Covering Watford
Our coverage around Watford (WD1, WD17, WD18) also includes Bushey, Rickmansworth and Borehamwood.
Homes in the East of England
The East of England has a large stock of post-war and modern estate housing alongside period homes in market towns, which makes garage conversions, single-storey extensions and loft conversions popular.
What does a knock down and rebuild involve?
We assess whether rebuilding is better value than extending and renovating, prepare the planning application for the replacement dwelling, manage the demolition notice and asbestos survey, then build the new home. The process runs much like a new build once the old house is cleared.
- Feasibility: rebuild versus extend and renovate
- Planning application for the replacement dwelling
- Demolition and site clearance
How much should I budget for a knock down and rebuild?
What knock down and rebuild typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.
| Knock down and rebuild | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Demolition and site clearance (total) | £15,000 to £35,000 |
| Rebuild, standard specification (per m²) | £2,100 to £2,600 per m² |
| Rebuild, good specification (per m²) | £2,600 to £3,100 per m² |
| Rebuild, high specification (per m²) | £3,100 to £3,700 per m² |
What approvals does a knock down and rebuild need in England?
In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it applies.
This needs full planning permission from the council. We prepare the drawings and supporting documents, submit the application and respond to the planning officer.
What should I think about before starting?
- Planning policy on replacement dwellings varies, especially in green belt and countryside.
- Asbestos is common in post-war houses and must be removed by licensed contractors where required.
From first call to completion
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- Site visit. We walk the plot or existing house, look at access, levels, services and boundaries, and talk through what could be built.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
What people ask before starting
Is it cheaper to knock down and rebuild or renovate?
It depends on the existing house. Where a house needs major structural work and a large extension, rebuilding can be similar cost and gives a better result. We compare both at feasibility.
What happens about asbestos?
An asbestos survey is done before demolition and any asbestos is removed safely first.
Can you visit a house in Watford to quote?
Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.
Other towns nearby
- Knock down and rebuild in Bushey
- Knock down and rebuild in Rickmansworth
- Knock down and rebuild in Borehamwood
- Knock down and rebuild in Ruislip
Learn more about knock down and rebuild, or see every project we cover in Watford.