Questions and answers
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Working with us
By service
Do you take on small jobs?
We focus on larger projects: basements, new builds, full refurbishments and extensions. We don't usually take on small repairs or single-trade jobs, which keeps our team on the projects we have committed to.
Which areas do you cover?
We are based on the High Road in South Tottenham (N15), and most of our work is in North London: Haringey, Enfield, Barnet, Islington, Hackney, Camden and Waltham Forest. For larger projects we also work further across London.
How do we get a quote?
Send us the basics (what you want to build, where, and roughly when) through the enquiry form, WhatsApp or email, or call us. We will arrange a site visit, look at any drawings you have, and follow up with a written quote broken down by stage.
Can you build from our architect's drawings?
Yes. We build from your architect's and structural engineer's drawings and specification. If your drawings are still in progress, it helps to talk to us early so we can flag anything that will be difficult or expensive to build.
Who looks after planning, building control and party walls?
Planning applications are prepared by your architect or planning consultant, and party wall notices by a party wall surveyor. We make sure the approvals are in place before work starts, book building control inspections as the work progresses, and hand over the completion certificates at the end.
Will we know what is happening on site?
Yes. Clear communication matters to us. You have one point of contact, we explain each stage before it starts, and we keep you updated on progress and on any decisions we need from you.
Can we stay in the house while you work?
For most extensions and many basements, yes, with the work area sealed off. For a full refurbishment it is usually quicker and safer to move out while the house is stripped and rewired. We will give you an honest view at the quote stage.
What happens if extra work is needed once you start?
Old houses sometimes hide problems. If we find something that changes the job, we show you, explain the options and agree the cost before doing the work. Nothing is added without your approval.
Basements
How much does a basement cost?
It depends on the depth, the ground, access to the site, whether the basement goes under the garden as well as the house, and the finish you want. We price every basement after a site visit and once we have seen the engineer's design, and the quote separates the structure, waterproofing and fit-out so you can see where the money goes.
Do I need planning permission for a basement?
Usually, yes. Most London councils treat a new basement as needing full planning permission and ask for a Basement Impact Assessment. Lowering an existing cellar can sometimes be done without it, but check with your architect or the council before assuming so.
Will my neighbours need to agree?
Your neighbours cannot stop work that has planning permission, but if you are digging near their foundations the Party Wall Act means you must serve notice and, if they don't consent, appoint surveyors to agree an award. It is normal for the building owner to pay the surveyors' fees.
How long does a basement take?
Time on site depends on size and complexity. Before we start, you get a programme that shows each stage, from underpinning to decoration, so you know what is happening each week.
New-build homes
Can you demolish the existing house and build the new one?
Yes. Demolition, site clearance and the new build can run as one contract, which saves time between stages and means one company is responsible for the whole site.
Do you work with our architect?
Yes. We build from your architect's and engineer's drawings and are happy to review them before they are finalised, when buildability comments are most useful.
Who arranges building control and warranty inspections?
We book the building control inspections as each stage is ready and work alongside your chosen warranty provider's inspector.
Full refurbishments
Can we live in the house during a full refurbishment?
Usually it is quicker and safer to move out while the house is stripped back, rewired and replumbed. On some projects we can work floor by floor so that part of the house stays usable; we will say which approach suits your job at the quote stage.
What happens if you find problems once the house is opened up?
We show you what we have found, explain the options and agree the cost before doing any extra work. Nothing is added to the bill without your approval.
Extensions
Can you do the kitchen as well as the extension?
Yes. Most of our extensions include the kitchen and the rest of the ground floor, which avoids a gap between the builder finishing and the kitchen fitter starting.
Do we need a structural engineer?
Yes for almost every extension, because the back wall of the house has to be supported on steel. The engineer's calculations are also needed for building control.
Structural works
Can you remove a load-bearing wall without an engineer?
No. Removing a load-bearing wall safely needs an engineer's calculations for the new beam and its supports, and building control approval. We can recommend how to get this in place if you don't have an engineer yet.
Demolition and site preparation
Do you only do demolition on its own?
We mainly take on demolition as the first stage of a new build or a full refurbishment, so the same team carries straight on with the build.
Trades and finishing
Do you take on small plumbing or electrical jobs?
Not usually. We focus on larger projects, so we don't take on small repairs or single-trade call-outs.
Planning a big project?
We visit, then send a written quote.