FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

Read our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us. Contact us on 020 8935 5159.

Q: Do you offer a free, no obligation quotation?
A: Of course. We are more than happy to visit your property at a time convenient for yourself and quote for the required works. If you don’t own the property and are looking for us to quote on work for a property you are looking at purchasing, this is chargeable with a fixed cost.

Q: We are/I am looking to have an extension built and need advice on handling our application with the council, can you help guide us as part of your service?
A: Yes. London Building Contractors has an excellent relationship with the City Council in which he is held in the highest regard by multiple building control personnel. We handle everything (in-house) meaning that we can assist with design, estimating, pre-construction, and dealing with all permitting if required.

Q: Do you have a call-out fee?
A: Yes, it’s all depends on the nature of the project scope, location and other factors. However, our call-out fee varies from £60 to £500 and above

Q: Can you source all required materials and project manage our required works?
A: Yes. The vast majority of our jobs include us sourcing all materials, handling all personnel and ensuring the project is completed to the highest standard. This is inclusive in our service. Our experience has shown that customers who attempt to project-manage multiple tradesman and sourcing materials themselves more often than not turns into a false economy with no savings and increased overall costs. You will have a much better experience contracting a company to complete your project from start to finish. That is why we are a complete turnkey solution for you.

Q: Would we/I be able to view previous construction projects of similar size and requirements?
A: Yes. We do this with these most prospective customers. During the time frame of a project being completed, we build excellent relationships with our customers. They are usually delighted to show you the projects/work we have completed for them.

Q: Is there a waiting list for desired work to be started?
A: This depends on your requirements. It is best to contact us for an accurate answer.

Q: Are you Gas Safe Registered?
A: Yes. Gas works are completed by our group member, London Building Contractors Plumbing.

Q: Who manages the projects?
A: London Building Contractors team manages all projects. They will be your point of contact throughout the process.

Q: How are payments handled and dealt with?
A: Payment is absolutely not required upfront. All respectable building companies will not require the full balance upfront. A detailed contract will be drawn up which will state set milestones customised to your project/works when interim payments will be required. The final payment will be required only once all works are completed. Our most common payment terms are between 2 – 4 intervals, depending on scale of the project.

Q: Can you guide us through the design process of larger works?
A: Yes. We can have our architect draw up your plans, our decades of experience, can offer advice and suggestions to match your budget.

Q: Are all the photographs on your website of your work?
A: Absolutely. All photographs document projects our company have completed. You can appreciate that it’s impossible to upload all our projects or every single project we’ve been involved in over the years but as always, we’re happy to share a portfolio at your request.

Q: We are looking at purchasing a property and would like an estimate for our desired works. Is this service free?
A: No. If you own the property, we are happy to offer free quotation. Otherwise, it is costed at a refundable call-out fee ranging from £60 to £500 and above, depending on project location and other factors. This is because the chances of the works actually happening are slim due to the purchasing process, with many deals falling through. As you can probably appreciate, doing estimates for many properties that are not owned is very time consuming.

Q: How long are quotations valid for?
A: This is usually 30 days. If you require a longer price guarantee, please speak to us.

Q: Do you carry Insurance?
A: We carry full Public Liability Insurance and this can be viewed on request.

Q: What if I am not happy with the work when it is completed?
A: We aim to maintain customer satisfaction throughout the work and have a very high satisfaction rate. Where a customer is not happy with the work, we aim to put it right as soon as possible. In rare cases, where a matter cannot be resolved the customer has recourse to the Trade Associations.

Q: Do I need planning permission?
A: You will need planning permission for extensions, garages, new builds and proposed windows. You will also need building regulations for converting a garage and for building a porch over 3sq. metres. If in doubt, either speak to your Local Planning Office, or contact us for assistance.

Q: Do you install under floor heating?
A: Yes, we do. Under floor heating compliments the wet room and contemporary bathroom design beautifully. Not only will you experience the luxury that under floor heating offers, but it also helps to dry wet areas in a wet room environment more quickly.

Q: How long will it take to get planning permission?
A: The whole process usually takes 2 – 3 months. The design process will typically take around 2 weeks, planning permission can take 6 – 8 weeks, following that building regulations approval will take a further 2 weeks to complete.

Q: Do I need planning permission for my loft conversion?
A: Under regulations which came into effect on 1 October 2008, most loft conversions now don’t require planning permission. They are considered to be permitted development, subject to the following:

• A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terraced housing
• A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached housing
• No extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the main elevation that fronts the highway
• No extension, including the dormer, to be made higher than the highest part of the roof
• All materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house
• No balconies, verandas or raised platforms
• Dormers not to be on the front elevation facing the road or invading your neighbour’s privacy
• Any side-facing windows should be obscure-glazed with any opening to be 1.7m (approx. 5.5ft) above the floor
• Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, should be set back to at least 20cm from the edge of the room
• Your house should not have already been extended to the permitted development limit of 15% of its original size

Q: Do any building regulations apply to loft conversions?
A: Yes. Building Regulations are different to planning permission, as they set the standard for the design, construction and health and safety aspects for a building project. We will ensure all plans are submitted on your behalf and you will be issued with a certificate on completion of work. Further details can be found on the governments Planning Portal website.

Q: How much is the architects/building regulations fee?
A: For a standard loft conversion, you are looking at anything from £3,000 – £8,000 + VAT. This is taking into account architect and building regulations fees including any structural calculations.

Q: What is the difference between a flat, high gloss, satin, and eggshell finish?
A: These terms indicate the sheen or gloss level, or degree or light reflectance, of the paint. Basically, these are terms that are used to describe paint’s shininess.

Q: FINISH?
A: Where to Use: Kitchen and bathroom walls, kitchen cabinets, banisters and railings, trim, furniture, door jambs and window sills Comments: More durable, stain-resistant and easier to wash. However, the higher the gloss, the more likely surface imperfections will be noticed.

Q: SEMI-GLOSS?
A: Where to use: Kitchen and bathroom walls, hallways, children’s rooms, playrooms, doors, woodwork and trim. Comments: More stain-resistant and easier to clean than flat paints. Better than flat for high-traffic areas.

Q: SATIN OR SILK?
A: (Range overlapping eggshell and semi-gloss) Where to use: Similar characteristics to semi-gloss and eggshell. Comments: Similar characteristics to semi-gloss and eggshell.

Q: EGGSHELL?
A: Where to use: Can be used in place of flat paints on wall surfaces especially in halls, bathrooms and playrooms. Can be used in place of semi-gloss paints on trim for a less shiny appearance. Comments: It resists stains better than flat paint and gives a more lustrous appearance.

Q: FLAT?
A: What to use: For general use on walls and ceilings. Hides surface imperfections. Comments: Stain removal can be difficult. Use for uniform, non-reflecting appearance. Best suited for low-traffic areas.

Q: MATTE?
A: Same characteristics as flat.