Frequently Asked Questions !
Quotes and payments
Is the site visit really free?
Yes. Site visits and quotations are free and there is no obligation to go ahead.
Is your quote fixed?
Yes. Our quotations are fixed in writing for a stated period and set out the scope and exclusions clearly. The price only changes if you ask for a change or something unforeseeable is uncovered — and in either case, we agree the cost with you in writing before any extra work is done.
How much deposit do you ask for?
We keep deposits modest. A larger deposit is only requested where bespoke materials must be ordered specifically for your project, and we explain this in the quotation.
When do I pay the rest?
In stages at clear milestones set out in your quotation, with the final payment due only after snagging is complete.
Q Are your prices inclusive of VAT?
Your quotation will clearly show VAT. [Client to confirm wording once VAT registration is complete.]
Planning and regulations
Will you handle building regulations?
Yes. We submit the notices, arrange the inspections and make sure you receive your completion certificate.
Do I need planning permission?
It depends on the project and the property. Many single storey extensions and garage conversions don’t, but larger extensions, conservation-area properties and changes of use often do. We’ll advise at the site visit.
What is a party wall notice?
If your work affects a wall or boundary shared with a neighbour, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may require you to notify them before work starts. We’ll tell you whether it applies and when notices need to be served.
During the work
Who will be my point of contact?
You’ll have one named contact throughout, and a progress update every week.
Who carries out the work?
Vetted, CSCS-carded specialist trades, local to your region and supervised by us. Electrical and gas work is only carried out by appropriately registered trades.
Are you insured?
Yes — public liability [£X million], employers’ liability [£X million] and contract works cover. Certificates are available on request.
Services and areas
Do you build new houses or loft conversions?
Not at present. We focus on extensions, refurbishment, conversions and groundworks. On new-build sites, we work alongside developers through our groundworks and trade packages. If you need a service we don’t offer, we’ll tell you straight away.
Which areas do you cover?
South East London and North Kent, and Northamptonshire and the East Midlands. See our Areas We Cover page for the full list of towns.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. Every project comes with a written [X-year] workmanship guarantee and a defined aftercare process.
Areas We Cover
South East London and North Kent — Bromley, Orpington, Bexleyheath, Sidcup, Eltham, Lewisham, Greenwich, Croydon, Dartford, Sevenoaks, Beckenham, Petts Wood, West Wickham — and Northamptonshire and the East Midlands, including Northampton, Rushden, Wellingborough, Kettering, Towcester, Daventry, Blisworth and the Milton Keynes borders.