More usable space, without losing the flow of the house.

Rear extensions, side returns and loft conversions are the most common way London families get the space they need without moving. These projects live and die on the paperwork as much as the brickwork, so we work alongside your architect and structural engineer, or introduce ours, and deal with building control, party wall matters and permitted development from the start.

Space in London is expensive, and moving is more expensive still. A rear or side return extension usually adds the kitchen and living space a family actually needs, while a loft conversion adds a bedroom and bathroom without touching the footprint of the house. Both add value, but only when the layout and the light are right, which is a design question long before it is a building one.

These projects carry the most paperwork of anything we do. Many fall under permitted development, but many do not, and a party wall award is nearly always needed on a terraced or semi detached property. We talk you through which route yours is likely to take at the first visit, and work alongside your architect and structural engineer, including the building control side of the project.

What’s included

  • Rear, side return and wrap around extensions
  • Loft conversions including dormers
  • Structural steel and load bearing openings
  • Planning, permitted development and building control support
  • Party wall coordination with neighbouring owners

What to expect

Stage 1

Design, structural calculations, planning or permitted development, party wall notices

Stage 2

Groundworks, structure, steels, roof and weathertight shell

Stage 3

First fix, plaster, joinery, second fix, decoration and building control sign off

Common questions

Do I need planning permission?

Many single storey rear extensions and loft conversions fall under permitted development, but this depends on your property, previous extensions and whether you are in a conservation area. We check this at the survey.

A legal notice to neighbours whose wall or foundation your work affects. It is required by law for most extensions and lofts on attached properties, and it takes time, so we start it early.

For most rear extensions and lofts, yes. The structural work is the noisiest part, and we seal the works off from the rest of the house.

Other services

Full Home Renovation  ·  Bathroom Renovation  ·  Kitchen Renovation  ·  Bespoke Joinery & Interiors  ·  Structural Alterations

Thinking about extensions & loft conversions?

Book a site visit. We will look at the space, talk through the options and come back to you with a written quote.