Most house extensions require Building Regulations approval. Where required for our clients’ projects, we would submit a Building Notice to the relevant Building Control department, who would then issue an invoice for the applicable fees. We would arrange the required inspections at the appropriate stages and copy you into all communications for your records.

We work under a JCT contract, which provides legal protection for both parties. Payments are to be made by bank transfer. The main build is divided into weekly payments, with an initial payment typically due seven days before work starts.

An equivalent amount is retained by you until the main build is completed. Other works, such as plumbing first fix, are paid on completion. Items such as UFH and steelwork may require an initial payment to cover the cost of materials from the manufacturer or fabricator.

Absolutely, we have developed strong working relationships with many local building merchants, allowing us to source high-quality materials at competitive prices through our dedicated trade accounts.

Yes, we are fully insured to carry out relevant building services. Our comprehensive contractor policy includes professional indemnity, public liability, and employer’s liability cover.

Yes, where suitable, we can build onto the existing extension rather than demolishing it. However, the new wall may be thicker than the existing wall due to current requirements for cavity size and insulation. This would mean building out the existing wall internally to match. This approach can still provide a considerable saving compared with demolishing the existing extension.

A house extension can contain both eligible and standard-rated elements. Accessible areas and qualifying access works can be treated separately from areas that are simply living or bedroom space. The eligible elements should therefore be identified and apportioned appropriately, rather than treating the entire house extension as either zero-rated or standard-rated.

Building Regulations determine the required finish. More precisely, steel beams need to be either covered with fire-resistant plasterboard and plastered, or treated with a specialist intumescent paint to provide the required fire protection. The red oxide coating applied to our beams is a protective coating designed to help prevent rust but does not provide the required fire protection.

Yes, we are currently accepting bookings for new building projects, including home extensions. Visit our contact page to arrange a free, no-obligation quote.

The required steel sizes are calculated by a structural engineer. Where an extension is being completed in phases, the structural calculations can also be carried out in stages, with the foundations and steel requirements assessed as part of the relevant phase.

We generally remeasure around two weeks before the beams are required. This allows us to take more accurate measurements once other works have been carried out, such as when the ceilings are down, while giving our fabricator enough time to order, cut, fabricate and arrange delivery.

Structural steel beams are positioned in accordance with the structural engineer’s design. Where a beam is required beneath existing brickwork, it can be fitted below the brickwork, allowing sufficient space for the masonry to be safely and securely supported by the beam.

Absolutely. We often follow the requirements set out in the planning document. For example, if it specifies real Welsh slate rather than composite, we may recommend Canadian slate instead. It is a good-quality, authentic slate that generally meets planning and/or heritage requirements, while being significantly more cost-effective than Welsh slate.