House Extensions

Not always. Many single-storey rear extensions on houses can be built under permitted development, within limits on depth, height and materials. Flats and maisonettes do not have the same permitted development rights as houses, and listed buildings and conservation areas have further restrictions. Your architect or the council will confirm what your project needs.

Your approved drawings and the structural engineer's calculations, if you have them. We build to those and work alongside your architect, engineer and building control throughout the job. If you are still at the design stage, send us what you have and we'll tell you what needs to be in place before work can start.

Yes. Approval comes from your council's building control or a registered building control approver. They inspect key stages, such as foundations, the damp-proof course, drainage and insulation, and issue a completion certificate at the end. Keep that certificate: you will need it when you sell.

You may, if the work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary or excavating close to a neighbour's foundations. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, notices are served by you as the owner, or by a party wall surveyor on your behalf, and they must go out before work starts. We'll tell you at the survey whether your extension is likely to need them.

The duration of a house extension depends on the size, design and complexity of the project, as well as planning requirements and site conditions. We will provide an estimated timeframe once we have reviewed your plans and assessed the work.