FAQs
Your questions, answered straight
Short, honest answers to the things people ask us most. If yours isn't here, ring Richard - he'd rather have the conversation than leave you guessing.
The basics
General questions
- What areas do you cover?
- Stafford, Penkridge, Stone, Brewood, Eccleshall, Lichfield and the Staffordshire villages between them.
- Are you insured?
- Yes, fully insured including public liability cover, on every job regardless of size.
- Do you provide free quotes?
- Yes, always, with no obligation.
- How far in advance should I book?
- For larger projects like extensions or conversions, 6 months' notice is sensible to allow for design, planning and scheduling. Smaller renovation work can often start sooner.
- Do you help with planning permission?
- Yes. We advise on permitted development, help coordinate with architects and structural engineers, and can guide you through the application process.
- Do I need planning permission before you can quote?
- It really helps. A full, itemised quote depends on approved drawings, and without them we're pricing an idea rather than a build. We can point you towards architects and help with the application, but planning approval often takes considerably longer than most people hope, so we usually can't schedule a job in until it's granted.
- Can I see examples of your previous work?
- Absolutely. We're happy to arrange for you to visit a completed project nearby, as well as show you our full portfolio.
- How do you price a job?
- With a clear, itemised quote based on a site visit and a proper understanding of what you want. No vague estimates, no surprise costs later.
Service questions
House Extensions
- Do I need planning permission for a house extension in Staffordshire?
- Many single-storey rear extensions fall under Permitted Development, but it depends on your property, its history and the size of the extension. We'll tell you honestly whether you need to apply, and help with the paperwork if you do.
- How long does a single-storey extension take?
- Typically 10 to 16 weeks from groundworks to completion, depending on size, weather and specification. We'll give you a realistic programme before you sign anything.
- What does a house extension cost in this area?
- It depends entirely on size, specification and site conditions. We always provide a free, itemised quote so you know exactly what you're paying for and why.
Service questions
Property Renovations
- Can you renovate while we're still living in the house?
- Often, yes, depending on the scope. We'll talk through what's realistic for your project and plan the work to minimise disruption.
- Do you handle period and listed properties?
- Yes. We've got long experience repointing and restoring older Staffordshire cottages and farmhouses, using materials and techniques that respect the original build.
- How do you keep renovation costs under control?
- With a clear, itemised quote from the outset, and honest conversations if anything changes once we're into the work. No surprises.
Service questions
Loft Conversions
- Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?
- Many loft conversions fall under Permitted Development, though dormers and roof alterations can bring in extra rules depending on your property and area. We'll check and advise honestly.
- How much usable space will I actually get?
- It depends on your existing roof pitch and height. We'll assess this properly on a site visit rather than guessing from a photo.
- How long does a loft conversion take?
- Typically 6 to 10 weeks depending on scope, staircase design and finishing specification.
Service questions
Barn Conversions
- Is planning permission harder for a barn conversion?
- It's more involved than a standard extension, particularly for listed or agricultural buildings, but very achievable with the right guidance. We handle this as a matter of course.
- Can original features be kept?
- Yes, and usually should be. Original timber and brickwork are a big part of what makes a barn conversion special, and we work to preserve them wherever structurally possible.
- How do you handle insulating an old barn properly?
- With fabric-first detailing suited to solid or traditional construction, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This is a big focus of current Building Regulations and something we take seriously.
Service questions
New Build Homes
- Do you manage the whole build, or just parts of it?
- We offer full project management from start to finish, so you've got one point of contact throughout rather than juggling multiple trades yourself.
- How energy-efficient are your new builds?
- We build to meet current Building Regulations as a minimum, and can specify further for genuinely low-running-cost homes if that's a priority for you.
- How long does a new build take?
- It varies significantly with size and specification. We'll give you a realistic programme once we understand the scope.
Service questions
Garage Conversions & Structural Alterations
- Is a garage conversion cheaper than an extension?
- Generally yes, since the structure already exists, though the exact saving depends on the condition and specification you want.
- Can you remove a load-bearing wall safely?
- Yes. This is done with proper structural calculations and, where needed, a structural engineer's sign-off, exactly as required by Building Regulations.
- Do garage conversions need planning permission?
- Often not, if there's no external change to the building, but it depends on your specific property. We'll confirm before any work starts.