Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What experience, qualifications and trade body memberships do you have?

With over 45 years experience in the construction industry, our Project Manager Mark is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Building. As a company we are members of the Federation of Master Builders, TradeMark scheme and we also hold Chartered Building Company status (CIOB).

Can I see some of your work in person?

Yes of course, we are happy to show you current and previous projects so you can talk to our clients and get a personal recommendation, in the meantime you can read some of the comments previous customers have made on our testimonials page.

Are you insured to carry out building work in my home or premises?

Yes, we hold full comprehensive public liability insurance.

When will you start, and how long will my project take to complete?

After we have met you to discuss your project we will provide you with a written estimate for the works which will state when we can start work and how many weeks we estimate your project will take to complete.

Do you work at weekends?

Our usual hours of work are 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays where necessary with your prior agreement.

When do I have to pay you?

We ask for a deposit prior to starting work, with monthly payments as work progresses and full and final payment upon completion of the work. Our payment terms will be written into the estimate we provide for you.

Do I need to find my own architect / structural engineer ?

No, we can recommend a local architect and engineer for your project whom we have worked with on a regular basis. If you already have an architect or engineer in mind we are happy to work alongside them.

Do I need planning permission?

Certain types of project will not need planning permission as the Government has extended what is permissable under permitted development. As a general rule permitted development will cover remodelling your interior (unless it is a listed building), minor extensions, demolition and certain changes of use such as loft, garage or cellar conversions, and constructing an outbuilding under 2.5m high.

If you are altering a listed building or a building on designated land, building a new house, extending a home which has already used it's permitted development allowance, extending near to boundaries, altering the street facing elevation, or dividing a property into two or more homes you will require planning permission.

It is always advisable to check with your local council to find out what is likely to be accepted, and double check the government planning portal to see restrictions. If you are unsure whether your project requires planning permission please contact us.

Can you manage everything for me?

Yes, we can help you with the whole process from identifying your requirements, producing detailed plans, gaining planning permission, project managing, through to timely handover of your completed build. Or, we can simply build to your existing plans.

Is my roof suitable for a loft conversion?

Most lofts can be converted, but there are three main things that need checking to be sure. The first is the internal height of the existing loft from the top of the ceiling joist to underneath the ridgeboard in the apex, ideally this should be 2.5m although you can get a useful room with as little as 2.2m.

Secondly, the pitch of the roof needs to be 30 degrees plus. Thirdly, as a minimum rule of thumb the footprint of the existing loft space should be 5.5m wide by 7.5m front to rear. Contact us if you would like to discuss the suitability of your loft for conversion.

How much will my project cost?

It depends on the shape, size, and height of your design, the quality of the fixtures and fittings you choose and the geology of the site at which your project is located. We are happy to discuss your requirements to find the most suitable building methods and materials for your budget.