It depends on the size and location of your extension. Many single-storey rear extensions and side extensions fall under Permitted Development rights and don’t require planning permission, provided they meet certain size and height restrictions. Under standard Permitted Development, single-storey rear extensions can extend up to 3 metres for terraced or semi-detached houses, or 4 metres for detached houses. Larger extensions (up to 6 metres for terraced/semi-detached, or 8 metres for detached) may be possible under the Prior Approval process, which requires neighbour consultation.
We assess your project during our initial site visit and advise whether planning permission is needed. If it is, we handle the entire application process, including preparing and submitting all necessary drawings and documentation to your local council.
Permitted Development rights allow you to extend your home without needing formal planning permission, subject to specific limits and conditions. Under standard Permitted Development, single-storey rear extensions can extend up to 3 metres for terraced or semi-detached houses, or 4 metres for detached houses. Larger extensions (up to 6 metres for terraced/semi-detached, or 8 metres for detached) require Prior Approval, which involves a neighbour consultation process but is less onerous than full planning permission.
However, these rights can be restricted in conservation areas, listed buildings, or by previous planning conditions. We check your property’s Permitted Development status during our site visit and advise on the best route forward.
Yes, all structural work including extensions, loft conversions, and significant renovations require building regulations approval. This ensures the work meets safety standards for structural integrity, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, and drainage.
We handle the building regulations application and coordinate all inspections with your local building control officer throughout the project. Once complete, you’ll receive a completion certificate confirming the work meets regulations.
A party wall agreement is required when your building work affects a shared wall with a neighbour, or when you’re excavating within 3 metres of a neighbouring property’s foundations. This includes most side extensions, some rear extensions where groundworks are close to boundaries, and loft conversions that affect the party wall. Many people don’t realise the 3-metre excavation rule, which catches most extension projects.
While we don’t handle party wall agreements directly, we can recommend a local party wall surveyor who most of our clients use. They’ll manage the process, including serving notices to your neighbours and producing the necessary awards. The cost of the party wall surveyor is separate from your build costs but we’ll advise you on likely fees during the planning stage.
Timeline depends on the size and complexity of your project:
Side return extensions: 12–16 weeks
Single storey rear extensions: 12–16 weeks
Wraparound extensions: 16–20 weeks
Two storey extensions: 18–24 weeks
Loft conversions: 8–12 weeks
These timelines include groundworks through to final finishes. We provide a detailed schedule at the start of your project showing each phase of work and key milestones.
Our process typically follows these stages:
Throughout the project, your site manager keeps you updated and coordinates all trades to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Yes, most clients stay in their homes during construction. We work to minimise disruption by maintaining clear access routes, keeping the site clean and secure, and scheduling noisy or dusty work for agreed times.
For kitchen extensions, we can arrange temporary kitchen facilities so you can continue cooking. For larger renovations where staying becomes impractical, we discuss this during the planning stage and help you understand when you might need alternative accommodation.
There’s no single per-square-metre rate that fits every project, but here’s an honest guide based on our completed projects across Surrey and South West London:
Our fixed price covers the construction work end to end. The supply of items you choose yourself is excluded: kitchen units and appliances, bathroom sanitaryware and fittings, floor tiles and flooring, radiators and heating controls, internal doors and ironmongery, and light fittings. These are client-supply items because the range is enormous — a kitchen can cost £8,000 or £80,000 — and that decision should be yours. Kitchen installation varies from project to project: on roughly half our jobs we install the kitchen ourselves, and on the other half the kitchen company installs their own, which we coordinate as part of the build. Your quotation sets out exactly what’s included either way.
All prices are quoted plus VAT. We provide a detailed fixed-price quotation before work begins, so you know exactly what you’re paying with no hidden costs. For a realistic figure on your specific project, the best starting point is a free initial consultation — we’ll tell you what your budget can achieve.
Our fixed-price quotation covers everything needed to complete your project:
We itemise everything in your quote so you understand exactly what’s included. Any optional extras (such as specific kitchen appliances or premium finishes) are clearly identified separately.
Yes, our in-house RIBA chartered architects create all necessary drawings for your project. This includes initial design concepts, detailed construction drawings, and all technical specifications needed for planning permission and building regulations.
Because our architects work alongside our construction team, the drawings are practical and buildable, reducing the risk of design issues during construction.
You’ll have a dedicated site manager assigned to your project who will be your main point of contact throughout. They coordinate all trades, manage the schedule, handle any day-to-day queries, and keep you updated on progress.
For design queries during the planning stage, you’ll work directly with our architectural team. For commercial or contractual matters, you can contact our office team or Rob directly.
If issues arise during construction – whether it’s an unexpected structural issue, a design change, or a quality concern – your site manager addresses it immediately. For anything that affects cost or timeline, we discuss it with you before proceeding and provide clear options.
We also have a thorough snagging process at the end of the project where we walk through the completed work with you, noting any final touches needed. We return to complete any snagging items before final sign-off.
Tell us about your plans for your home. Our design and build team will guide you from first ideas through planning, approvals and construction.
