Building advice and practical tips
Answers to common questions about new builds, extensions and renovations. Choose a topic and select an article title to read more.
Planning a new build
Planning a new-build home: six questions for a sound plan →
Updated: 29 October 2026.
Explore the decisions about the plot, design, permits, budget and schedule to discuss before requesting a quotation.
Extending your home
Extension or addition: what is the difference? →
Updated: 16 October 2026.
Learn how the two terms are commonly used, when each approach may be suitable and which questions matter in the first planning stage.
Home extension costs →
Published: 1 November 2026.
Which decisions about foundations, structure and finishes shape the budget for your extension?
Extending an existing home →
Published: 1 November 2026.
Explore how the extension connects to the existing structure, foundations and building services.
Planning a roof addition: permits, structure and costs →
Updated: 16 October 2026.
Which decisions come first, and what information do you need to plan a suitable approach?
Structural engineer for a renovation →
Updated: 21 October 2026.
When is a structural assessment sensible, what does an engineer review and which information should you prepare?
Piles and foundation piles: what types are there? →
Published: 29 October 2026.
Explore the main pile foundation systems and how ground conditions, structural design and neighbouring buildings affect the choice.
Home foundations: types, piles and regional ground conditions →
Published: 1 November 2026.
Learn how ground conditions, bearing capacity and construction methods shape the choice between shallow foundations and piles.
Planning a renovation
Renovating an older home →
Published: 1 November 2026.
What should you investigate before design, quotations and scheduling?
Who does what in a major renovation? →
Published: 1 November 2026.
Learn how the client, designer, structural engineer, contractor and specialist trades work together, and which agreements to make in advance.
What is a contractor responsible for? →
Published: 29 October 2026.
What does the agreed scope cover, and what should you arrange for warnings, additional work and handover?
Checklist from first idea to handover →
Updated: 20 October 2026.
Review the main stages, from your goals and drawings through construction and handover.
Renovating while living at home →
Updated: 26 October 2026.
Which rooms and utilities can you continue to use? Find out what to discuss about dust, noise, phasing and daily routines before work starts.
Do you need a permit for your renovation? →
Updated: 20 October 2026.
Learn where to check the rules, which information you may need and how to prepare an application.
Building drawings for a renovation →
Updated: 16 October 2026.
Find out which drawings help with design, permits and construction.
Building survey before renovation →
Published: 29 October 2026.
What should you record about the existing home, structure and services before developing the design, quotation and schedule?
Condition survey before renovation work →
Published: 29 October 2026.
When is a pre-construction condition survey useful, and what should be recorded before demolition, foundation work or an extension?
Renovation costs →
Updated: 16 October 2026.
See which cost items to allow for and how to review quotes, provisional sums and additional work.
Requesting a renovation quote →
Published: 31 October 2026.
Which plans, drawings, budget details and timing information help with an initial quote discussion? Use this practical checklist.
Materials and finishes
Choosing materials for an extension or renovation →
Published: 21 October 2026.
Which choices affect structure, comfort, maintenance and budget? Learn how to discuss materials in a sensible order.
Historic buildings
Renovating a listed building: seven steps →
Published: 29 October 2026.
From checking listed status and surveying the building to design, permits, budget and construction: prepare your plans step by step.
Sustainable renovation
Making your renovation more sustainable →
See how insulation, ventilation and building services can form part of one coherent renovation plan.
Thermal bridges in renovations: how to spot and prevent them →
Published: 29 October 2026.
Learn where thermal bridges can occur in an extension or renovation, and which details need attention during design and construction.
Commercial renovations
Renovating business premises while staying open →
Published: 1 November 2026.
How do you coordinate construction, safe routes and day-to-day business operations?
Converting a commercial building into a home: what should you check first? →
Updated: 28 October 2026.
A practical checklist covering planning rules, technical requirements, budget and programme.
Renovating a hospitality venue: preparation and planning →
Updated: 22 October 2026.
Learn how to coordinate construction work, daily operations, permits and reopening.
Also explore our service page on office renovations, covering your goals, budget and business schedule.
Do you have a retail space? See how we plan a shop refurbishment or renovation around your layout, schedule and day-to-day operations.
Planning work on a hotel? See what matters in a hotel renovation for guest rooms, visitors and scheduling.
Next steps for your project
Explore how we work and completed projects. Would you like to discuss your plans? Get in touch.
