Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about planning your project and working with Summit.
How do I find out how much my project will cost?
Get in touch to arrange a visit from Ben. He’ll talk through what you want to achieve, look at your home and discuss your ideas and any drawings you already have. From there, he can give you an initial ballpark estimate so you understand the likely cost before taking things further.
If you’re happy with that initial estimate and decide to move forward, Ben will return as the project gets closer to starting. With the plans, specification and scope of work agreed, he’ll put together a detailed price, setting out what’s included and any allowances or items still to be confirmed.
Is my loft suitable for a conversion?
It depends on the available headroom, the roof structure and where a staircase could fit. During a visit, Ben can look at your loft, discuss how you want to use it and explain the options worth exploring.
Limited headroom or a complicated roof doesn’t necessarily rule out a conversion, but it can affect the design, structural work and cost. Where needed, we’ll work with a designer or structural engineer to establish what’s feasible before the details are agreed.
How long will the work take?
The timescale depends on the size of your project, the structural work involved and how far you’d like us to take the finish. During the planning stage, Ben will talk you through the likely duration and how the work will be organised.
Once the scope is agreed, we’ll set out an expected programme so you know what to expect. We focus on one main project at a time, and Ben will keep you updated on progress and explain any changes that could affect the completion date.
Will the work add value to my home?
An extension, conversion or renovation can add value by creating useful space and improving the layout and condition of your home. How much it adds depends on the property, the work involved and the local market.
We’ll help you consider how the changes will work for you day to day. If resale value is an important part of your decision, a local estate agent can give you an indication of what the proposed improvements could mean for your property.
Will my project need building control approval?
Most extensions, loft and garage conversions, and structural alterations will need building regulations approval. The requirements for renovation work depend on what’s being changed. Building control checks that the relevant standards are met, including structural safety, fire safety and insulation.
Ben will discuss what applies to your project and how the approval process will be arranged. During the build, we coordinate with building control and arrange the required inspections as the work progresses. Planning permission is a separate consideration, and some projects will need both.
Can we live at home whilst the work is carried out?
In many cases, you can stay at home during the work, but it depends on the extent of the project and which parts of the house are affected. There will be noise, dust and people coming and going, and some work may temporarily affect access to rooms, water or electricity.
Before we start, Ben will talk through how the build is likely to affect your daily routine. We’ll agree access arrangements, protect the areas we’re working around and keep you informed about any particularly disruptive work. If moving out for part of the build would be more practical, we’ll discuss that with you during planning.
Do I need plans before contacting you?
No, you can get in touch while you’re still exploring ideas. Ben can visit, look at your home and discuss what you want to achieve, whether you have detailed drawings or just a starting point.
Some projects will need architectural drawings and structural calculations before the work can be priced in detail or started. We’ll explain what’s needed for your project and discuss the next steps with you.
Who will manage my project and carry out the work?
Ben will be your main contact, leading the project and working on site every day alongside the team. He organises the work, coordinates deliveries and subcontractors, and keeps you informed as the build progresses.
Where other expertise is needed, we use trusted subcontractors we’ve worked with for years. You can speak directly with Ben about questions or decisions throughout the project.
Can you complete the main building work and leave the finishing to us?
Yes, we can discuss completing a project to an agreed stage, with you taking on some of the remaining work. This might mean a loft conversion completed to shell stage or leaving decorating and certain finishes for you to arrange.
We’ll set out exactly what’s included, what will remain and how responsibilities for any outstanding inspections and completion paperwork will be handled. That way, everyone understands where our work ends and yours begins.