Planning a home extension? Here’s a breakdown of the key trades you’ll need for the job—from design to build. Make the process easier with pros.
Adding more space to your home can be exciting—whether you're welcoming a new family member, creating a light-filled kitchen-dining area, or simply chasing that extra living room you've always wanted. But behind every beautiful home extension is a team of skilled tradies making it all happen.
If you're wondering who exactly you need on the job, you're in the right place. This guide breaks down the key home extension trades you’ll want to line up—briefly explained, easy to understand, and perfect for getting your plans off the ground.
Step One: Start With a Design Plan
Before anyone picks up a hammer, you’ll need to nail down the design.
Who you need:
- Architect or Building Designer
These professionals help turn your ideas into detailed plans. They’ll consider the flow of your home, your budget, and council requirements. If your property is subject to planning controls, they can also guide you through getting development approval.
Tip: Building designers are often a more budget-friendly option than architects for smaller-scale projects.
Step Two: Permissions and Paperwork
Every home extension must comply with your local building regulations.
Who you need:
- Architect / Building Designer (again!)
- Private Certifier or Local Council Liaison
You’ll need to check whether your plans require planning permission and ensure your build meets Building Code of Australia (BCA) standards. A good architect or designer often manages this process, but you may need a certifier to sign off on things as work progresses.
Step Three: The Builder (Your Core Player)
Once you’ve got approval and detailed plans, it’s time to bring in your builder.
Who you need:
A skilled builder will be your main point of contact throughout the build. Many also handle project management, scheduling trades in the right order and ensuring materials arrive on time.
Builders take care of:
- Site prep and excavation
- Concrete slab or footings
- Brickwork, framing, roofing
- External walls, waterproofing, and insulation
Tip: Clarify if your builder will coordinate all trades or if you’ll need to hire separately.
Step Four: Specialist Trades for Key Stages
Extensions go up in stages, and so do the trades.
Here’s a breakdown of who you’ll need, and when:
After the Frame is Up
- Glass Installation – For windows, sliding doors, skylights or bi-folds
- Roofer – If your builder doesn’t do roofing, hire a separate roofer for tiles, gutters, and downpipes
Once External Shell is Complete
- Electrician (First Fix) – To run wiring and install electrical rough-ins
- Plumber (First Fix) – For pipes, drainage, and water points
- Gas Fitter – If you're adding a kitchen or heating
- Carpenter/Joiner – For internal framing, doors, and built-ins
Note: Some tradies return for a second fix after plastering—like electricians installing lights and power points, and plumbers fitting taps and toilets.
Step Five: Internal Finishes
Now it’s time for your extension to look and feel like part of your home.
Who you need:
- Plasterer – For internal walls and ceilings
- Tiler – For bathrooms, laundry or splashbacks
- Flooring Specialist – Whether you choose timber, vinyl, carpet or tiles
- Painter & Decorator – Final coats, feature walls, and ceiling paint
- Kitchen Installer – If the extension includes a kitchen upgrade
- Blind/Curtain Installer – To finish off with privacy and style
Optional But Worth Considering
- Heating and Cooling Installer – For ducted aircon or split systems
- Landscaper – If your outdoor space needs a refresh post-build
- Interior Designer – For layout advice, colour palettes, and furniture fit-out
How to Find the Right Trades for Your Extension
- Get multiple quotes. Aim for at least three per trade.
- Check licences and insurance. Use ServiceSeeking to find verified pros.
- Ask about timelines and availability. Especially during busy seasons.
- Read reviews. Previous customer experiences say a lot.
- Confirm scope of work in writing. Clarity now saves headaches later.
Planning a home extension involves more than bricks and mortar—it’s about assembling the right team, in the right order, at the right time. And while it might seem like a big job, you don’t have to do it alone.
Whether you’re looking for one trade or a full build team, ServiceSeeking.com.au connects you with trusted local professionals who are ready to help. Post your job, compare quotes, and get that dream extension underway.
