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.

OX17 postcode district

Find trusted Builder professionals in OX17

OX17 covers Adderbury, Aynho, Arlescote, Chacombe, Charlton, Chipping Warden, Claydon, Cropredy, Culworth, Edgcote, Farnborough, Great Bourton, Hanwell, King's Sutton, Little Bourton, Lower Thorpe, Marston St Lawrence, Middleton Cheney, Mollington, Nethercote, Newbottle, Overthorpe, Shotteswell, Stuchbury, Sulgrave, Thenford, Thorpe Mandeville, Twyford, Wardington, Warkworth, Warmington, Williamscott. Compare builder quotes with postcode-specific context for access, parking, travel time, waste removal, and local property constraints.

Quote checklist for builder work in OX17

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.
Tell tradespeople whether the job is near Adderbury, Aynho, Arlescote, Chacombe, Charlton, Chipping Warden, Claydon, Cropredy, Culworth, Edgcote, Farnborough, Great Bourton, Hanwell, King's Sutton, Little Bourton, Lower Thorpe, Marston St Lawrence, Middleton Cheney, Mollington, Nethercote, Newbottle, Overthorpe, Shotteswell, Stuchbury, Sulgrave, Thenford, Thorpe Mandeville, Twyford, Wardington, Warkworth, Warmington, Williamscott and whether access is restricted.

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.
Any quote that avoids written scope, payment stages, insurance, or local access assumptions.

Nearby builder postcode pages

OX16 OX15 NN13 OX5 OX25 CV47 CV23 OX27

Related trades in OX17

Electrician Plumber Carpenter Roofer Plasterer Painter & Decorator Tiler Landscaper

Find trusted Builder professionals in OX17

Quote checklist for builder work in OX17

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.

Tell tradespeople whether the job is near Adderbury, Aynho, Arlescote, Chacombe, Charlton, Chipping Warden, Claydon, Cropredy, Culworth, Edgcote, Farnborough, Great Bourton, Hanwell, King's Sutton, Little Bourton, Lower Thorpe, Marston St Lawrence, Middleton Cheney, Mollington, Nethercote, Newbottle, Overthorpe, Shotteswell, Stuchbury, Sulgrave, Thenford, Thorpe Mandeville, Twyford, Wardington, Warkworth, Warmington, Williamscott and whether access is restricted.

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.

Any quote that avoids written scope, payment stages, insurance, or local access assumptions.