Q&As

I was wondering if you could help, we are planning on starting our new build project, but we need a surveyor/ structural warranty. Is this something you can advise on?

My 1800s cottage has been extended and renovated over the years, with a conservatory extension added around 10 years ago. The room is heated via underfloor heating but the structure is poorly insulated and hard to keep warm in the winter, so it’s not very useable. Are there any options for upgrading the structure to [...]

I’m looking to renovate and convert the loft of my end-of-terrace Victorian house in South London, which has a hipped roof. I’d like to increase head height inside the roof space for an at home office, but not sure what the best way is to do so. Will I have enough space if I extend [...]

I own a bungalow, which I’m considering demolishing down to ground floor level to make way for a completely new superstructure on top. Would this be treated as a new build for VAT purposes? Specifically, would I be able to reclaim VAT on goods and services connected with the rebuild?

I’m looking to add a modern extension to the front of my 1970s home on a busy urban road. I have just received planning consent, which includes several planning conditions that I’d like to appeal. How many can I realistically challenge before the planning committee reconsiders the entire application? Or is it easier to reconsider [...]

I’m about to start building a new home on my own land and already have full planning permission in place. I’ll be funding the project without a mortgage, and I’ve appointed a builder. I understand that new builds typically require a structural warranty (similar to NHBC), but I’m unsure what is required in my situation. [...]

I recently bought a small bungalow in the Green Belt that sits on a very large plot. The previous owner already extended the house quite a lot, but we have a large family and would like to make it much bigger. Our nearest neighbours are far away and the plot is spacious, so it seems [...]

We’re planning to start a self-build project later this year and are unsure which build route is right for us. Part of us likes the idea of managing the project ourselves to save money and stay in control, but we’re aware it could be stressful and time-consuming. How do we decide whether self-managing is right [...]

I am looking to purchase a sloping site with fantastic view. The plot has quite a steep gradient and is made up of clay soil. Will my site impact my choice of structural system or can I work with whichever? Are there any structural systems that are better suited to steep sloping gradients and what [...]