BUILDING FAQs

Practical answers about quotations, payments, planning, structural work and project delivery from Kentish Construction Ltd. Every property and project is different, so these answers are general guidance rather than a substitute for drawings, professional advice or confirmation from the relevant authority.

Quotations & payments

Do you provide free quotations?

Yes. For suitable projects, we offer a free initial site visit and quotation. We first discuss the location, type of work, approximate scope and available information so we can confirm whether the project is a good fit. Specialist surveys, structural design, architectural work or unusually detailed pre-construction estimating may carry a separate cost, which would be explained before you commit.

What information do you need to price a project?

Useful information includes the property address, a short description of the work, photographs, drawings, structural calculations, planning or Building Regulations documents and any preferred products or finishes. The clearer the design and specification, the more accurately responsibilities and costs can be defined. If information is missing, we can explain what is needed next.

Do you provide written quotations?

Yes. Quotations set out the agreed scope, price basis and key inclusions. Where appropriate, they also identify exclusions, stated assumptions, provisional allowances and client-supplied items. A written scope protects both parties and gives the project a clear starting point.

How are payments structured?

The structure depends on the size and type of project. Larger work is normally paid in agreed stages linked to progress or defined dates, with the schedule written into the quotation or contract. Materials or specialist orders may require advance payment. We do not expect a homeowner to pay the whole project value upfront.

What happens with variations?

A variation is work added, omitted or changed after the original scope is agreed. Where practical, we describe the change and its effect on price or programme before proceeding. Urgent safety work and problems only visible after opening up may need a quicker decision, but the issue and agreed action are still recorded clearly.

Extensions & renovations

What type of building work do you undertake?

Our work includes house extensions, refurbishments and renovations, structural alterations, loft conversions, garden rooms, landscaping, roofing, decorative brickwork and general building work.

Can you manage an extension from groundwork to completion?

Yes, where the agreed scope requires it. We can coordinate groundwork, drainage, masonry, structural work, roofing, insulation, first fix services, plastering, carpentry and finishing stages. Drawings, structural design, approvals, product selection and client responsibilities should be sufficiently clear before the programme is finalised.

Do you work with architects and structural engineers?

Yes. We work directly with homeowners and alongside architects, designers and structural engineers. Their design information defines the project; our role is to translate it into an organised construction sequence, raise practical questions and coordinate site stages and inspections.

Can clients stay in the house during work?

Often, but it depends on the project. We can plan temporary separation, safe access and the timing of disruptive work. Noise, dust and brief service interruptions are unavoidable during many renovations. If the kitchen, only bathroom, main staircase or most services will be unavailable, moving out for part of the work may be more practical.

Structural work

What structural work do you undertake?

We form openings, remove load-bearing walls, install structural steels, alter masonry and complete associated making good. The work must be based on suitable drawings and calculations. We do not select beam sizes by guesswork on site.

Do I need a structural engineer?

Load-bearing alterations normally require a structural engineer. They assess loads and design the beams, bearings, columns, connections or other support. Their calculations are commonly needed for Building Regulations approval and provide the technical basis for construction.

Can you install structural steels?

Yes. We can organise temporary support, prepare bearings or padstones, install steels to the engineer's design and complete required fire protection and making good. Access, lifting method, beam weight and the existing building all affect the installation plan.

Can you make good afterwards?

Yes, if included in the quotation. Making good can cover local masonry, studwork, plasterboard, plastering, carpentry, flooring repairs and decorating. Structural work can affect a wider ceiling or wall area than the new opening itself, so the intended finished area should be agreed clearly.

Planning & Building Regulations

Do I need planning permission for an extension?

Some extensions fall within permitted development rights; others need planning permission. The answer depends on size, position, previous additions, property type and local restrictions. Listed buildings, conservation areas, flats and properties with restricted rights need particular care. Confirm the position for the design and address before construction.

Do loft conversions need planning permission?

Some roof alterations may be permitted development, but larger dormers, certain elevations and restricted properties can require permission. A lawful-development certificate can provide formal confirmation where a project relies on permitted development. Building Regulations approval is normally required separately.

Do garden rooms need planning permission?

Many domestic outbuildings can be permitted development if they meet limits on location, height and use. Separate living accommodation, listed buildings, flats, conservation areas and restricted properties need additional advice. The planning authority should confirm the position for your proposal.

What is the difference between planning permission and Building Regulations?

Planning considers the use, scale, appearance and effect of development. Building Regulations address technical matters such as structure, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, drainage and access. A project can need one, both or, in limited cases, neither. Approval under one system does not replace the other.

Who deals with Building Control?

The building owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring the appropriate application and inspections are arranged. This can be handled through the local authority or a registered building control approver, depending on the project and current rules. We can liaise with the appointed inspector and notify you when stages are ready for inspection.

What about the Party Wall Act?

Work on or near a shared wall or close to a neighbour's structure may fall within the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. The building owner should take advice and serve any required notices before starting. Party Wall matters are separate from planning permission and Building Regulations. A party wall surveyor can advise on the specific property.

Timescales

How long does an extension take?

A straightforward single-storey extension usually takes a number of months rather than weeks. Structural complexity, ground conditions, drainage, weather, specialist orders and internal finish all affect the programme. Once the information and scope are sufficiently developed, we provide a practical project programme.

How long does a refurbishment take?

A small room refurbishment may take weeks, while a whole-house renovation can take several months. The programme depends on how much is stripped out, the structural and services work required, whether the home is occupied and how early products are selected. We identify long-lead decisions before they delay later stages.

Areas covered

Which areas do you cover?

Kentish Construction is based in Sevenoaks. We regularly work in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Westerham, Otford, Shoreham, Kemsing, Borough Green and nearby Kent towns and villages. Contact us if your location is just outside these areas; suitability depends on the scope and travel required.

Credentials & insurance

Are you insured?

Yes. Kentish Construction holds insurance appropriate to the building work we undertake. Relevant evidence can be provided for a project on request. Clients should also notify their home insurer before significant building work begins.

Are you CHAS accredited?

Yes. Kentish Construction is CHAS Elite accredited, reflecting an independently assessed approach to areas including health and safety and contractor compliance.

Are you on Checkatrade?

Yes. Our genuine Kentish Construction Ltd Checkatrade profile currently shows a score of 9.64/10 from 29 customer reviews.

Are you VAT registered?

Yes. Kentish Construction Ltd is VAT registered. Quotations state the VAT position so the total cost is clear.

Still have a question?

Call 01732 386080 or email george@kentishconstruction.com. Tell us where the property is, what you are planning and what drawings or photographs are available, and we will explain the next step.