FAQ

On average, building extensions in London can take 10-12 weeks to complete but this depends on a number of factors, the main one being the size of the building as well as the specification of the project – sometimes a big build can take longer.

When building a house conversion if you have a party wall connecting your property, you will have inform your neighbours about your home extension plans. You do not need permission from your neighbours but you must tell them and if they have a problem with the proposed works, you need to get a party wall surveyor involved. The party wall surveyor will issue party wall notices on your behalf and come and inspect the connecting wall, they will take pictures and make a party wall award outlining what works can be done. This is a straight forward process and is not to be confused with planning permission as there is no room for refusal in this.

A party wall agreement is required if your home has a wall that is connected to another property on either side. Each neighbour will have to be informed of the proposed works using a party wall notice form at least two calendar months before the intended start of the build. The party wall agreement is there to protect you and your neighbour from issues that might arise due to work done on the party wall. It draws up an agreement between you and your neighbour on what needs to happen if there is a problem. By law your neighbour can insist you have one before the work starts. This process is handled by clients directly, however if required Simply Extend can advise you on this process and put you in touch with one of our certified party wall surveyors.

The majority of building extensions do not need planning permission as they come under permitted development rules. This means that you can build your extension providing you stick to local building regulations rules and regulations. This does not mean you can build whatever you prefer and no one can stop your work, you still have to submit plans, structural calculations and get approval from local building control. There is still some kitchen conversions that require planning permission. When you own a property in conservation area, a listed building or in an area where permitted development is not allowed you will have to get planning permission from your council.

Properties can be converted, this all depends on a variety of different factors like: The garden or side space, the area, the council and other factors. One the biggest factors is the space that you have outside as there are different regulations with regards to building a house extension. One of our surveyors can tell you straight away at site visit if the project is possible or not