Tyne and Wear · England

Design and build two-storey extensions in Tyne and Wear

Planning an extension in Tyne and Wear? This is how our design and build service works, with the England rules and typical fees.

Tyne and Wear at a glance

Nation
England
Price region
North East England
Postcode areas
DH, NE, SR
Towns covered
20 listed below, plus surrounding villages
Site visits
Free, no obligation

What a design and build project involves

This service suits you if you want one team accountable from the first visit to the completion certificate. We manage the design, approvals and build, and the work is carried out by vetted teams working under S&K. Because the same team designs and builds, costs are checked as the design develops. Every project starts with a free site visit.

Tyne and Wear towns we list: Newcastle upon Tyne (NE1), Sunderland (SR1), South Shields (NE33), Gateshead (NE8), Washington (NE37) and Tynemouth (NE30). Every other address in Tyne and Wear is covered as well.

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 England

In England, design and build covers the permitted development check or planning application (£548 (or £575 for applications made from 8 December 2026)), building regulations approval from council building control or a registered approver, Party Wall Act notices where needed, and the Building Safety Act dutyholder roles. We programme them so they overlap where possible.

Approval in England: Householder planning application: £548 (or £575 for applications made from 8 December 2026). Lawful development certificate: £274 (about £288 for applications from 8 December 2026). Councils should decide householder applications within 8 weeks of validation.

Building regulations: Building regulations approval (full plans recommended) from the council or a registered building control approver, with a completion certificate at the end.

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies, 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.

Responsibility for the rules

In England, where more than one contractor is involved, a principal designer and principal contractor must be appointed. On design and build projects we take on these duties, so you are not left holding responsibilities you may not know you had.

How we work in Tyne and Wear

  1. Visit and first ideas

    One of our team visits your house in Tyne and Wear, checks the walls, roof and drains, and sketches out options with you.

  2. Choose the approval route

    Some designs fit permitted development, most need a householder application. We decide which applies in England before drawing in detail.

  3. Technical design

    We prepare the building regulations drawings, structural calculations and specification so the build price can be fixed.

  4. Finish and certify

    Second fix, plastering and making good, then building control's final inspection and the completion paperwork.

Towns we cover in Tyne and Wear

Design and build two-storey extensions in Tyne and Wear: questions

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.

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.

Neighbouring areas

All extension services in Tyne and Wear · About design and build two-storey extensions

Ready to see what a second storey could do for your home?

Book a free site visit. We'll look at your house, talk through options and explain the approvals you'd need, then price the design stage in writing.

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