Planning Your Home Extension, Loft Conversion & Building Project in Bexley, Sidcup and Dartford | LD&C Homes

​

Whether you are planning an extension, loft conversion, garage conversion or full renovation, there are several key stages to understand before work begins. This guide covers everything from planning permission and structural calculations through to what happens on site and what you will receive at the end. We have also listed the professionals we work with directly, people we trust and have used on many projects over the years.

​

Planning permission for home extensions in Bexley and Sidcup

The first step is deciding what you want to build and getting it drawn up properly. Some work falls under permitted development and does not require planning permission. Others will need a full application. Your architect will advise on which applies to your project and guide you through the process.

 

We work closely with Anderson North Ltd., architectural consultants with over 30 years of experience covering Kent and the London Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley and Dartford. Contact Stuart Anderson directly on 07957 627440. Stuart is a former building inspector which means he understands both sides of the planning and building control process.

​

Structural calculations for extensions and building work

If your project involves removing walls, creating open plan spaces or installing steel beams, you will need a structural engineer to provide the necessary calculations for building control approval. This is not optional.
Getting it wrong at this stage causes expensive problems later.

We work with Mark Lowne of AA Gibbons Ltd. Mark can be contacted on 07972 590651 or at aagibbonsltd@outlook.com. If we are appointed as your builder we can arrange for Mark to review the project directly.

 

Building control for home extensions in Bexley and Sidcup

Building control ensures all work meets the required standards and complies with current building regulations. You can use your local council but a private building control company will typically be faster, more responsive and no more expensive.

We recommend Prime Construction Consultants Ltd, who we have worked with for many years. They are thorough, knowledgeable and their fees are competitive.

 

Party wall agreements for home extensions and loft conversions

If your build is within 3 metres of a neighbouring boundary you may need a party wall agreement. Party wall specialists will often contact your neighbours directly and charge you for the process, sometimes significantly. If you have a good relationship with your neighbours your architect can usually handle this at a fraction of the cost. The forms are also available to download online if you want to arrange it yourself.

 

Thames Water build-over agreements for home extensions

Once planning permission is submitted you may be contacted by Thames Water to check whether your construction is near or over their sewer system. If your extension is within 3 metres of a Thames Water sewer you will need a build-over agreement. Not every drain near your property is part of the Thames Water system. It may be your own private drain, in which case no agreement is needed. Your architect can confirm which applies to your project.

 

What to expect during the build

Most extensions take between 8 and 16 weeks from start to finish. Throughout the build we maintain a clean and safe site, protect your home at the start of every day and clear up at the end of it. We keep you informed at every stage and carry out a full inspection and snagging process before handover. You will receive all necessary certificates including electrical sign-off, Gas Safe and building control completion before we consider the job done.

​

Useful Links and Guides
Guide on planning permission.
Guide to Structural Calculations.
Guide to Building Control.
Guide on choosing finishes for your home extension.

Guide to a party wall agreement 

Guide to Thames Water’s build-over agreement page.