Cookies management by TermsFeed Generator

The Build Process

How to Prevent Planning Permission Refusal

Planning permission is an essential part of any building project, particularly when extending your home. If you're planning to build an extension, you'll need to obtain planning permission from local planning authority before starting work. But if the local planning authority refuses your application, what...

Read More
Reasons Why Planning Permission Is Refused

Most building projects, especially those that involve extending your home, will require planning permission. To build an extension, you must first acquire planning permission from your local planning authority. This article explores the most common reasons why the authorities may refuse planning permission. However, it...

Read More
How Can I Get A Realistic Builders Quote?

Finding the appropriate builder is critical when it comes to extending or renovating your house. A good builder will help you reach your goals and make the building process stress-free. However, you must obtain an accurate and realistic quote before you employ a builder. This...

Read More
How Can I Find a Trustworthy Builder?

When you're considering building an extension, it's an exciting time. You'll finally get the home you've always wanted - the perfect kitchen, a bigger living space, or maybe even a home office. But with this excitement comes the responsibility of finding a trustworthy builder who...

Read More
10 Improvements To Add Value To Your Home

Home improvements can be an excellent way to increase the value of your property, whether you are looking to sell your home or merely increase its market value. However, determining which enhancements will provide the most value can be challenging. In this article, we will...

Read More
Challenging Chimneys

Chimney breasts were once a significant feature in traditional homes, built with functionality in mind, they housed an open fire and chimney flue to keep residents warm in the colder months. Found in almost every room in the house before central heating systems were created, they are a significant...

Read More
7 Extension Treatments and Planning Application

There are a number of different planning applications, each of which will suit different residential extension designs. Discussed below are 7 different treatments for common extensions or alterations to residential properties. Permitted Development  Arguably the most straightforward extension type would be that which falls within your...

Read More
Replacing a Conservatory with an Extension

Many houses in London have conservatories or what is sometimes referred to as a ‘lean-to’, while some people can enjoy their conservatory, many do not. The poor construction and the way they are bolted on to the exterior of the house means they aren’t really...

Read More
Party Wall Process

Have you considered how our project might affect the condition with your neighbours? When proposing an extension it is likely you would be required to serve a Party Wall notices to adjoining neighbours. A party wall notice is a notice of proposed works in relation to a particular...

Read More
7 Extension Application Routes

There are a number of different planning applications, each of which will suit different residential extension designs. Discussed below are 7 different treatments for common extensions or alterations for residential properties. Permitted Development   Arguably the most straightforward extension type would be that which falls within your permitted development rights. Typical...

Read More
What is Permitted Development?

Planning Permission is confusing, as precedent and policy vary borough to borough. Policy is also frequently updated, so staying on-top of the latest changes can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to working with local councils day to day. On top of this, there...

Read More
2017 in a Nutshell

The year of 2017 has been a year of celebration for the Build Team Group. The year kicked off our tenth year anniversary, and we are very proud to say that for over a decade we have helped homeowners across London transform their homes. The year...

Read More
Fast Track to Build

We often have clients who want to start the build as soon as possible. Whether you’re counting down the days to a due date, or perhaps you want to finish your kitchen in time for Christmas, or you might be renting another property until the...

Read More
Plan for Planning Permission

Planning Permission – everybody needs it, but no one knows much about it. We’re going to break everything down for you. If you are planning to do an extension, the chances are, you will require permission from your local council, be that through Permitted Development of...

Read More
The Conservation Area

Living in a conservation area is a pretty special experience; the architecture in the area has been preserved and the character maintained for future generations. Of course, this has implications when it comes to home renovations, particularly to extensions and particular features. You can contact...

Read More
Stair Specification

Building Control is a collection of guidelines designed to maintain your safety when extending your home. During the build process, this typically involves four site visits: the first visit when the foundations are being laid, the second when the cavity wall is erected, the third...

Read More
Connect to your Extension

Existing & Proposed Design Extensions are a fantastic opportunity to add lots of contemporary, functional features to your home such as bi-fold doors and Velux windows. These features have been developed with practicality in mind and they do a fantastic job at letting lots of natural...

Read More
Permitted Development: Lofts

Lofts conversions are a fantastic way to gain some much needed space as they are usually very generous in the floor area that they add. Our Design Team have loads of design solutions but they are subject to a properties specific characteristics and local planning...

Read More
Basement Planning

In a city where space is so valuable, it isn’t surprising that extending is becoming a popular alternative to moving. You wouldn’t believe the amount of space you can add to your home through extensions – and digging down to create a useable basement or...

