FAQs

Do I need to know exactly what I want before contacting KLB Homes?
Not at all. Some clients come to us with a very clear idea; others simply know that their home isn’t working as well as they’d like it to.

Part of our role is helping you work that out. We’ll talk about how you live, what’s frustrating you, what you need from your home now and how that might change in the future.

​

From there, we can explore what’s possible and start shaping a brief together. You don’t need to arrive with the answers - that’s what the design process is for.

Is it better to extend or move house? 

There’s no simple answer, and cost isn’t the only consideration. Moving comes with its own costs, from Stamp Duty and legal fees to removals and potentially work to the new property. Extending can allow you to stay in a location and home you already love, but the cost will depend heavily on what you want to achieve and the property you’re starting with. We can help you explore what your existing home could become, so you can make a more informed comparison before deciding whether to stay or move.

​

Read more: Should we extend or move?

How much should I budget for an extension?

There’s no single figure that works for every extension. The size of the project matters, of course, but so do the specification, structural requirements, glazing, finishes and the amount of work needed to the existing house.

It’s also important to think beyond the build cost itself. Your overall project budget may need to allow for professional fees, surveys, planning and Building Control fees, structural engineering, kitchens and bathrooms, finishes and a sensible contingency for the unexpected. We’ll talk about budget from the outset and design with it in mind. 

While we don’t provide formal construction cost estimates, our experience can help you understand whether your ideas and budget are broadly aligned, and where your money is likely to make the biggest difference.

Once the design is developed, obtaining detailed quotations from builders will give you a much clearer picture of the likely construction cost.

​

Read our guide: How much does a house extension cost in Surrey?

How early should I start planning my project?

As early as you can. A well-considered project takes time before any building work begins. You’ll need to allow for the initial design work, measured survey and development of your ideas, followed by planning where required and then the technical stages needed before construction.

Timescales vary considerably depending on the property and complexity of the project, so if you have a particular date in mind, perhaps a new baby, school year or other family milestone, it’s worth starting the conversation well in advance. We can help you understand the likely stages and put a realistic timeline around your particular project from the outset.​

Do I need planning permission for an extension?
Not necessarily. Some home extensions and alterations can be carried out under Permitted Development rights rather than through a full planning application. What applies will depend on your property, what has previously been built, the proposed work and any restrictions affecting the site. We’ll establish the appropriate route at the beginning of the project and explain what permissions are likely to be required.

​

Read more: Can I build an extension without planning permission?

What is permitted development?
Permitted Development rights allow certain types of work to be carried out without making a full planning application, provided the proposal meets the relevant rules and your property retains those rights.

Where a project is being carried out under Permitted Development, we will usually recommend applying for a Lawful Development Certificate. This provides formal confirmation from the local authority that the proposed work is lawful, and something that can also be useful when you come to sell your home.

​

Read more about the different planning routes.

Can I extend a home in a conservation area?

Yes. Living in a Conservation Area doesn't automatically prevent you from extending or altering your home. It does mean that greater consideration may need to be given to the character of the property, its surroundings, materials and the design of any additions. Permitted Development rights can also be more restricted in some circumstances, so it's important to understand what applies before developing the design. We regularly work with homes in sensitive Surrey locations and can help you develop an approach that responds thoughtfully to both the property and its setting.

​

Understanding Conservation Area rules.

How long does the design and planning process take?

For a straightforward home extension, it’s sensible to allow around 3 to 4 months from measured survey through to a planning decision. The first few weeks are spent understanding your home, exploring the design and refining the details with you before anything is submitted. We don’t believe in rushing this part. It’s much easier to make changes while they’re still on paper than once they’re being built.

Once a householder planning application has been submitted and validated, the local authority will usually work to an eight-week determination period, although this can sometimes take longer. More complex projects, sensitive locations or homes within Conservation Areas may need additional time, so we’ll give you a realistic indication of the likely programme for your particular project at the outset. 

​

Read more: How long does planning permission actually take?

What happens after planning permission? 

Planning permission is an important milestone, but there are still a few steps before you’re ready to build. The project moves into its technical stage, where Building Regulations and structural requirements are considered in more detail. Depending on the project, other specialist input may also be needed before construction can begin.

We can guide you through this next stage, bringing in the appropriate structural and Building Control expertise where required and liaising with them as the details are developed. The aim is to make sure you, your builder and the wider project team have the information needed to move confidently towards construction.

Will I need a Party Wall Agreement?
Possibly. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can apply to certain work on or close to a shared wall or boundary, as well as some excavation near neighbouring buildings. Whether it applies depends on the proposed work and the relationship between the properties. If we think your project is likely to be affected, we'll flag it early and can point you towards an appropriate Party Wall surveyor for specialist advice. We always recommend a friendly chat first (it can go a long way too), although this doesn't replace any formal notices that may be required.

​

Read our guide to talking to neighbours about extension plans.

How long does a house extension take to build?

There isn't a standard timescale, as it depends on the size and complexity of the project, the planning route, technical work required and your builder's programme. A straightforward extension may take several months on site, while larger renovations can take considerably longer. And remember that the build is only part of the programme! You'll also need to allow time beforehand for design, planning and the technical stages. We'll talk you through a realistic timeline for your particular project early on.

Can I stay at home while the work is being done?
Often, yes and many of our clients do, but it depends on the scale and nature of the work. Living through a build inevitably means some noise, dust and disruption of course, and there may be periods when parts of your home, or essential services, are unavailable. For larger renovations, moving out for part of the build can sometimes be the more practical option.

Where possible, we'll consider how the project could be phased and how the existing home might continue to function while the work is underway. Your builder will also be able to advise on what's realistic once the construction programme is agreed. 

Can building work be completed in phases?
In some cases, yes. Depending on the design, it may be possible to plan the work in stages, allowing you to spread the work and cost over a longer period. It’s not always the most efficient way to build, but for some families, it’s the most realistic.

Will an extension add value to my home?

It can, but there’s no guarantee that the amount you spend on an extension will be reflected pound-for-pound in the value of your property. Location, the type of property, the local market and the quality of the finished project all play a part. Just as importantly, it’s not simply about adding square metres. A well-designed extension can improve the layout, bring in more natural light, create a better connection with the garden and make the whole house work better; all things that can make a home more appealing to future buyers.

For most of our clients though, the value isn’t purely financial. If an extension allows you to stay in a home and location you love while creating a house that works properly for your family, that has a value of its own.

​

Read more: How to plan a home extension that adds real value.

How can I keep the cost of my extension under control?

Some of the biggest savings can come from good decisions made before building work begins. More space isn’t automatically better. A thoughtful design may find ways to make better use of the space you already have, reducing the amount you actually need to build. Keeping the structure relatively simple, avoiding unnecessary complexity and being realistic about where you want to spend can all make a significant difference.

It also helps to make key decisions early. Changes made while we’re developing the design are relatively easy; changes made once your builder is on site can quickly become expensive.

We’ll keep your budget in mind throughout the design process and help you think about where it makes sense to invest, where things can be simplified and which elements will make the biggest difference to how your home ultimately works.

The aim isn’t to make everything as cheap as possible - it’s to use your budget well.