Practical Advice for
Planning Your Home-
Improvement Project
Explore practical guidance covering home extensions, renovations, structural alterations and garage conversions.
Our articles explain important considerations, likely approvals and useful questions to ask before work begins.
Home Extension Advice & Planning Guides
Practical guidance covering extension costs, planning permission and practical considerations before extending your home.
What Affects the Cost of a Home Extension in the West Midlands?
Understand what affects home extension costs, including size, structure, groundworks, glazing, services, finishes and project specification.
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Home Extension?
Understand planning permission, permitted development, Building Regulations and structural information when planning a home extension in England.
Renovation & Refurbishment Guides
Advice to help homeowners understand renovation quotations, project preparation and the work involved in improving an existing property.
What Should Be Included in a Property-Renovation Quotation?
Learn what a renovation quotation should explain, including scope, specifications, allowances, exclusions, payments, programme and guarantees.
How to Prepare Your Home for an Extension or Renovation
A practical homeowner's checklist covering access, belongings, dust, services, children, pets, neighbours and living through building work.
Planning Work on Your Home?
Tell us what you are considering and we will advise on the most suitable next step for your project.
Structural Alteration Guides
Guidance on load-bearing walls, structural design, Building Control and the key considerations involved in altering a property’s structure.
What Is Involved in Removing a Load-Bearing Wall?
Learn what is involved in identifying, supporting and removing a load-bearing wall, including engineers, steels, Building Control and making good.
Garage Conversion Guides
Practical information covering planning permission, Building Regulations and the main considerations before converting a garage.
Do Garage Conversions Need Planning Permission and Building Regulations?
Understand when planning permission and Building Regulations may apply to a garage conversion and what should be checked before work begins.