Do You Want a Home Extension in the Summer? Start Planning Now! (Permit & Design Timeline)

Many homeowners dream of enjoying a new living space in the summer: a larger living room, a bright dining area, or a practical garden-side extension. But anyone considering a home extension in Rotterdam quickly discovers that the process is more than just building — it is mostly planning.The permit procedure, design, and technical preparations take weeks to months. That’s why it’s important to start early, especially if the extension needs to be completed before the summer. Global Bouw explains what the home extension timeline looks like and what clients should keep in mind.

Permit-Free or Not? The Regulations in 2026

For many properties, a rear extension can be built without a permit, provided it meets national regulations. In most cases:

• an extension up to 4 meters deep,

• and no more than 1/3 of the garden area,

can be built without a permit. This significantly speeds up the process because only the design and technical detailing are required.

If the extension is larger or deviates from standard rules, a permit is mandatory. The official permit decision period is up to 8 weeks nationwide, but delays can occur if documents are incomplete or if the municipality requests additional information.

Renovation Planning: What Does the Process Look Like?

Anyone wanting to start on time should look at the planning of the renovation in phases. Global Bouw follows the structure below:

Orientation & inspectionWe assess the existing structure, façade condition, foundation, and layout.

Design & structural calculationArchitecture, natural light, material selection, and technical calculations are prepared. This stage typically takes 2–4 weeks.

Permit check or application

• Permit-free? Then we can move forward faster.

• Permit required? Expect an 8-week processing period.

Construction preparation & planningOrdering materials, foundation preparation, coordination with suppliers.This usually takes 3–5 weeks.

The actual construction phaseThe extension itself is completed within 4–8 weeks, depending on size, finishes, and technical requirements.

Anyone wanting a summer extension must therefore begin in winter or early spring — otherwise the completion date will quickly shift toward autumn.

Why Early Planning Pays Off

A home extension is an investment that runs smoothly only when the entire process is carefully planned. Starting too late may mean materials arrive late, the permit is approved during peak season, or construction begins while the homeowner is already on holiday.

By starting now, Global Bouw guarantees:

• a realistic and achievable schedule,

• timely permit preparation,

• efficient material ordering,

• and a construction phase without unnecessary delays.

  
  

Home Extensions in Rotterdam: Experience & Reliability

In urban areas like Rotterdam, where gardens are compact and buildings are close together, precise preparation is even more important. Global Bouw assists clients in determining whether a plan is permit-free, prepares all technical calculations, and handles the application when needed.

Anyone who wants to enjoy a new living space this summer should take the first step now. With a clear plan and a reliable construction team, the extension will not only be beautiful but also technically sound and completed within the desired timeframe.