Frequently asked questions
Short answers to common questions about our design and build service. For costs and approvals in more detail, see our guides.
Who will I have a contract with?
Your contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd, trading as SK Residential (company number 16932889). The work is carried out by our own teams and trade contractors working under that contract with you, so you have one company responsible for the whole job.
Is the site visit free?
Yes. The first site visit to look at the house, measure up and talk through your project is free, with no obligation. If your project needs drawings and approvals, the design stage is priced in writing before any design work starts.
Do you give a fixed price?
Yes. Once the design and specification are agreed, we give you a fixed price in writing for the build. If you change the specification later, we price the change in writing before doing it, and anything unforeseen, such as a hidden defect, is discussed with you before extra work is done.
Are your guide prices accurate?
They are guide ranges for typical projects, including VAT where it applies. Ground conditions, access, the specification and the age of the house all move the final figure, which is confirmed after the survey.
Do you handle planning permission?
Yes. We check whether your project is permitted development, needs prior approval or needs a full application, prepare the drawings and submit them. Council fees are paid by you directly and listed in the quote.
Do you deal with building control?
Yes. We apply for building regulations approval (or a building warrant in Scotland), arrange inspections at each stage and make sure you receive the completion certificate.
What about party wall notices?
In England and Wales we serve the notices under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and work with any surveyors appointed. The Act does not apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
How do payments work?
The payment schedule, including any deposit and the stages at which further payments fall due, is set out in your written quote and contract before you sign.
Can I cancel after signing?
If you sign at home, away from our premises or online, you normally have 14 days to cancel. If you ask us to start during that period and then cancel, you pay a proportionate amount for work already done. Contracts to build a new home are outside these rules; any cancellation right for them is set out in the contract. Full details are in our terms.
Which areas do you cover?
We take on projects across England, Wales, mainland Scotland and Northern Ireland. In remote areas we confirm availability first and show any travel costs openly in the quote.
Do I need to move out?
For most extensions and loft conversions, no. For whole-house renovations, rebuilds and some upward extensions, most people move out for part of the work. We tell you at survey stage.
How long will my project take?
Single-storey extensions are usually 10 to 16 weeks on site, loft conversions 6 to 14 weeks and garage conversions 2 to 5 weeks, plus design and approval time before work starts.
Can you work to my architect’s drawings?
Yes. We price and build to drawings and specifications from your own architect or designer.
Are the photos on this website your projects?
No. The images on this site are computer-generated to show the types of project we build. They are not photographs of our completed work.
Do you offer finance?
We do not offer finance. Homeowners usually fund building work from savings or a remortgage arranged with their own adviser.
How do I get started?
Use the guide price tool, send the contact form or call 0800 088 6341. We will arrange a time to visit.