Covering Guildford
We work in Guildford (GU1) and the places around it, including Godalming, Woking and Aldershot.
Homes in the South East
The South East has a lot of 1930s and post-war semi-detached housing, well suited to rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions, alongside period properties in conservation areas that need a more careful design.
What goes into a garden annexe?
We design annexes as permanent buildings with proper foundations, insulation and services, and we prepare the planning case showing how the annexe will be used as part of the main home. Connections for water, drainage and power are planned from the start.
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Kitchenette and shower room
- Accessible design options for older relatives
How much should I budget for a garden annexe?
Use these ranges to budget for garden annexes; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.
| Garden annexes | Guide price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Standard specification | £2,400 to £2,900 per m² |
| Good specification | £2,900 to £3,400 per m² |
| High specification | £3,400 to £3,900 per m² |
Planning and building rules in Guildford
Projects in England go through two separate checks. Planning (or confirmation that the work is permitted development) comes from the district, borough or unitary council, and building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control team or a registered building control approver. Where work touches a shared wall or digs near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies.
A self-contained annexe used for sleeping and living normally needs planning permission in England. Permitted development for outbuildings does not cover living accommodation.
What can affect a garden annexe?
- Drainage may need a pump if the garden falls away from the sewer.
- A level threshold and wider doors make the annexe suitable for later life.
How does the project run?
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
Your questions answered
Can I rent the annexe out?
Usually not without a separate planning permission, because councils normally require it to stay part of the main house.
How long does an annexe take to build?
About 14 to 24 weeks on site after approvals.
Who deals with the council for a project in Guildford?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Garden annexes near Guildford
- Garden annexes in Godalming
- Garden annexes in Woking
- Garden annexes in Aldershot
- Garden annexes in Farnborough
Learn more about garden annexes, or see every project we cover in Guildford.