Residential • Commercial • Bespoke Services
From Planning to Aftercare
Construction guides, cost breakdowns and planning advice for London homeowners and property investors.
650 articles — page 15 of 55
Illustrative imageThe completion and handover stage is often the one that receives the least attention — but getting it right protects your investment and gives you what you need for future sale or mortgage.
Read more →Managing a building project from a distance is entirely possible — if you have the right contractor, the right communication structure, and good preparation in place before the build starts.
Read more →A traditional contractor builds what's in front of them. A design-and-build contractor manages the design development alongside the build. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right approach.
Read more →VAT on building work isn't uniform — extensions attract 20%, new builds are zero-rated, and empty properties may qualify for 5%. Here's a plain-English overview for homeowners.
Read more →When comparing contractor quotes for a loft or extension, the roof gets less scrutiny than glazing or kitchens — but it's one of the most consequential elements of the entire project.
Read more →Unexpected discoveries happen on most significant building projects. The difference between a project that handles them well and one that doesn't comes down to contractor communication, contract process, and client response.
Read more →The right extension direction depends on your plot, planning position, and what your home most needs. Here's a practical guide to comparing side and rear extensions.
Read more →Structural steel beams come up on almost every loft conversion, extension, and structural alteration. Here's a plain-English explanation of what they are, when they're needed, and what installation involves.
Read more →The weeks before a major building project starts are one of the most important and least discussed phases of any build. Here's a practical checklist of what to do before work begins.
Read more →CDM 2015 introduced the Principal Designer as a statutory role for construction projects. Here's what the role covers, when it applies to domestic projects, and what it means in practice.
Read more →Not all extensions need planning permission. The answer depends on the size and type of extension, the type of property, and whether any restrictions apply to your specific address.
Read more →The on-site build is only part of the story. Here's the realistic total timeline for a loft conversion in London, from decision to completion.
Read more →Showing 169–180 of 650 articles