Read More
Basement Business

Whether you intend to go large and invest in a lower ground floor, or keep it simple and go for a cellar conversion; there are loads of ways you can use this underground space. We thought we would share just some of the ideas and...

Read More
How High Can You Go?

Ceiling height was the hot topic of discussion at our most recent House Tour, and it’s certainly something we spend lots of time on during the Design Phase. There are loads of questions to answer on this topic, so we thought we’re run through the...

Read More
Building Up in SW4

Our Design Team have recently obtained planning permission for a fantastic, three story extension in a conservation area in Lambeth. The additional space will add a massive 60SQ to the home, and will completely transform the property....

Read More
External Expectations

When you are designing your extension, it is important that you find a design that is perfect for you, but that also satisfies your local council’s guidelines and neighbouring properties....

Read More
Permit your Development

There are several types of application that you can submit to your local council. Our Design Team have tons of experience in submitting planning applications, and they’ll be able to best advise which is most appropriate for your scheme.   Depending on the size and character of...

Read More
Who’s the Best in the South West?

hen it comes to designing your home extension, your local council will influence your design as they do have the final say on whether it’s allowed. For this reason, it is certainly useful to have someone who knows what those guidelines are....

Read More
Permitted Development: How does it compare?

Amendments that fall within a certain criteria can be made to your property under Permitted Development; this means you don’t need to apply for full planning permission. While Permitted Development (PD) can be applied to most properties, it does not apply to flats, maisonettes or...

Read More
The Party Wall Process

Party Wall Consent is a legal requirement that has been in place since 1996.This law was designed to regulate building works whilst also protecting adjoining owners and occupiers during building projects. It is a separate requirement to Planning Permission and one does not have an...

Read More
Extending in a Conservation Area

We are frequently approached by prospective clients who query whether living in a conservation area will affect their planning application. The short answer is yes it does (a bit). All planning applications have to be submitted with restrictions in mind and being in a conservation...

Read More
Haringay, N8 – Party Wall Problems

There is a lot of confusion surrounding the mysterious and complex process that is Party Wall. Often clients are unsure or misunderstand what is expected of them with regards to notifying their neighbours of impending building work. We are frequently asked whether neighbours can actually...

Read More
Looking To Buy? Ask The Right Questions!

We are regularly contacted by prospective clients who are looking to purchase a property that has the potential for an extension. Whether you are a first time buyer or a current homeowner; it is beneficial to discuss the feasibility of an extension prior to committing...

Read More
Do I Need Full Planning?

A question we are frequently asked by clients is whether they can build their side return extension under Permitted Development, rather than submitting a full Planning Application....

Read More
Benefits Of Joint Applications

During the Design stage, clients are likely to benefit in regards to planning and party wall matters. Clients can benefit from a joint planning application, and many London boroughs are more willing to be slightly more flexible with the wall height astride the boundary....

Read More
What Is A Thames Water Build Over Agreement?

Once you decide to undertake a side return extension project, one of the factors you will need to consider is whether any of the building work is being carried out near to a sewer. If you are planning to build over or close to a...

Read More
Thinking Of Doing A Side Return And Loft?

There has never been a better time to convert a loft space and build a Side Return Extension at the same time. At Build Team, we routinely get asked to undertake Loft Conversions as part of a client’s Side Return plans. Our clients are typically...

Read More
Collaborating With Your Neighbour

There are a number of good reasons to collaborate with your neighbour when it comes to the Design and Build of a Side Return Extension and at Build Team we have developed a specialist knowledge base on how best to approach these projects....

Read More
Can I Build My Side Return Extension Under PD?

Sometimes you don’t need to add a large space to create a big impact on the layout of your home. A modest but well-designed extension can be transformative, changing the aspect of a room, bringing in valuable extra daylight, linking two existing spaces, or improving circulation...

Read More
Landlord Consent To Extend

Following on from our recent blog post, Side Return Extensions for Flats, we have received many enquiries.  Many of you want to know how to go about getting your Landlord's consent.  Whilst we can't promise you will get the answer you want, here are some...

Read More
Extensions for Flats

For most clients with a flat the primary reason for building a Side Return Extension is to convert their one bed into a two bed.  Whether you need more space but can't afford to move, or want to sell your flat on, it makes sense...

Read More
Overcoming Hesitant Neighbours

Neighbours can be tricky, especially if you’re trying to make some home improvements. Whether they have had some bad experiences before or have heard horror stories from friends there are ways around this. At Build Team we try and minimise the effect building your side-return will have...

Read More

Thank you for your request.

We will contact you at your preferred time.

Ok