contractor might have 'all risks' cover, including materials on site, but this won't include anything you have bought independent of the contractor-for example, if you purchase a new kitchen or bathroom separately.

"Not all mainstream insurers offer insurance for structural work or home extension builds. Some exclude the works entirely, while others exclude all damage to the home which occurs while the work is taking place. Extension insurance -or'site insurance' - will cover risks not covered by other policies."

2. BUILDING CONTROL