Different Types of Extensions

Link Connector 

A transition space requiring minimal modification to the home. Sitting underneath the eave, they act as a hallway connecting the existing to the new.  

Work best for rear extensions or where plenty of space is available. Suitable for all roof types.  

Advantages 

• The most economical way to add an extension: Link connectors require little to no modification to your existing roof. 

• The least disruptive and fastest way to extend: The portal from the existing house to the new extension will be knocked through last. 

• Smart design: Links are excellent opportunities to place small, functional spaces without detracting from a floor plan, i.e. a European laundry, powder room or additional storage. 

• Future proofing: Extension remains flexible for future usage. Can be closed off as its own private space or left open to the rest of the home. 

Disadvantages: 

• Creates a separate feel for the extension.  

• Best suited for coming out of existing powder rooms or bedrooms. These sacrificial spaces often need to be recreated as part of the extension. 

• Can be difficult to use when space is at a premium. Need to be able to sacrifice at least 1m of length on the block for a link connector. 

Direct Connection to House 

A traditional extension. Links the new directly to the existing, tying into the home’s structure to do so.  

Work best when creating open plan spaces that span from new to old or planning for a more traditional aesthetic. Suitable for all roof types and blocks where space is limited. 

Advantages: 

• Aesthetically pleasing: Creates an extension that blends seamlessly with the rest of the home. 

• Connection: Existing and new spaces can be easily combined into one open, flowing space. 

• Most suitable for blocks where space is at a premium – all new space created becomes practical to occupy. 

• Keeps everything on one floor. Practical for aging in place and connection. 

Disadvantages: 

• Construction can be more disruptive than a link connector. 

• Can require expensive modification to the existing roof and home structure. 

Second Storey 

An extension on top of the existing home. Requires reworking the existing roof and placement of a staircase in the floor plan.  

Works well for blocks where space is limited and for extensions that need to remain central to the home. Suitable for all roof types, however placement must be carefully considered depending on water flow and structural capabilities of home. 

Advantages: 

• Can gain more floor area without having the home’s footprint take up additional space on the block. 

• Depending on how the extension is designed, the new spaces remain close to the home’s core. 

• A second storey is a great way to either: 

• Blend the extension in with the existing house or; 

• Make an architectural statement.  

• The placement of a staircase is a good opportunity to overhaul the flow of the existing floor plan. 

Disadvantages: 

• Construction can be disruptive to the normal use of the home. We will work with you to resolve this as best as possible. 

• Often high cost with little GFA gained as existing roof and structure need to be modified to hold the second level. 

• Can be subject to setback or building envelope regulations when building within 6m of a block boundary. 

• Placement of the extension can be limited by the existing shape of the roof. 

Step 1 – Initial Planning & Link Connection Preparation

The first stage of your extension project is all about careful planning and preparation. At this point, our priority is to establish the new extension area while ensuring your existing home remains unaffected during the early works. 

In most cases, the initial stages focus on site setup, measurements, engineering checks, and preparing the connection point for the future extension. This means there is generally minimal impact to your day-to-day living inside the current house during this phase. 

We carefully assess how the new extension will integrate with the existing structure, particularly where the “link connection” between old and new areas will occur. This allows us to plan construction sequencing properly and reduce unnecessary disruption later in the build. 

During this stage, works may include: 

• Site establishment and preparation  

• Surveying and set-out  

• Engineering inspections and structural planning  

• External groundwork and excavation preparation  

• Identifying connection points between the existing home and the new extension  

Our goal is to ensure the extension is prepared in a way that protects the integrity of your existing home while creating a smooth transition into the next construction stages. 

By approaching the project methodically from the beginning, we can minimise disruption, maintain safety, and keep the project progressing efficiently

Step 2 – Foundations & Structural Framework 

Once the planning and preparation stage is complete, construction moves into the foundational phase of the extension. 

During this stage, the structural groundwork for the new area begins. Importantly, most of the work is still focused externally, meaning your existing home generally remains functional and separated from the active construction area. 

Works at this stage may include: 

• Excavation for footings and slab preparation  

• Installation of concrete footings and foundations  

• Underground drainage and service preparation  

• Structural steel installation where required  

• Framing of walls and roof structures  

As the framework begins to take shape, you’ll start to see the size and layout of the new extension become visible. Throughout this process, we continue to carefully manage how the new structure interacts with the existing home to ensure stability, safety, and compliance at every stage. 

Our team coordinates each step carefully to maintain build quality while keeping disruption to your household as minimal as possible. 

Step 3 – Connecting the Extension to the Existing Home 

This is the stage where the new extension is physically connected to the existing house. 

By this point, the majority of the new structure has already been established independently, allowing us to minimise the amount of time your home is exposed during the connection process. 

Depending on the design, this stage may involve: 

• Removing selected external walls or windows  

• Creating new openings between existing and new spaces  

• Installing structural beams and supports  

• Waterproofing and weatherproofing connection areas  

• Integrating rooflines and external finishes  

We understand this is often the stage clients are most concerned about, which is why careful scheduling and preparation are critical. Our goal is to complete the connection works efficiently while maintaining the safety, security, and functionality of your home wherever possible. 

Temporary protection measures are used to reduce dust, weather exposure, and disruption throughout this process. 

Step 4 – Internal Works & Services Installation 

With the extension now connected, the project moves into the internal construction phase. 

This stage focuses on transforming the structural shell into a functional living space by installing services, linings, and internal finishes. 

Works during this stage may include: 

• Electrical and lighting rough-in  

• Plumbing and drainage connections  

• Insulation installation  

• Internal wall linings and plasterboard  

• Waterproofing to wet areas  

• Cabinetry, joinery, and storage installation  

• Flooring preparation and finishes  

At this point, the extension begins to feel like part of the home rather than a construction project. Rooms become defined, finishes are applied, and the overall design vision starts coming together. 

We continue coordinating trades carefully to maintain quality workmanship and keep the project progressing smoothly toward completion. 

Step 5 – Finishing Touches & Project Handover 

The final stage focuses on completing all finishing details, quality checks, and preparing the extension for handover. 

This is where the project truly comes to life, with final finishes, fittings, and presentation works completed to create a seamless integration between the existing home and the new extension. 

Final works may include: 

• Painting and final decorating  

• Fixture and appliance installation  

• Final electrical and plumbing fit-off  

• Cleaning and detailing  

• External finishing and landscaping touch-ups  

• Compliance inspections and certification  

Before handover, we conduct detailed quality inspections to ensure all works meet both industry standards and our own expectations for workmanship. 

Our aim is to deliver a completed extension that feels naturally connected to your existing home while providing a smooth and enjoyable building experience from start to finish. 

Once complete, we walk you through the finished project, answer any questions, and ensure you are fully comfortable with your new space before final handover.