Design and build two-storey extensions in Mid Glamorgan

Mid Glamorgan at a glance

Nation: Wales
Price region: Wales
Postcode areas: CF
Towns covered: 27 listed below, plus surrounding villages
Site visits: Free, no obligation

What a design and build project involves

A design and build project for a two-storey extension involves one team taking responsibility for the whole job: the survey, design, planning or permitted development, structural engineering, building regulations, party wall matters where they apply and the construction itself. You deal with one point of contact instead of coordinating an architect, engineer and builder separately. The design stage is priced first, then the build at a fixed price.

Towns in Mid Glamorgan include Rhondda (CF43), Tonypandy (CF40), Bridgend (CF31), Merthyr Tydfil (CF47), Coity (CF31) and Pontypridd (CF37). If yours isn't listed, we still cover it.

Fees

The design stage is priced in writing before it starts, and the build is a fixed price in writing once the design is agreed.

Rules in Wales

In Wales, design and build covers the Welsh permitted development tests or a householder application (£585), building regulations approval under the Welsh Approved Documents and Party Wall Act notices where needed. We follow the Welsh rules, which allow more under permitted development and differ on energy efficiency.

Approval in Wales: Householder planning application: £585. Councils normally decide householder applications within 8 weeks.

Building regulations: Building regulations approval under the Welsh Approved Documents, which differ from England's in places (notably energy efficiency).

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in Wales, so notices may be needed for work on or near a shared wall or boundary.

Getting the design right

How the stages work

We start with a free site visit, then a design stage priced in writing before it begins. That covers the survey, design, approvals, structural design and building regulations. Once the design is agreed, the build price is fixed in writing before work starts.

Cost checking as you design

Because the people drawing the extension also build it, each design option comes with a guide cost. That avoids the common problem of an approved design that turns out to be too expensive once builders price it.

How we work in Mid Glamorgan

Free site visit
We visit your home in Mid Glamorgan, look at the structure, access and boundaries, and talk through what you want the new rooms to do.
Drawings, then consent
We draw the scheme, check it against the rules in Wales, and take it through the right consent with the council.
Engineer it
Foundations sized for two floors, steels for any openings, and building control approval, all before anyone starts on site.
On site
One project lead runs the job, keeps you updated and arranges inspections at each stage until completion.

Towns we cover in Mid Glamorgan

Design and build two-storey extensions in Mid Glamorgan: questions

Do I have to use you for the build if I pay for the design stage?

No. The design stage is priced separately, so you can take the approved drawings to other builders if you choose. Most people who use design and build carry on to the build, because the design has been costed as it developed.

When is the build price fixed?

Once the design is agreed and the drawings, structural calculations and specification are complete. Before that we give guide costs at each stage. The fixed price is set out in writing before work starts, and any changes you ask for after that are priced separately before they are made.

What is the difference between design and build and using an architect?

With an architect, you appoint them for the design and approvals, then find and manage a builder separately. With design and build, one team does both, so cost, buildability and approvals are considered together and there is one point of contact. Some people still prefer to hire an architect separately.

Neighbouring areas

All extension services in Mid Glamorgan · About design and build two-storey extensions