Guides

Building guides for London homeowners

Answers to the questions we are asked most before a refurbishment, extension or loft conversion, written from our projects and checked against the official rules.

Building work in a London conservation area: what needs planning permission

Extensions, lofts, cladding, outbuildings, flues, trees and Article 4 directions, compared with the rules outside a conservation area.

Loft conversion planning permission in London

Permitted development volume limits, mansards, conservation areas, Lawful Development Certificates and party wall agreements for loft conversions.

Dormer vs mansard loft conversion

Headroom, floor area, planning and programme side by side, and which suits which London house.

Side return extensions on Victorian terraces

How a side return fills the alley beside the rear addition, and what it takes to build one.