External Frames

As your extension is being built, the door and window openings will be created. Depending on the type of windows and doors you are having fitted will depend if they are built in, or openings left.

Timber windows and doors - In general, if you are having timber windows and doors, the door frames will be built in as the work proceeds. The windows will usually be supplied un-glazed and built in as well, without any glass in there is no danger of the glass being smashed. If you are having a two storey extension, it may be worth asking your builder or bricklayer to put some protection over the cills in case a brick falls and damages them, this can be done with a strip of ply or hardboard or similar material.

UPVC/Aliminium Doors and windows - These can be built in as the work is done, but often it is more common that they are fitted after. In this case the builder may fit dummy frames, made by the carpenter or bricklayer to the correct size. Fitting them after will help eliminate the possibility of them being damaged.

Advantages and disadvantages - If the frames are built in, the brick and blockwork or timber frame can be constrcuted around the window to ensure they fit. If the frames are fitted after there is always a small risk that the opening or dummy frames are not the correct size for the windows, if this is the case, it is not uncommon that the window company will wait for the openings to be created, then their surveypr will come and carry out an on-site measure of the openings, and then manufacture the windows to suit.