Dreaming of a bigger, better home? An extension can be a great way to add more space, improve the flow of your home and increase its value. But with so many home extension builders to choose from, how do you know who to trust?

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about building an extension, including:

• What tasks home extension builders can take care of
• The most common home extension issues
• The cost of hiring a home extension builder
• How to hire a reputable local home extension builder
• Licensing for home extension builders
• Benefits of a home extension
• Getting quotes from home extension builders

What does a home extension builder do?

Home extension builders specialise in designing and constructing additions to existing homes. They can work on a variety of projects, from small extensions, like adding a sunroom or deck, to larger projects like adding a second story or granny flat.

Home extension projects will typically start with an initial meeting to discuss your needs and budget. Once your builder has a good understanding of what you're looking for, they will develop a home extension plan and provide you with a quote.

Construction begins once the quote is approved. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the size and complexity of the project.

Read more: Who can create house extension designs? and What should you know before building a house extension?

How much does it cost to hire a home extension builder?

It's difficult to give an upfront price estimate without design plans, engineering plans, council approval and detailed specifications. Generally speaking, however, home extension builders will charge between $3,250 to $5,000 per square metre for a ground floor extension and between $5,000 to $7,500 per square metre for a first floor extension.

Based on these estimates, a ground floor extension of roughly 32 square metres will set you back about $150,000.

Read more: How much do house extensions cost? 

Benefits of a home extension

There are many benefits to having a home extension, including:

• Increased living space
• Increased property value
• Improved functionality
• Enhanced lifestyle

Most common home extension issues

One of the most common home extension issues is poor planning. To avoid any surprises or costly changes down the road, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve before you start construction.

Budget overruns are another common issue. Home extensions can be expensive, so it's important to be realistic about your budget and build in a buffer for unexpected expenses.

How to hire a reputable local home extension builder

Choosing the right builder is essential to the success of your project.

Here are a few tips:

• Get quotes from multiple builders
• Check online reviews
• Make sure the builder is licensed and insured
• Ask about the builder's experience with home extensions 
• Get everything in writing

Key questions to ask builders include:

• What is your experience with home extensions similar to mine?
• What is your timeline for the project?
• How will you communicate with me throughout the project?
• What do you do if there are unexpected problems during the project?

By asking these questions, you can get a better understanding of the builder's experience, qualifications and procedures. This will help you to choose the right builder for your needs and to ensure that your project is a success.

Licensing for home extension builders

All builders in Australia must have a licence or be registered (depending on your state or territory), including for home extensions. You can check the licensing status of a builder by visiting the website of the relevant licensing authority.

Getting quotes from home extension builders

Getting quotes from multiple builders is essential to compare prices, services and warranties. With hipages, you can submit a quote to find available builders in your area and get up to 3 free quotes. 

After comparing the builders' experience, qualifications and online reviews, you can choose the home extension builder you feel most confident will deliver the job as expected.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.