Timelines & Milestones

A Realistic Guide to Your Construction Journey 

And at Whitley Builders, we believe your peace of mind requires a commitment you can count on.

One of the most frequent questions we are asked is: "When will it be finished?" While every bespoke project has its own unique complexities, a high-quality build follows a structured rhythm. We prioritise a "realistic" schedule over an "optimistic" one, ensuring that we never sacrifice the integrity of the finish for the sake of a deadline.

To give you total confidence in that schedule, we provide the Whitley Completion Promise™: If we fail to complete your build within the agreed contract duration, we pay you £1,000 per week for every week of delay.

Before a single brick is laid, the groundwork for a successful project must be established. This phase is often the most variable.

• Architectural Drawings & Structural Calcs: 2–4 weeks.
• Planning Permission: Usually 8 weeks (if required).
• Tendering & Contract Signing: 2 weeks.
• Lead Times: High-specification materials—such as bespoke aluminium glazing or specialist stone—can have lead times of 6 to 12 weeks. We order these early to ensure they arrive exactly when needed.

This is where the transformation begins. It is the "heavy" phase of the project.

• Site Setup & Demolition: Clearing the area and protecting your home.
• Excavation & Foundations: Digging and pouring the concrete footings.
• Drainage & Oversite: Installing the "hidden" services that keep your home functional.

The exciting stage where the shell of your extension or new build appears.

• Brickwork & Masonry: Building the walls to the roofline.
• Roofing: Installing the timber frame, tiles, and roof lanterns.
• Glazing: Fitting the windows and doors. Once the building is "weathertight," internal work can begin in earnest.

This is the "veins and arteries" phase.

• M&E (Mechanical & Electrical): Our Gas Safe and NICEIC engineers install the wiring, pipework, and underfloor heating.
• Plastering: Turning a shell into a room. Note: Plastering requires a "drying out" period before any painting can commence.

This is the longest phase because it requires the highest level of precision.

• Joinery & Flooring: Fitting doors, skirting, and premium wood or stone floors.
• Kitchen & Bathroom Installation: The most technical part of the interior fit-out.
• Decoration: Professional painting and fine finishes.

 To maintain the integrity of our Completion Promise, we manage these variables closely:

• Scope Creep: Changing the design mid-build is the #1 cause of delays. Please note that client-led variations or instructions may affect the guaranteed completion date.
• Weather: While we work through most British weather, extreme rain, frost, or high winds beyond reasonable industry norms can occasionally impact external masonry or roofing work.
• The "Drying Out" Process: In premium builds, we do not rush the drying of screeds or plaster. Rushing this stage can lead to cracks in your finish six months later.

 "We don't consider a project finished when the tools go away. We include a dedicated 'snagging' period at the end of every schedule to ensure that every hinge, light switch, and mitre joint meets our exacting standards before we hand back the keys." — James, Director