How are payments structured?

We work to a transparent staged payment schedule tied to milestones, for example: deposit, completion of foundations and structure, watertight stage, first fix, second fix and final completion. You only pay for work as it's completed, and the schedule is set out clearly in your contract before we start.

Should I hold a contingency, and how much?

Yes. We recommend all clients keep a contingency of around 10 to 15% of the build cost. Older properties in particular can hide surprises such as unrecorded drains, historic alterations or poor previous work. Our detailed surveys minimise unknowns, but a contingency means an unexpected discovery is an inconvenience rather than a crisis.

Do your quotes include VAT, and are there any hidden costs?

All our quotations state clearly whether figures include VAT, which is charged at the standard 20% on most residential building work. We itemise what's included and, just as importantly, what's excluded, such as planning fees, party wall surveyor costs or client-supplied fixtures, so you can budget for the full picture from day one.

Does an extension or conversion add more value than it costs?

Usually, yes, particularly loft conversions and kitchen extensions in high-demand areas, where added value commonly exceeds build cost. That said, every street has a ceiling price. If we think a proposed project won't make financial sense for your property, we'll tell you before you spend money on design fees.

How do most people pay for a renovation or extension?

Common routes include remortgaging or a further advance from your existing lender, a secured homeowner loan, savings, or specialist renovation finance. We're builders rather than financial advisers, so we can't recommend specific products, but we can provide the detailed, staged cost breakdowns that lenders typically ask for, and we'd always suggest speaking to an independent mortgage broker or financial adviser before committing.