Frequently Asked Questions

Many standard extensions fall under Permitted Development rights and do not require a planning application. Key limits are: single-storey rear extensions up to 4m depth for detached houses or 3m for all other houses, and a maximum height of 4m. Conservation areas, listed buildings and flats have stricter rules. We assess this at your free site survey and advise at no charge.

Building regulations approval is different from planning permission and is required for almost all structural work — extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and internal wall removals. It ensures the build meets minimum standards for structure, fire safety, drainage and thermal performance. We handle building control submission, inspections and final certificate on your behalf.

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires formal written notice to adjoining neighbours when certain construction works are carried out near or on a shared boundary or wall. This typically applies to rear extensions on terraced or semi-detached homes and loft conversions. We advise you at survey stage whether a Party Wall Agreement is needed and can manage the process.

Yes. We provide a fully itemised fixed-price contract before work begins. The agreed sum will only change if you instruct a variation to the scope or specification mid-build — and even then we issue a written Change Order with a new price before proceeding. No surprise invoices at the end.

Guide prices for Leeds and West Yorkshire in 2025/26: single-storey extensions from around £28,000 (small, up to 15m²) to £65,000+ (large or high-spec). Double-storey extensions start from approximately £75,000. These are rough guides — sizes vary considerably and finish specification affects price substantially. We provide a detailed, itemised quote after a free site visit.

We operate on a stage-payment schedule tied to build milestones (e.g., completion of foundations, completion of structure, completion of first fix, final). A deposit of typically 10–15% is required at contract signing to secure your build slot. We do not ask for large upfront payments — payments are made as work is completed and verified.

A single-storey rear extension is typically 8–12 weeks on site from groundworks to completion. A double-storey project usually runs 14–20 weeks. Loft conversions are generally 10–14 weeks. These timescales are for the build phase only and don't include the planning or building regs application periods if required.

Yes in most cases. For extensions and loft conversions the vast majority of our clients remain in the property. The only significantly disruptive phase is when we knock through the existing structure to link the new space — we plan this carefully and try to complete it in a single day where possible. For full refurbishments, we'll be open about disruption levels at the quote stage.

You'll have a named project manager who visits site daily, coordinates all trades and provides weekly progress updates. You can reach them directly by phone, WhatsApp or email throughout the build. We don't hand projects off to junior staff — the person who quotes your job manages it.

Yes. We carry £5m public liability insurance and our operatives are covered by employer's liability. Full certificates are available on request at survey stage or before contract signing. We're also registered with the Federation of Master Builders, which requires members to hold current public liability insurance.