Practical guidance for better building decisions.
Clear, experience-led advice on planning, architectural design, building regulations, structural engineering and party wall matters.
How Long Does Planning Permission Last in London? 2026 Guide for Homeowners
You have received planning permission for your extension, loft conversion or renovation, but construction is not ready to start.
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New advice, project insight and practical explanations from our multidisciplinary team.
Planning Permission vs Building Regulations: What Do You Need Before Renovating?
Planning permission and Building Regulations are often discussed together, which makes it easy to assume they are two stages of the same approval.
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Mansard Loft Conversion Guide: Planning, Costs & Building Regulations in 2026
A mansard loft conversion can turn a restricted roof space into a much more usable additional floor, which is why it is particularly attractive for Victorian and Edwardian homes across London.
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Structural Alterations in Period Homes: Problems We Find on London Renovations
Opening up the kitchen, removing a wall or converting the loft can look straightforward on a floor plan. In a period home, however, the structural work behind that change can be considerably more complicated.
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Building Regulation Drawings Cost UK 2026: What’s Included and What You’ll Pay
Building regulation drawings are detailed technical drawings that prove your construction project meets legal safety requirements and complies with UK building regulations. In 2025, costs range from £1,200 for simple extension
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Previous Owner Built Without Permission: What Should the New Homeowner Do?
Discovering building work that does not appear to have the right approvals can turn what looked like a straightforward renovation into a much more complicated project.
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Renovating a Home in a Camden Conservation Area
Renovating a house in a conservation area does not mean that the property must remain unchanged. It means that proposed alterations need to respect the architectural character of the building, its relationship with neighbouring…
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Buying a House With Unauthorised Building Work: What Every Homeowner Should Check Before Renovating
Buying a property with previous building work can become a costly mistake if planning permission, Building Regulations or structural alterations have not been properly documented. This guide explains how to identify potential issues, understand…
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Can your loft take an ensuite? The structural checks to make before you design
Before you design a loft ensuite, check three things: can the floor carry it, where the waste can actually drain, and whether you've got 2.2m headroom.
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Can You Extend the Front of Your House?
Front extensions usually need planning permission. Learn the rules, permitted development limits, building regulations, costs, and design considerations before you build.
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Who pays for party wall surveyor
Find out who pays party wall surveyor costs, when fees may be shared, and what building owners and adjoining owners must do under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 in the UK.
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Party Wall Notice Timescales
Understand Party Wall Notice Timescales, including two-month and 14-day notice periods, neighbour response deadlines, and when building work can legally begin in England.
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what size extension can i build without planning permission
Learn how big a house extension can be without planning permission in England, covering permitted development limits, prior approval rules and key exceptions to consider.
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