We've been building in Croydon and Bromley since 2003, and the projects that run smoothest are almost always the ones where the homeowner thought a few things through first. None of this is complicated. It just saves a lot of stress later.
1. What's your real budget?
Decide on a figure you're comfortable with, then keep some aside for the unexpected. Older houses especially can hide surprises once walls and floors are opened up. Be honest with your builder about the budget, too. A good one will help you shape the project to fit it rather than quoting for something you can't afford.
2. What problem are you solving?
Is it a cramped kitchen, no room to work from home, not enough bedrooms, or just a layout that doesn't work? Get clear on that and the right solution often becomes obvious. Sometimes it's a rear extension; sometimes it's knocking two rooms together and doing nothing else.
3. Up, out or in?
You can extend out the back or side, go up into the loft, convert the garage, or rework the space you've already got. A loft conversion keeps the garden; a rear extension usually gives the biggest kitchen-diner. Each suits different houses and different families.
4. Do you need planning permission?
Many single-storey extensions and loft conversions fall under permitted development and don't need a planning application, but there are limits and exceptions. Read our guide on planning permission and check before anything is designed.
5. Are you in a conservation area?
Conservation areas, listed buildings and properties with Article 4 Directions have much tighter rules. You can check with your council, or we'll check for you at the survey.
6. Who'll draw it?
Bigger projects need proper drawings, structural calculations and building regulations details. You can use your own architect, or we can arrange the design for you as part of a design-and-build service.
7. What about the neighbours?
If you share a wall or are digging close to their foundations, the Party Wall Act probably applies. See our party wall guide. Beyond the legal side, a friendly chat before work starts goes a long way.
8. Building regulations
Almost every structural job needs building regulations approval, whether or not it needs planning. Our guide to building control explains how it works.
9. How long will it take?
Allow time for design and approvals as well as the build. Planning decisions usually take around eight weeks. A typical single-storey extension then takes roughly 8 to 12 weeks on site, and a new-build house five to seven months. We'll give you a written programme before we start.
10. Choose the builder carefully
Look at their finished work, read reviews, speak to past customers and get a written, itemised quote. Our guide on how to choose the right builder covers what to check.
