Extensions

An extension adds floor area to an existing house, usually alongside structural reconfiguration of the rooms it connects to. It suits owners who need more usable space or better circulation and whose plot, planning position and structure allow the house to be opened up rather than replaced.

Space is often a plan problem

Many substantial inter-war and post-war houses in Sutton Coldfield, Four Oaks, Little Aston and Solihull have generous plots and poor circulation. The gain frequently comes from reorganising the existing plan and adding modestly, rather than from the largest extension the planning system will allow. We test both, priced, before you commit.

Planning and permitted development

Some extensions fall under permitted development; many do not, and none do in a conservation area or on a listed building without consent. A householder application in England is typically determined in eight to ten weeks. We prepare and manage the application, and advise on planning risk before drawings are developed in detail.

Structure, party walls and neighbours

Removing walls, forming openings and building close to a boundary bring structural design and, frequently, party wall procedure. Notices are served early because the statutory timetable, not the builder, sets the earliest start date.

Making old and new read as one

The mark of a good extension is that the junction disappears: floor levels line through, ceiling heights are resolved, glazing sightlines align and the new brick or stone is matched and weathered rather than merely specified.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need planning permission for an extension?

Often yes — some extensions fall under permitted development, but conservation areas, listed buildings and larger schemes require a planning application, typically determined in eight to ten weeks.

How long does an extension take to build?

On site, a single-storey extension with associated reconfiguration commonly takes four to eight months, after design and planning.

Can we stay in the house during the works?

Usually yes for a contained extension — working hours, access, dust protection and secure storage are agreed with you before work starts.