top of page
All Posts


Essential Questions to Ask Your Contractor Before Starting a Project
Do you have references and reviews? While review sites are useful, personal testimonials from friends, family, neighbors, or local...
Stephen Waters
Sep 30, 20255 min read


The Essential Guide to Building an Extension: Your Complete Extension Planner
Why You Need an Extension Planner Whether you're choosing to project manage your extension yourself or seeking to understand the various...
Stephen Waters
Sep 29, 202512 min read


Post Construction Snagging List
Plastering & Plasterboard Finish Is the surface of the plasterwork or plasterboard even and free from obvious hollows and/or bumps? Has...
Stephen Waters
Sep 28, 20258 min read


Demolishing a property
Demolishing a house is a significant undertaking, whether you’re clearing the way for a new build, redeveloping a site, or resolving safety issues. In this guide, you’ll be walked through the key stages of demolishing a house in the UK, including the legal requirements. Reasons to Demolish a House Demolition may be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as: Clearing land for a new construction project. Removing unsafe or condemned structures. Updating outdated properties th
Stephen Waters
Sep 4, 20252 min read


Demolition Advice - 3rd Party Video
https://youtu.be/YSGMq8KAoqI?si=UhF21tDA1rHQJQG3
Stephen Waters
Sep 4, 20251 min read


Unexpected project costs.
When planning your project you will have decided on a budget. However, no matter how much you prepare, there are likely to be hidden...
Stephen Waters
Sep 3, 20252 min read


Are you considering a loft conversion?
Turning your lofts pace into one or more rooms is a great way to add space and value to your property, but there are some mistakes to...
Stephen Waters
Sep 2, 20254 min read


Three methods of construction
In Britain, most buildings have been constructed using brick and block and timber frame ; these two methods being the norm. However, in...
Stephen Waters
Aug 31, 20253 min read


How to build and sell a house in your garden
After investigating this subject and reviewing the thoughts of various experts, the guidance below should help you navigate the issues and point you in the right direction with respect to who you will need to consult. If you’re lucky enough to have a large enough garden, you may have given some thought to building on part of the plot. As part of this, you may have contemplated using that area to build a new home – or maybe even new homes – if space allows. Do this successfull
Stephen Waters
Aug 8, 20257 min read


Conducting a self survey
To conduct a self-survey for house plans you will need to measure and sketch the property's layout, including room dimensions, window and door positions, and any unique features. Take photos of each room and the exterior, and note the location of essential features like the boiler, water inlet valve and meters. All this will be used to create detailed building plans. In more detail: 1. Plan and Prepare: You'll need a measuring tape or laser distance measurer, pens (black for
Stephen Waters
Aug 8, 20252 min read


Planning Permission Costs.
Planning Permission Costs. The cost of applying for householder planning permission in England is £528. This covers alterations to single houses including extensions, significant alterations, or loft conversions. Applying for full planning permission if you’re building a house costs £528. Lawful Development Certificate costs. A lawful development certificate is 50% of the cost of the corresponding planning application. So for a householder project, a lawful development certif
Stephen Waters
Aug 7, 20255 min read


Planning in and near conservation areas
Example area map Planning in and near conservation areas presents unique challenges due to the need to preserve the special architectural and historical character of the area. This often involves restrictions on development, including demolition, tree work, and even some permitted development rights. Local planning authorities (LPAs) play a crucial role in assessing development proposals, ensuring they preserve or enhance the area's character. Key Planning Issues: Preser
Stephen Waters
Aug 5, 20252 min read


Planning issues in and near heritage sites
often revolve around balancing development with the need to protect these valuable assets. Key challenges include preserving the...
Stephen Waters
Aug 4, 20252 min read


What you need to know about Permitted Development Rights
Permitted development rights (PDRs) allow you to make certain changes to your property without needing to apply for planning permission....
Stephen Waters
Aug 4, 20252 min read


What you need to know about the Certificate of Lawful Development
A Certificate of Lawful Development isn’t a legal requirement, however: 1) A Certificate of Lawful Development proves your project's legality at the time of construction. 2) Application fees are £103 in England, £85 in Wales, and £101 in Scotland, half of full planning costs. 3) Expect a decision on your application within 8 weeks; you can appeal if it's delayed or rejected. 4) You might pay double the fee if obtaining a certificate after construction. 5) An architect/desig
Stephen Waters
Aug 3, 20253 min read
Common planning issues
Before making a planning application there a number of issues which might affect a potential site. These are called ‘constraints’ and need to be taken into account. General planning constraints Flood risk Flooding from rivers and coastal waters is a natural process that plays an important role in planning decisions. Flooding can cause substantial damage to property and threaten human life. Flooding can’t be prevented entirely, but the impact that a development might have
Stephen Waters
Aug 2, 20255 min read
Building change of use.
First it is essential to understand Use Classes. These are divided into six sections which are: Part B – Business which supply or support...
Stephen Waters
Jul 31, 20254 min read


Wood burner update as experts break silence over 'false' worry - Third party article
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/technology/wood-burner-update-as-experts-break-silence-over-false-worry/ar-AA1SecpG?ocid=socialshare
Stephen Waters
Jul 10, 20251 min read


Installing a log burner - Third party article
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/i-ve-navigated-log-burner-building-regulations-myself-this-is-what-all-homeowners-need-to-make-sure-they-know-to-obtain-the-necessary-consent/ar-AA1OIEzR?ocid=socialshare
Stephen Waters
Jul 9, 20251 min read


Which Heating System to Install - Third party article
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/technology/which-heating-system-should-i-install/ar-AA1PIGZE?ocid=socialshare
Stephen Waters
Jul 9, 20251 min read
bottom of page