What we do
House extensions
Most people extend because the kitchen is too small and the back of the house is dark. The extension itself is the easy part. Getting the light, the levels and the connection to the rest of the house right is what makes the difference between a room you use and a room you walk through.
We build single and double storey extensions, side returns and wrap-arounds across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stone and the surrounding villages — and we will happily tell you at the first visit if what you are picturing will not work.
What's involved
How the job actually runs.
Stage by stage, so you know what's happening in your house and roughly when.
- 01
First visit and feasibility
We come out, measure up and talk through what is possible — including the option you have not thought of. No charge, no pressure.
- 02
Drawings and permissions
Many rear extensions fall under permitted development, but not all. We work with local architectural technicians to get drawings done, and handle the planning or lawful development application and the building regulations submission.
- 03
Groundworks and structure
Foundations to the depth building control require, drainage diverted or built over properly with the water authority informed, cavity walls raised, steels installed and padstones set.
- 04
Roof, windows and weathertight
Warm roof build-up, flat or pitched, with rooflights or bi-folds set in. Getting weathertight quickly is what protects the rest of the programme.
- 05
Knock-through and services
The structural opening into the existing house, then electrics, heating and underfloor where specified. This is the messy fortnight — we sheet up and we clean daily.
- 06
Plaster, floors and finish
Skimmed, floors laid, decorated and completion certificate issued. External ground levels, patio and make-good included in the quote rather than added at the end.
Why us for this
What you get that you might not elsewhere.
- We quote the whole thing — including the making-good and the landscaping most builders leave off.
- Your existing kitchen stays usable as long as physically possible.
- Sheeted, swept and skipped daily. Your neighbours have to live here too.
- Fixed programme with a completion date, agreed before we start.
Covering Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stone, Stafford, Leek, Cheadle and the surrounding area.See all areas
Questions we get asked
Do I need planning permission for an extension?
Often not. A single storey rear extension of up to 3m on a semi or terrace, or 4m on a detached house, is usually permitted development if it meets the height and materials conditions — and larger ones may qualify under the prior approval route. Double storey and side extensions are more restricted, and permitted development rights are removed in conservation areas and on some newer estates. We check your specific address before quoting.
What drives the cost of an extension up?
Foundations first — a tree within influencing distance, or made ground, can mean significantly more excavation and concrete before anything appears above ground. Then drainage, if a shared sewer runs under the footprint. Then glazing, which is where budgets most often double: a standard set of French doors and a slim-framed structural glazing package are not remotely the same project. We price all three properly rather than guessing at them.
How long will my extension take?
A typical single storey rear extension runs 10 to 14 weeks on site from breaking ground to handover. Double storey is usually 16 to 22 weeks. That is site time — allow another 8 to 12 weeks beforehand for drawings and approvals.
What is a party wall agreement and do I need one?
If you are excavating within 3m of a neighbour's foundations, or building on or against the shared wall, you must serve notice under the Party Wall Act. It is not optional and it is not something to leave until the diggers arrive. We will tell you at survey whether it applies.
Next step
Tell us what you want doing.
Ten minutes on the phone tells us both whether we're the right firm for the job. If we're not, we'll say so and point you at someone who is.
- Free site visit, no obligation
- Written itemised quote in 5 working days
- We reply within one working day