Do I need planning permission for a house extension?

Many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development rights. However, if your property is in a conservation area, is listed, or the extension exceeds size limits, you will need planning permission. Always check with your local planning authority before starting work.

How do I know if a builder is trustworthy?

Look for verified customer reviews, proof of public liability insurance, membership of trade bodies like the FMB or NHBC, and ask to see examples of completed projects. A reliable builder will provide a detailed written quotation and a realistic timeline.

What is the difference between a builder and a groundworker?

Builders handle the above-ground structure — walls, roofs, and finishes. Groundworkers prepare the site, dig foundations, install drainage, and lay services. Many extension or new build projects require both.

How long does a loft conversion take?

A typical loft conversion takes 6–10 weeks depending on the type (Velux, dormer, or mansard). The structural work takes 2–3 weeks, followed by plastering, electrics, plumbing, and finishing.

CB postcode area

Find trusted Builder professionals in CB

CB covers areas including Cambridge, Ely, Saffron Walden, Haverhill. Compare builder quotes with clearer local context for travel, access, materials, parking, and property constraints.

What to include in your builder quote request

Ask every builder to price the same drawings, structural assumptions, and provisional sums.
Confirm whether scaffolding, waste removal, skips, and temporary protection are included or excluded.
Get stage payments tied to visible milestones instead of open-ended weekly billing.
Make sure building control, structural engineer sign-off, and making-good items are priced explicitly.
Confirm the postcode district, parking restrictions, access route, and preferred working hours.

Red flags before hiring

Large cash deposits before materials, drawings, or programme details are agreed.
Quotes that ignore structural unknowns but still promise a fixed total and start date.
Refusal to discuss insurance, references, or who is responsible for building control coordination.
Pressure to skip written scope, staged payments, or neighbour access planning.
Quotes that ignore access, waste, permits, or travel time across the CB area.

Builder quote pages by CB district

District pages keep postcode SEO useful without generating thin full-postcode pages.

Builder in CB1

Cambridge (Central and South), Teversham

Builder in CB8

Ashley, Brinkley, Burrough End, Burrough Green, Carlton, Cheveley, Clopton Green, Cowlinge, Dalham, Denston, Ditton Green, Dullingham, Dunstall Green, Exning, Gazeley, Great Bradley, Kennett, Kentford, Kirtling, Kirtling Green, Lady's Green, Landwade, Lidgate, Moulton, Newmarket, Ousden, Saxon Street, Six Mile Bottom, Snailwell, Stetchworth, Stradishall, Thorns, Upend, Westley Waterless, Wickhambr

Builder in CB6

Aldreth, Apes Hall, Chettisham, Coveney, Ely, Haddenham, Little Downham, Little Thetford, Littleport, Mepal, Pymore, Stretham, Sutton, Wardy Hill, Wentworth, Wilburton, Witcham, Witchford

Builder in CB4

Cambridge (North)

Builder in CB23

Cambourne (incl. Great and Lower), Barton, Comberton, Harlton, Great and Little Eversden, Bourn, Highfields Caldecote, Coton, Haslingfield, Kingston, Hardwick, Toft, Longstowe, Madingley, Dry Drayton, Papworth Everard, Lolworth, Bar Hill, Elsworth, Knapwell, Conington, Boxworth, Caxton, Papworth Saint Agnes

Builder in CB9

Barnardiston, Great Thurlow, Great Wratting, Haverhill, Helions Bumpstead, Kedington, Little Bradley, Little Thurlow, Little Wratting, Steeple Bumpstead, Sturmer, Withersfield

Builder in CB24

Histon, Impington, Oakington, Longstanton, Willingham, Swavesey, Over, Fen Drayton, Milton, Rampton, Cottenham

Builder in CB7

Barway, Brandon Bank, Brandon Creek, Broad Hill, Chippenham, Down Field, Ely, Fordham, Isleham, Prickwillow, Queen Adelaide, River Bank, Soham, Stuntney, Upware, Wicken

Builder in CB22

Babraham, Sawston, Pampisford, Duxford, Whittlesford, Great and Little Shelford, Stapleford, Harston, Barrington, Hauxton, Newton, Foxton

Builder in CB2

Cambridge (West)

Builder in CB10

Ashdon, Church End, Great Chesterford, Great Sampford, Hempstead, Hinxton, Howlett End, Ickleton, Little Chesterford, Little Sampford, Little Walden, Radwinter, Red Oaks Hill, Saffron Walden, Sewards End, Wimbish, Wimbish Green

Builder in CB11

Arkesden, Audley End, Clavering, Debden, Debden Green, Duddenhoe End, Elmdon, Langley, Littlebury, Littlebury Green, Newport, Pond Street, Quendon, Rickling, Rickling Green, Shortgrove, Starling's Green, Strethall, Upper Green, Wendens Ambo, Wicken Bonhunt, Widdington