Home Extension Contractors Durban: Professional Building Extensions That Add Space and Value

Timeline depends on size and complexity. Simple single-room extensions typically take four to six weeks once construction starts. Larger extensions with multiple rooms might take eight to twelve weeks. Double-storey extensions can take three to four months. These timeframes don’t include council approval periods, which add another four to eight weeks before construction begins. Weather can delay outdoor work, and discovering unforeseen issues like poor soil or hidden structural problems can add time. We provide realistic schedules upfront and keep you informed throughout.

Almost all extensions require building plan approval from your local municipality. This applies to any work that increases your home’s footprint or changes external structures. Small internal alterations might not need approval, but anything adding square metres to your property almost certainly does. Building without approval causes serious problems when you sell—buyers’ attorneys check compliance, and unapproved work can delay or kill sales. We handle the entire approval process for you.

Yes, when built by professional home extension contractors who take care with finishes. We source matching bricks, roof tiles, window styles, paint colours, and architectural details. For older homes where exact matches aren’t available, we find the closest alternatives or suggest complementary materials that work aesthetically with your existing structure. Proper attention to detail makes extensions look like original construction rather than obvious add-ons.

Most homeowners remain in their homes during extensions. We work to minimise disruption, though you’ll experience some noise, dust, and inconvenience. We protect areas of your home that aren’t being extended, establish clear work zones, and clean up daily. If your extension involves significant work to your only bathroom or kitchen, you might want to make alternative arrangements for those specific phases. We discuss this during planning so you can prepare.

Proper waterproofing is critical, especially in Durban’s coastal climate. We install damp courses at the foundation level, waterproof all below-ground structures, ensure proper drainage around new foundations, and use quality waterproofing systems in bathrooms and wet areas. Extensions must be properly sealed where they join existing structures—this junction is a common source of leaks when not done correctly. We don’t skip waterproofing steps because fixing damp problems after construction is far more expensive than doing it right initially.

Building a second storey depends on whether your existing foundations can support additional loads. Before recommending a double-storey extension, we assess your current structure. Often, a structural engineer needs to evaluate foundations, existing walls, and load-bearing capacity. If your foundations aren’t adequate, they can sometimes be strengthened, though this adds cost. When upward extension isn’t feasible, we explore ground-level alternatives that achieve your space goals.

Well-executed extensions typically add more value than they cost, especially additions that increase bedroom or bathroom count. An extra bedroom in a previously two-bedroom home significantly improves market appeal and selling price. Adding a second bathroom to a one-bathroom home makes an enormous difference to property value. Open-plan living areas appeal strongly to modern buyers. As a general rule, expect returns of 70% to 100% of extension costs in added property value, sometimes more for strategic additions like bathrooms or en-suites.