Extensions in Bishop's Stortford

What we build in CM23

Single-storey rear extensions, side returns on the Victorian terraces, wrap-arounds, garage conversions and knock-throughs to make a kitchen-diner. We do not chase big two-storey new-builds; we do the domestic extensions we can staff properly with our own trades from start to finish.

Permitted development or a planning application

Many Bishop's Stortford rear extensions go through under permitted development or the larger home extension prior approval, but the conservation area around the town centre and any Article 4 restriction changes that. We tell you at survey which route yours takes and work with an architect and structural engineer we use regularly, so drawings and calculations arrive when they are needed.

Groundworks done right, because you cannot fix it later

CM23 has heavy clay in places and mature trees on plenty of plots, which means deeper trench fill and sometimes a root barrier. Foundations are dug to what building control passes on inspection, not to what makes the quote look cheapest. Existing drainage is surveyed first, and where a run crosses the footprint it is diverted or a lintel and manhole detail is agreed with the inspector.

Structure, glazing and heat

Steel goes in on padstones sized by the engineer and is encased to the fire rating. Roof lanterns and bifolds are set on a level structural opening so they do not need packing straight, and we build to current Part L: insulated raft or beam-and-block floor, full-fill cavity, and underfloor heating in the slab where the room is open-plan.

One team to the last coat of paint

Bricklaying, carpentry, roofing, plastering, plumbing, electrics, tiling and decorating are our own trades. That is why a RenovationPlanltd extension does not stall for three weeks waiting for a plasterer, and why the same person who priced it is on site while it is being built.

Victorian terraces and the side return

The terraces around Hadham Road, Portland Road and South Street have a narrow side return that adds a genuinely useful three metres of kitchen. Those jobs live or die on party wall procedure and on getting light in, so we start the party wall notices early and design the roof around a lantern or a run of rooflights.

Thorley and Bishop's Park

The newer estates at Thorley and Bishop's Park usually have room for a straightforward rear extension, but shallow rear gardens and estate drainage runs need checking first. We survey the manholes before drawing anything, because a build over an adopted sewer needs an agreement with the water authority.

Conservation area near the town centre

Around the old town, materials matter: brick matched by sample, reclaimed stock where needed, and window proportions that satisfy the planners. We have been building in CM23 since 2001 and know which details get waved through and which get refused.

How much does an extension cost in Bishop's Stortford?

Budget £1,900 to £2,400 per square metre for a single-storey rear extension finished and decorated, a little more for a side return. A 4m x 5m rear extension typically lands between £42,000 and £56,000 excluding the kitchen.

How long does it take?

Ten to sixteen weeks on site for a single-storey extension, plus four to eight weeks beforehand for drawings, calculations and building control. We give you a stage-by-stage programme with the quote.

Do I need planning permission?

Often not — many rear extensions fall under permitted development or the larger home extension prior approval. Conservation area status or an Article 4 direction changes that. We tell you which applies to your address before you spend money on drawings.

Do you handle drawings, engineers and building control?

Yes. We work with an architect and a structural engineer regularly, submit the building control notice and meet the inspector at every stage, from trench inspection to completion certificate.

What about the party wall agreement?

If you are digging near or building up to a neighbour's wall you need to serve notice. We tell you when it applies, and can put you in touch with a surveyor — starting early is what keeps the programme intact.

How are payments staged?

Against completed stages: foundations, brickwork to DPC, structure and roof, first fix, plaster, completion. Never against dates and never a large payment up front.

Will you also fit the kitchen and bathroom inside it?

Yes, and that is usually the sensible route. The same team that built the shell does the plumbing, electrics, tiling and the kitchen fit, so nothing is left half-finished waiting on another firm.

Can we live in the house while you build?

Almost always. The extension is built as a shell with the existing rear wall in place, so the house stays sealed until the week we break through — which we plan with you.