The extension (short for interior construction) describes all building measures that arise in the course of the house construction after the shell work. It usually takes around three, sometimes even more, months for the various trades to finish their work. However, the term is also used in other contexts.
- An extension includes all work that affects the interior of a house or building after the shell has been approved.
- The term expansion is also used for the creation of living space when structural changes are made, but the basic construction remains unchanged.
- So that there are no delays in the expansion, it is advisable to carry out the work or have it carried out in a fixed order.
Construction projects – that is all part of the expansion
The expansion includes all manual and structural work that is required to put the building in a turnkey condition after completion and acceptance of the shell.
According to abbreviationfinder.org, there is also talk of an extension if structural changes lead to the creation of living space without the construction of the house being significantly changed – a typical example is the extension of the attic. Other rooms in a building that were previously not used for residential purposes can also be expanded, provided they meet the relevant legal requirements. Depending on the expansion plan, a building permit may be required. Anyone planning appropriate expansion work should find out about this in advance.
What work does the construction phase of the extension include in detail?
It’s a long way from building the shell to moving into the finished house. So that there are no delays in the expansion, it is necessary to carry out the individual work steps in a specific order or to have them carried out. Usually the process is as follows:
1st step: insert window and front door
When the finished shell has been provided with the roof, expansion begins with the insertion of the windows and the front door. A positive side effect: it is now much more difficult for unauthorized persons to get into the house.
2nd step: If necessary, apply insulation
With many modern materials or construction methods, special thermal insulation is no longer necessary. The prefabricated walls that are often used, for example, already have sufficient insulation . In other cases, the thermal network system is part of the building concept.
3rd step: Rough installation of the electrical system and heating
The next step is the rough installation of the electrics and heating. This work may only be carried out by trained specialists. However, these allow do-it-yourselfers from time to time to pull the cables on their own or to prepare the cable ducts. So that the homeowner does not later drill holes in the wall in places behind which cables run, it is advisable to document the work with drawings or photos.
4th step: plaster the interior walls
The interior plaster seals the wall and is the basis for the wallpaper or the wall paint. Interior insulation is usually not necessary. However, there are usually requirements in this regard for listed buildings.
5th step: drywall and loft conversion
With drywall there is the option of pulling in additional walls in order to design rooms according to your own ideas. A loft extension, on the other hand, makes it possible to develop unused space. Basically, the structural requirements must be observed.
6th step: Laying the screed
Effective sound insulation can only be guaranteed if the craftsmen lay the screed separately in each room. That is also the reason why this work step is only carried out after drywall construction.
7th step: wall design
It is usually best to paint and / or wallpaper the walls before laying the flooring. Otherwise there is a risk of damage to the floor covering in the course of the work. If the painting work takes place beforehand, it is also not necessary to cover the floor, which saves work.
8th step: flooring
When it comes to flooring, homeowners can choose between carpets, laminate, parquet and tiles, among other things. If a lot of dirt arises during installation – for example in the course of a major renovation – it is advisable to design the walls only afterwards.
9th step: Fine installation of heating and electrics
The fine work on the electrics and heating must be done by specialists again. This includes, for example, the installation of connections, switches and sockets. Do-it-yourselfers can install lamps on their own if necessary.
10th step: Set up the kitchen and bathroom
While the installation of fittings and basins in the bathroom is usually relatively uncomplicated, more effort is required for the kitchen furniture and electrical appliances. After all, a stove needs high- voltage electricity or gas . The connections required for this may only be made by professionals.
11th step: Remove unfinished stairs and install interior doors
After all other handicrafts have been completed, the unfinished staircase is expanded and the “correct” staircase is installed. If an unfinished staircase does not exist, for example because a floating staircase is to be installed, it may be necessary to install it beforehand. Even if it is theoretically possible, it is not advisable to use the doors earlier. Otherwise, the craftsmen must constantly take care not to damage them.
The term “expansion” in other meanings
An expansion does not necessarily have to refer to the construction of a building. The term is also used, for example, in connection with the road network and the Internet . In the first case, an expansion refers to the expansion of an existing traffic route. The second case is about expanding broadband – i.e. providing faster internet lines.
