Do we need drawings before enquiring?

No. An early outline is useful, and drawings make a more detailed discussion possible. Tell us where you are in the process rather than waiting for everything to be final.

Will we need planning permission?

That depends on the design, property and local constraints. Some work may be permitted development; other projects need consent. Seek project-specific advice from your designer or local planning authority before relying on an assumed route.

Can we stay in the house during the build?

It depends on the extent of structural work, services and how the existing rooms connect to the new space. Access, protection and temporary arrangements should be discussed during planning.

House extensions

House extensions in Sutton Coldfield

More space is only the beginning. A substantial extension should make the whole house work better, from the first step inside to the connection with the garden.

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Brick family home with a contemporary rear extension opening onto the garden

Start with the way you live

A larger kitchen, a separate utility, more bedrooms or better flow can each point towards a different shape of extension. We look at the existing rooms as well as the proposed addition.

Make the design buildable

Structure, ground conditions, drainage, access and how new materials meet old all affect the finished result and the sequence of work.

Plan around the household

Temporary access, weather protection, noisy phases and key decisions deserve consideration before work starts, especially if you plan to remain at home.

Tell us what you want your home to do better, and how far your plans have progressed.

Choosing the right approach

Which extension suits your home?

The best option depends on the plot, the existing layout and where you need space most.

Open up the ground floor

A rear or single-storey addition can create room for cooking, dining and family life while keeping garden access central.

Use the side return

A side or wraparound scheme may recover an awkward strip of land and improve circulation without pushing as far into the garden.

Think across two floors

Where both living and bedroom space are needed, a double-storey scheme can address the house as a whole.

Before construction

The questions worth resolving early

Design and permissions

Some extensions may fall within permitted-development rules, while others need planning permission. Limits depend on the property and location; your designer or local planning authority can confirm what applies. Building Regulations are a separate consideration.

Scope and information

Drawings, structural design, specifications and clarity over fixtures help define what is being priced, what remains provisional and who makes each decision.

Delivery sequence

Access for trades and materials, protection of existing rooms and the point at which the old and new spaces are opened up can materially change the experience of the build.

Common questions