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London Borough of Lewisham

Builders in Lewisham

We build extensions, loft conversions and full refurbishments across Lewisham, Ladywell, Hither Green and Catford. The Victorian and Edwardian terraces here take a side return extension well, and most rear dormers fall under permitted development rather than needing a planning application.

Postcodes
SE13, SE6
Housing stock
Late Victorian and Edwardian terraces with generous side returns, plus interwar stock towards Catford.

Why side returns work well here

The terraces around Ladywell and Hither Green were built with a narrow side return next to the back addition. It is dead space: too narrow to use, wide enough to make the kitchen dark. Filling it and squaring off the rear typically gains 15 to 20 square metres and transforms the ground floor for less than the cost of moving.

Permitted development

Most single-storey rear extensions and most rear dormers in Lewisham are permitted development, subject to the depth, height and volume limits. We apply for a Lawful Development Certificate anyway, because it costs little and it is what a buyer solicitor will ask for.

Common questions

The things people ask before they commit

How much does an extension cost in South-East London?

It depends far more on the house than on the floor area, which is why a rate per square metre is misleading. Ground conditions, drainage runs, the state of the existing structure, access for materials and the specification you choose all move the figure, sometimes substantially. We survey the property, price the work line by line and give you a fixed written quotation before anything starts, so the number you agree is the number you pay unless you change the scope.

Do I need planning permission?

Often not. Many single-storey rear extensions and rear dormers are permitted development. However, permitted development rights are restricted in conservation areas, on flats and maisonettes, and where an Article 4 direction applies, all of which are common across Blackheath, Brockley, Greenwich and Dulwich. We confirm your position at the first visit, before you spend anything on drawings.

How long will the work take?

Every project is different, so timescales can vary depending on the scope, complexity and individual requirements of the project. As a general guide, a structural opening can take one to three weeks, a garage conversion around four to six weeks, and a loft conversion around eight to twelve weeks. Larger renovations may take ten to twenty weeks. Every quotation includes a project programme outlining the expected start date and key stages, so you’ll know what to expect from the outset.

Can we stay in the house during the build?

For extensions, loft conversions and garage conversions, almost always. We build the shell before breaking through, seal the working area with dust screens and keep a working kitchen and bathroom available. For a full refurbishment we phase the work floor by floor, though most families choose to move out for the first few weeks.

Do you handle Building Control and Party Wall notices?

Yes, both are included. We submit the Building Control notice, book the inspections and hand you the completion certificate at the end. Where the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies we serve the notices on the adjoining owners on your behalf and build to the awarded terms.

Are you insured, and is the work guaranteed?

We carry public liability insurance and provide the certificate with the quotation. Workmanship is guaranteed on complete renewal work, as this is work we have built from start to finish; repair work is not covered by our workmanship guarantee. Manufacturer warranties on roofing membranes, glazing and boilers are registered in your name and handed over in the completion pack.

How are payments structured?

Payments are staged against agreed milestones, set out in your quotation before work begins — each instalment due only as that phase starts, so costs stay clear and predictable throughout. We don't ask for large deposits up front; the one exception is long-lead-time materials like glazing and steel, invoiced ahead of ordering, with the supplier order visible to you.

Next step

Tell us what you are trying to do with the house.

We will come out, measure up and tell you honestly whether it works. The site visit and the written quotation are free, and there is no obligation attached to either.