February 15, 2026
Extending a home often starts with a simple feeling: not enough space, poor sunlight in winter, or a layout that no longer works for the way we live. By February, those thoughts tend to become plans as the reality of a new school year and upcoming cooler weather sets in. For households in Wollongong, Kiama, and along the Illawarra coast, now is one of the smartest times to start thinking seriously about home extensions.
Late summer offers a practical window to get ahead before autumn changes the rhythm of household routines and weather patterns. Whether it is adding a new bedroom, rearranging the main living area, or preparing for future needs, planning ahead increases the chance of finishing on time and without stress. It gives us the space to design well, time approvals properly, and avoid the common disruptions that often come with season changes.
Not all seasons offer the same opportunities when it comes to building. As February rolls on, we are still working with drier days, more predictable sunlight hours, and relatively steady trade availability. These conditions can make all the difference when scheduling the earliest stages of construction.
• Earthworks, slab preparation, and framing generally go more smoothly when the ground is dry and access is consistent. This saves time and lowers the risk of stop-start progress.
• Many families reserve bigger home projects for the start of the year to avoid school holidays, so planning now lets us get ahead of the autumn bottlenecks.
• Tradies are typically more available before Easter, and material suppliers have just returned to regular schedules following the January break. That combination makes it easier to organise quotes, order lead-time materials, and map out the project timeline accurately.
Starting now gives us breathing room to do things properly without rushing through design or Council processes.
Every home has its own rhythm. Sometimes it is a growing family, older kids needing their own space, or parents moving in. Other times it is about improving how the house performs through winter or adapting for work-from-home life. Waiting can make the decision harder, especially once the temperature starts to dip and indoor comfort matters more.
• Families often seek extra living space, an extra bathroom, or dedicated work areas before colder months increase indoor time.
• Extensions with smart orientation or insulation planning help trap natural light and heat during winter, lowering the reliance on artificial heating.
• Some households prefer minimal disruption during school holidays, making it appealing to start early so work is either complete or well underway before breaks begin.
The goals vary, but common outcomes include better storage, improved layouts, and more time spent comfortably at home.
Along the coast, we do not just design for style. We plan for salt, wind, changing light angles, and region-specific weather quirks. Whether the home sits near the cliffs in Kiama or inland near Albion Park, local conditions shape how we think about orientation, airflow, and materials.
• Autumn tends to bring stronger winds and cooler nights, so thinking about thermal performance and cross-ventilation now helps with energy use later.
• Site orientation plays a bigger role near the coast where sunlight, shade, and wind exposure can shift quickly. A well-placed window can make all the difference to comfort.
• Salt air shortens the lifespan of some building products. That means choosing materials with strong ratings against corrosion and planning external cladding or fittings with the environment in mind.
It is not about overengineering. It is about practical, long-term thinking from the start that saves rework or regrets down the track.
We have extensive experience managing coastal building challenges, selecting weather-resistant materials, and designing for year-round energy efficiency. Our projects in the Illawarra are designed for comfort and durability from the ground up.
In New South Wales, extensions usually require one of two approval pathways: a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or a Development Application (DA). Each has a different timeline and process, which influences when we can realistically begin.
• CDCs are often faster and more standardised, ideal for projects that meet specific criteria for size, height, boundary limits, and usage.
• DAs tend to be more flexible in design but usually take longer because they involve full Council review and sometimes neighbour consultation.
• Both pathways require planning time. Even for simple extensions, design development, engineering input, and drawing preparation can take a few weeks, followed by Council review or certifier approvals.
That is why starting in February is sensible. It gives us time to complete designs, lock in selections, book trades, and address approvals before autumn rain and demand spikes occur.
Planning home extensions now, while late summer is in full swing, sets us up to move efficiently through the rest of the year. Stable weather, better daylight, and predictable workweeks help get projects off the ground sooner and keep them on track. Autumn brings wind, rain, and other variables, so starting early avoids unnecessary setbacks.
Beyond scheduling, it is about making better design decisions. When extensions are planned with seasonal use, local weather, and future comfort in mind, the results usually speak for themselves. A February start gives us the chance to get it right without rushing and helps families feel settled well before winter arrives.
At Lighthouse Projects & Construction, we know how important it is to plan ahead for greater comfort and functionality before winter arrives. We offer full project management for home extensions, from design and approvals to selecting energy-efficient materials suitable for Illawarra homes. For homeowners in Wollongong and Kiama, this is the ideal time to consider solutions that make everyday living easier during the colder months. Planning and scheduling home extensions in summer allows us to take advantage of reliable weather and avoid unnecessary delays. Ready to discuss ideas or timelines? Contact us today.
