Everything You Need to Know About Planning, Permissions, Budgeting, and Building Your Dream Home in Sidcup, Bexley, and the Surrounding Areas
(with some Helpful Links)

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Planning & Design: Creating Your Ideal Home Extension

Decide on the type of extension you want and collaborate with a designer or architect to create a plan that fits your space and budget. We highly recommend and work closely with Anderson North Ltd., architectural consultants with over 30 years of experience. They cover the whole of Kent, including the London Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, and Dartford. Contact Stuart Anderson (former building inspector) on 07957 627440.

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Understanding Planning Permission for Home Extensions in Sidcup
and Bexley

Some extensions require planning permission, while others are considered permitted development. Your contractor or architect will help guide you through the process, ensuring you follow all necessary regulations for home extensions in Sidcup, Bexley, and surrounding areas. If you're looking for more information you can read this guide on planning permission.

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Choosing the Right Builder for Your Extension Project

Select an experienced local contractor in Sidcup or Bexley who specialises in home extensions, loft conversions, and garage conversions. Look at their past projects to ensure they’re a good fit for your needs. You can check out Leadway on Trustatrader for many highly rated reviews. If you're looking for guidance on budgeting for your extension, be sure to read our budgeting guide for home improvements in Bexley.

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Why Structural Calculations Are Crucial for Your Extension

If your project involves altering the layout, such as removing walls to create an open-plan living space or removing a load-bearing wall to expand a room, you’ll need a structural engineer. The engineer will provide the necessary calculations for supports and beams, which are essential for building control approval and ensuring the safety of the project.

We work closely with Mark Lowne of AA Gibbons Ltd (structural engineer). Mark can be contacted directly at 07972 590651 or via email at aagibbonsltd@outlook.com. If we are appointed as your builder, we can arrange for Mark to review the project. You can see more information on Structural Calculations here.

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The Importance of Building Control: Ensuring Compliance

It’s essential to appoint building control to ensure all work during construction meets the required quality standards and complies with the latest building regulations. While you can use your local council, we recommend opting for a private building control company. They typically offer faster services and more responsive support for projects in Sidcup and Bexley.

We highly recommend Prime Construction Consultants Ltd, known for their extensive knowledge and competitive fees. We’ve developed a strong, trusted relationship with them over the years. Find out more about building control services here.

 

What to Expect During Construction & Finishing

Once construction begins, expect your extension to take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks. Throughout the process, the builder should maintain a safe and tidy work environment. The builder will also keep you informed about when items you’ve provided will be needed. As the project nears completion, you can begin planning finishing touches, such as kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and painting.

For tips on selecting the best materials for your home extension, check out this guide on choosing finishes for your home extension.

 

Final Inspection: Ensuring Legal Compliance

Before the new area can be used, a final inspection ensures everything complies with local building regulations. At the end of the project, you will receive any necessary electrical sign-off certificates, Gas Safe certificates, and a final sign-off from building control, making the work legally compliant and marking the completion of your home extension project.

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Party Wall Agreements: What You Need to Know

When applying for planning permission, it’s common to be contacted by party wall specialists. These companies often reach out to your neighbours to see if they’d like a party wall agreement, which typically involves a hefty fee paid by you.

However, if you have a good relationship with your neighbours (especially those within 3m of the building line), you might be able to arrange the agreement for a much lower cost—or even for free. You can download the necessary forms online and create a party wall agreement yourself.

A more cost-effective alternative is to ask your architect for help. Most architects are experienced with party wall agreements and can arrange this for a fraction of the cost compared to those who contact your neighbours.

Click Here for a government guide to a party wall agreement 

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Thames Water & Sewer Systems: Key Considerations for Your Extension

Once planning permission is submitted to the local council, you may be contacted by Thames Water to check if your construction is near or over their sewer system. If your extension is within 3 metres of a Thames Water sewer, you will need to obtain a build-over agreement and pay Thames Water for the necessary permissions.

Even if you’re building over a sewer line, it may not always be part of Thames Water's system; it could instead be the property’s own drain system. Always check with your architect to confirm whether this permission is needed. For more details, visit Thames Water’s build-over agreement page.

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Call to Action: Start Planning Your Home Extension Today

Ready to build your dream extension in Sidcup, Bexley, or the surrounding areas? Contact us today for a personalised consultation and detailed project quote. Whether you need help with planning permission,
choosing the right builder, or ensuring your extension meets building control standards, we’re here to help
every step of the way.