Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions Manchester homeowners ask us most about extensions, loft conversions, planning and renovations.
General questions
Which areas of Manchester do you cover?
We are based in Didsbury (M20) and work across south Manchester, Stockport and Trafford, including Chorlton, Withington, Burnage, Cheadle, Gatley, Bramhall, Sale, Altrincham, Hale, Stretford and Urmston. See all the areas we cover.
Do you offer free quotes?
Yes. We visit your home, talk through the project and then send a detailed written quote at no cost and with no obligation. Book your free quote or call us on 07487 891706.
Are you insured?
Yes. Builders Manchester Ltd is fully insured, and all work is carried out to current Building Regulations and signed off by Building Control where required.
Can you help with planning permission and Building Regulations?
Yes. We work with architects and structural engineers to prepare drawings and calculations, and we handle planning or permitted development checks, Building Control and party wall notices as part of the project. Our guide to extensions without planning permission is a good place to start.
What are your opening hours?
Our office is open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 to 17:30. We are closed on Sundays. You can send an enquiry through the website at any time.
Do I need to move out during the work?
Usually not. Most extensions and loft conversions are built with the family living at home. We plan the noisy and disruptive stages carefully, and for kitchen or bathroom work we will talk through how to keep you running day to day.
Home Extensions
How much does a house extension cost in Manchester?
It depends on size, roof type, glazing, structural work and finishes. As a rough guide, single-storey build costs in Greater Manchester often fall around £1,800 to £2,500 per square metre before the kitchen and finishes. We give you an itemised written quote after a free site visit.
Do I need planning permission for a house extension?
Not always. Many single-storey rear extensions up to 3 metres (attached houses) or 4 metres (detached houses) fall under permitted development. Bigger, double-storey and front extensions, and homes in conservation areas, usually need planning permission. We check this for you at the start.
How long does it take to build an extension?
A typical single-storey extension takes around 8 to 16 weeks on site, depending on size and specification. Design and approvals usually come first. Our guide to how long an extension takes breaks down each stage.
Can we stay in the house while you build the extension?
Yes, in almost all cases. We build the new structure first and only break through into the house once it is watertight, which keeps dust and disruption to a minimum.
Do I need a party wall agreement for my extension?
If you live in a semi-detached or terraced house, or you are digging foundations close to a neighbour, the Party Wall Act will usually apply. We help you serve the notices and keep your neighbours informed.
Loft Conversions
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?
Often not. Many loft conversions are permitted development, allowing up to 40 cubic metres on a terraced house and 50 cubic metres on a semi or detached house. Front dormers, mansards and conversions in conservation areas usually need planning permission.
How long does a loft conversion take?
A typical dormer loft conversion takes around 6 to 10 weeks on site, depending on size, roof structure and whether there is an en-suite.
How much head height do I need for a loft conversion?
Around 2.2 metres from the top of the ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge is a good starting point. Less height can still work with a dormer or a lowered ceiling below.
Can we stay at home during a loft conversion?
Yes. Most of the work is done from outside via scaffolding, and the loft is only opened up to the rest of the house near the end, when the new staircase goes in.
Does a loft conversion need a party wall agreement?
If you live in a semi-detached or terraced house, usually yes, because steel beams are often supported on the party wall. We help you serve the notices.
Bathroom Renovations
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
A typical full bathroom refit takes around 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the size, how much the layout changes and the tiles chosen.
Do you supply the bathroom suite?
We can supply the suite, or fit one you have chosen yourself. Either way we check the measurements and technical details before anything is ordered.
Can I move my toilet to a different wall?
Usually, as long as the waste pipe can reach the soil stack with enough fall. We confirm this on the site visit.
Do bathroom renovations need Building Regulations approval?
Like-for-like replacements usually do not, but new electrical circuits, extractor fans and new drainage must meet the regulations. We make sure the right certificates are issued.
Kitchen Renovations
Can you fit a kitchen I have bought myself?
Yes. We regularly fit kitchens from showrooms and online suppliers, and we will check the plan before you order.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
A straightforward kitchen refit usually takes around 2 to 4 weeks. Knocking through walls or moving services adds time, which we set out in your quote.
Do I need permission to knock through my kitchen?
You do not normally need planning permission, but removing a load-bearing wall needs Building Regulations approval and a structural engineer's design. We arrange both.
Garage Conversions
Do I need planning permission to convert my garage?
Often not, but some properties have planning conditions removing permitted development rights, especially on newer estates. We check this before any work starts.
How long does a garage conversion take?
A straightforward integral garage conversion is often completed in around 3 to 5 weeks on site.
Does a garage conversion add value?
It often does, especially when it adds a bedroom or a well-designed office. Check how much off-road parking matters to buyers in your street.
New Build Homes
Do you build from my architect's drawings?
Yes. We can build from approved drawings, or work with your architect to refine the design for buildability and budget.
Do new builds need a warranty?
Most lenders require a structural warranty on a new home. We work with your chosen warranty provider and their inspectors throughout the build.
Do you build replacement dwellings?
Yes. We can demolish an existing property and build a new home on the same plot, subject to planning permission.
Home Renovations
Do you renovate rental properties?
Yes. We work for landlords upgrading properties between tenancies, including electrics, heating, kitchens and bathrooms.
Can I live in the house during a full renovation?
It depends on the scope. For a full rewire and replumb, many clients move out for part of the job. We plan the work in phases where possible.
Where do I start with renovating an older house?
Start with the structure, roof, damp, electrics and heating, then move on to kitchens, bathrooms and finishes. We can survey the property and give you a prioritised plan.
Structural Alterations
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
Clues include walls running across floor joists, walls continuing above on the next floor and thick masonry walls. Never rely on guesswork: we check, and a structural engineer confirms.
Do I need Building Regulations approval to remove a wall?
Yes, if the wall is load-bearing. The steel beam needs a structural engineer's design and Building Control approval and inspection.
How long does a knock-through take?
The structural work for a typical kitchen-diner knock-through takes a few days on site, plus plastering and making good afterwards.
Get a free, no-obligation quote
Tell us about your project and we will arrange a free site visit, then send you a detailed written quote.
Family-run and based in Didsbury. About us or see our work.
- 07487 891706
- info@builders-manchester.com
- Mon to Sat, 8:00 to 17:30
- 792 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, M20 6UG