Construction and Extensions guides
House extensions, loft conversions, planning permission, Party Wall Act, and new build guidance for Thames Valley homeowners.
- ·9 min read
Extension or Loft Conversion: Choosing the Right Investment for Thames Valley Homes
Extensions add horizontal space and usually cost more. Loft conversions add vertical space and often cost less per square metre. Your answer depends on how your family uses the house, your garden size, your roof pitch, your planning context, and your budget. This guide compares the two options across the factors that matter to Thames Valley homeowners.
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Party Wall Agreements Explained: A Thames Valley Homeowner's Guide
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies when you build on or near a shared boundary or excavate close to a neighbour's foundations. Ignoring it creates legal and practical problems. This guide walks through when the Act applies, the notice timeline, typical surveyor costs across the Thames Valley, what happens when a neighbour dissents, and how to keep the project moving.
Read more - ·9 min read
Planning Permission vs Permitted Development: Which Route for Your Extension?
Most Thames Valley extensions go through one of two routes: Permitted Development or full Planning Permission. Choosing the right route saves 6 to 12 weeks and 500 GBP in fees. This guide explains what each route means, the size limits for Permitted Development, when a Lawful Development Certificate is worth getting, and the cases where a full application is your only option.
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