Extension & Loft Advice guide

This is the first question everyone wants to know. It is the hardest to answer as every extension is different. An extension is priced on size, foundation requirements, drainage, access, steelwork required along with internal finishing and how long the build will take to work out labour cost. It is impossible to be accurate without seeing the building and location of the new extension. We can however offer a very basic square meter guide of £2,500 subject to an inspection of all of the above. This is why we have purchased a design studio to allow clients to bring us photos and we can design a project with you at our shop and build the quote along with the design without feeling awkward about having someone in your home. On completion you can take the design & quote home along with brochures allowing you to decide in your own time on the best way forward that works for you completely free of charge with no obligation.

A loft conversion is based on the size of the attic space the type of windows you choose and whether you require a dormer window for head height. The price is also subject to the cost of the stairs to get to the loft as well as any altering of rooms below to install the stair case along with ensuite costs etc. A loft conversion is guided by many building regulation regarding height etc, therefore a home inspection is always required. Our Quick Loft System is truly amazing and cuts the time and material cost offering a cost reduction of 20% compared with traditional outdated messy loft conversion methods.

A traditional build extension takes 12 weeks on average (based on a single storey extension). A double storey extension takes 18 weeks on average. Using Cheshire & Abersoch new EcoShell German engineered extensions the build time is reduced to 5/6 weeks as the extension is built offsite then delivered in sections ready to build. This means you get your home back in record time with no mess and allows you to live at home easily during the build.

Our new Quick Loft System offers a standard loft conversion fully completed within 4-5 weeks compared with traditional methods taking on average 12 weeks. Times are subject to size and design.

A kitchen extension typically adds 10% to 15% to the overall property value with high end finishes and larger extensions adding up to 20% on average.

A loft conversion typically adds 15% to 25% to the overall property value.

This depends on the size and specification of the project. 

Typical costs: Single storey: £1,450, Double storey: £2,350, Loft conversion £900.

Structural engineer is dependant on the project and how much structural work is required but should budget for in the region of £1,000.

Cheshire & Abersoch have an Architectural team & structural engineer along with our design team located at our design studio for clients by appointment only.

Planning permission: £750 on average

Certificate of lawfulness: £150 on average

Building warrants are based on the project size and cost. Allow £1,250 for an average project.

Cheshire & Abersoch have offers on from time to time so ask your surveyor if you book one of our free design & survey quotes.

We advise clients to obtain as many quotes as it takes until you are happy with a company and price to carry out your project. Our quotes are unique as we are the only company offering Eco-Shell extensions and Quick Loft systems, this is why we promise to pay you double the difference if you find a like for like quote for less.

A scope of works is the most important document you will receive. This document or email will outline exactly what the builder has quoted for and outlines exactly what the builder will be supplying and installing within the quotation. Please remember if it is not in the scope of works it will not be included so ensure you take your time to read this document carefully. 

All Builders should be supplying you with a full contract of what is included along with exact costs, stage payments and terms & conditions. If your builder does not provide this at the outset then walk away.

The average kitchen today is in the region of £10k with most quality kitchens with islands costing £13k-£15k. 

Cheshire & Abersoch work with many suppliers covering all budgets with huge savings available including discounted fitting.

Step 1. Request a home consultation to see if your ideas can actually be built and meet your expected budget. This should take no more than 30 minutes for the first appointment at your home and never sign or move forward at this first meeting.

Step 2. Receive an email outlining the first meeting with your builder and arrange a second home visit if you like the builder and their guide price.

Step 3. Second home visit. This should take about 1 hour and based on this meeting you should agree on the design and discuss start dates and timeframes for the build. Never sign at this meeting either, wait until you receive your scope of works email.

Step 4. Receive an email with the scope of works along with full terms & conditions based on the second home visit.

Step 5. Agree to proceed with the builder then sign contracts and pay deposit to secure a start date.

Step 6. Architect & Structural engineer visit to prepare designs and 3D renders to help visualise and alter the project until the design is agreed.

Step 7. The builder & architectural team will obtain the required permissions on the clients behalf.

Step 8. Start & complete the project with independent building control inspecting each stage and issuing a completion certificate on completion.

This is a FREE 30 minute design survey quote. During the survey we turn clients ideas and wishes into building regulation compliant designs. During the survey we mark out the size of the extension so you can visualise when the surveyor leaves. loft conversions require a full loft survey to check head heights and access options. We will explain the full permission process and supply ideas that you may not have thought of that actually offer a more usable and cost effective space. We will go though all current offers and supply a guide price so you can discuss when the surveyor leaves. We then email a full quotation and breakdown within 24 hours of the survey visit along with availability of our architectural team and project start date availability. See the link below to request a design quote & offers.

If you are at the very early stages or unsure if you will ever do the project but are just considering or wondering what is possible and costs then we recommend you visit our design studio where you can have a coffee relax and gather all the information you need for the future with no obligation. The design studio is by appointment only.

If you are further along and either have plans or looking to get prices to choose a builder then again you can arrange to visit our design studio or book one of our survey team to attend your home for a free no obligation 30 minute survey & quote.

We currently have a waiting list for clients who are going through the process of design & permissions with us as well as clients who have permissions in place and pencilled in for a start date. The typical wait from start of the process until we can be onsite to begin the build is on average 4 to 6 months. We do from time to time have slots available if a client has to move a fit date for one reason or another. The most common mistake clients make is request a quote form us and hope to start asap with no plans or permissions in place. A full availability calendar is available upon request.

All builders will require a holding deposit to begin the process with a client and this is usually between 10% and 20% of the project price. Cheshire & Abersoch require a 10% deposit only. We will then ensure all permissions are in place then have all materials such as windows and doors, kitchens, bathrooms as well as the Eco-Shell or Quick Loft on order to avoid any delays with the build schedule.

Most builders will request stage payments upfront to order materials and windows and doors etc this is common practice. Cheshire & Abersoch will only request a stage payment once a stage has been completed to offer extra peace of mind for our clients.

We will be accepting clients on an appointment only basis at our design studio. We aim to have the new studio up and running by the end of October 2026. The diary is already filling up so please get in touch to plan your visit. We require internal and external photos of your property and where the project will be located from as far back as possible to show the full site. Our design team will take your images and design your project on on large screen and make alterations until you are happy with the design, this design will be emailed to you during your visit. We will use the design on the screen to also build your quotation live allowing you to add or remove products to ensure the design is within your desired budget. We will then supply you with advice on building regulations and on completion supply you with brochures to take away with all the services and advice you will need for your project with no obligation what so ever. This service is going to be a game changer for the industry.