FAQs
Questions homeowners ask us
Planning, building regulations, steels, timings and what it’s like to live through a build. If your question isn’t here, call Ash on 07940 992284.
Planning and rules
Do I need building regulations approval?
Yes, for almost every extension, garage conversion and structural alteration, even when you don’t need planning permission. Building control check the foundations, steels, insulation, drainage and fire safety as the work goes on, then issue a completion certificate. Keep it safe: your buyer’s solicitor will ask for it when you sell.
Can my old conservatory base be reused?
Sometimes, but often not. Conservatory bases are usually built to carry a light frame, not solid walls and a heavy roof, so building control will want to see what’s there. If the footings aren’t deep or wide enough, we take them out and dig new ones. We check at the site visit and price for the right option.
Do I need planning permission to convert my garage?
Usually not for converting an attached garage, unless permitted development rights have been removed. That’s common on newer estates, so check your deeds or ask the council. You will need building regulations approval for the floor, insulation, window, ventilation and fire safety. Building a new storey on top of a garage normally needs full planning permission.
Do I need a party wall agreement?
You may need to give your neighbours notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 if the work touches a shared wall, builds on the boundary, or digs foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than theirs. Notice has to be served one to two months before that work starts. We’ll tell you at the site visit if it’s likely to apply.
Do I need planning permission for a single-storey extension?
Often not. Many single-storey rear extensions count as permitted development: up to 3 metres deep on a semi or terraced house, 4 metres on a detached house, and no more than 4 metres high. Bigger ones, up to 6 or 8 metres, can go through the council’s prior approval process. Listed buildings, conservation areas and some newer estates have different rules, so check with South Holland District Council first.
Do I need a structural engineer to take a wall out?
Yes, if the wall is load-bearing. A structural engineer works out the size of steel and the supports it needs, and building control approve the calculations before the wall comes out. We source the steel, prop the floor above, fit the beam and make good afterwards. If you don’t have an engineer, ask us and we’ll point you to one.
Cost and quotes
Can you sort out the drawings?
We can work from your architect’s drawings, or put you in touch with a designer and structural engineer if you don’t have one. Either way, we make sure the plans, calculations and building control application are in place before we start, and we price from the drawings so the quote matches what gets built.
How much does an extension cost in Spalding?
It depends mainly on the size, the roof, how much of the house is opened up and the finish you choose. Our extension cost guide explains what drives the price, with typical ranges from our own jobs. For a firm figure, we’ll visit and give you a written quote.
Are your quotes free?
Yes. Ash will come and look at the job, talk it through with you and send a clear written quote: what’s included, what isn’t, and a realistic timescale. There’s no charge and no obligation. If you agree the work at your home, you normally have 14 days to change your mind under the Consumer Contracts Regulations.
During the build
How long does a single-storey extension take?
Most single-storey extensions take [8 to 12 weeks] on site, from digging the footings to plastering, depending on size, roof type and how much of the house is opened up. Drawings and approvals come first and can take longer than the build itself. We give you a realistic timescale with your quote.
Can we live at home during the build?
Yes, almost always. Most of an extension is built from the outside while your existing back wall stays in place. The knock-through comes near the end, when we seal off the work area with dust sheets and screens. If the kitchen is being opened up, expect to be without part of it for a while; we plan that with you.
Will you clear up after yourselves?
Yes. We keep the site tidy as we go, take our waste away and leave the place clean at handover. When a wall is coming out, we sheet up and seal off the rest of the house first.
Do you do the plumbing and electrics?
We do the building work ourselves: footings, brickwork and blockwork, steels, roofing, plastering, tiling and carpentry. Plumbing, electrics and glazing are done by local firms we work with on job after job, including Jordan Kirk Plumbing & Heating, LSS Services / Ilumi Electrical and Unique Glazing. You deal with us; we organise them.
About us
Which areas do you cover?
We’re based in Spalding and work across South Holland, including Pinchbeck, Holbeach, Long Sutton, Crowland, Donington, Moulton, Weston, Cowbit, Gosberton and Surfleet, plus Bourne and the Deepings. If you’re a little further out, ask: it depends on the job. See areas we cover.
How long have you been building?
Ash Fuller is City & Guilds trained and has over 15 years’ experience in the building trade. He set up A.Fuller Construction in [year] and still works on the tools on every job, from the brickwork to the plastering and tiling, alongside his team.
Are you insured?
Yes. We hold public liability insurance with [insurer], with cover of [£ amount]. We’re happy to show you the certificate before any work starts.
Can I send you photos first?
Yes. Send them on WhatsApp to 07940 992284 with your postcode and a line about what you’d like. It helps us give you a rough idea before we visit.
Still got a question?
Ask us at a free site visit, or call Ash — he’s happy to talk it through.