Building Projects in Preston, Lancashire and the North West

What counts as a larger building project?

It is a residential project that combines more than one type of work, for example a rear extension with a loft conversion, structural alterations to open up the ground floor, and a renovation of the rest of the house. Planning it as one project means one design, one set of approvals and one team, instead of several separate jobs one after another.

Who manages the project?

We act as the main contractor. That means we coordinate the trades, the structural engineer's input and building control inspections, and you have one point of contact from the survey to completion.

Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, the legal duties of a homeowner client normally pass to the contractor, or to the principal contractor where more than one contractor is involved. In practice, that means the builder plans and manages health and safety on site.

Do I need an architect?

You need drawings for planning and building regulations, and a structural engineer's calculations for any structural work. The drawings can come from an architect or an architectural designer. What matters is that the design is agreed before the build is priced, so the quote covers the work you actually want.

Can the work be done in stages?

Yes, if it suits your budget or the way you live. Some families build an extension first and convert the loft later. Planning the whole scheme at the start, even if you build it in stages, avoids undoing earlier work. For example, the stairs for a future loft conversion and the steels for a later extension can be allowed for in the first stage.

What approvals will I need?

• Planning permission. Some parts of a larger project may be allowed under permitted development, but combined projects often need a planning application.
• Building regulations. Extensions, loft conversions, structural work and much electrical and heating work need approval or certification.
• Party wall notices. Needed for work on or near a shared wall, or for foundations close to a neighbour's building.
• Water company agreement. Needed to build over or near a public sewer.

We confirm what your project needs and manage the applications and inspections as part of the job.

Can I live at home during the work?

Sometimes. It depends on how much of the house is affected at once. Work can often be phased so part of the house stays usable, for example building an extension shell before the kitchen is taken out. On the biggest projects some families move out for a period, which also makes the work quicker and safer. We plan this with you before work starts.

How should I plan the budget?

Start with what you want to achieve and which parts matter most, so the design can be shaped around your priorities. Allow for professional fees, such as drawings, the structural engineer and approval fees, as well as the building work. On older houses, a contingency for anything hidden is sensible. For the loft part of a project, the free loft conversion cost calculator gives a guide price first.

What affects the cost?

• The combination of work in the project
• The size and the structural work
• Planning and building control requirements
• The finish and fittings you choose

After a site visit and an agreed specification, we give you a written, fixed price quote for the whole project, so the price is agreed before work starts.

How does a larger project run?

1. Survey and written quote

   We look at everything you want to achieve and agree the scope, then give you a written, fixed price quote for the whole project.

2. Design and approvals

   Drawings, the structural engineer's calculations, planning permission where needed, building regulations approval and party wall notices.

3. Phased building work

   The work is planned in stages so the trades follow each other in the right order, with one team coordinating them.

4. Finish and sign off

   Finishes and final checks, then building control sign off and the certificates you need for your house records.

Timescales depend on the size and type of project and are confirmed in your written quote.

Why choose Introspec Construction?

Introspec Construction is a builder based in Preston, Lancashire. The team has more than 100 years of combined experience and has completed hundreds of loft conversions and hundreds of extensions. We are fully insured, and every job is priced with a fixed price quote.