Guides
Read before you build.
Plain-English guides written by people who build in London every week — permitted development, builder quotes, payment schedules, damp and mould.
Plan Check guides
About Plan CheckLoft conversions under permitted development (2026)
Volume limits, dormer rules, what counts as the original roof and when a Lawful Development Certificate is worth it.
Read guideHow far can you extend to the rear in London?
3 m, 4 m, 6 m and 8 m explained, prior approval, and the neighbour consultation scheme.
Read guideLawful Development Certificates: do you need one?
Why solicitors ask for it when you sell, what it costs and how long it takes.
Read guideExtending a house in a conservation area
What changes, what Article 4 directions remove, and how to design for approval.
Read guideQuote Check guides
About Quote CheckAnatomy of a good builder quote
The sections every quote should have and the ones that are usually missing.
Read guideThe 12 items builders leave out of a quote
Scaffolding, waste, building control, structural engineer, party wall and more.
Read guideHow to structure payments with a builder
Deposits, stage payments, retentions and what to do if you are asked for cash.
Read guideDo you need a contract with your builder?
JCT Homeowner contracts, what they cover, and the clauses that matter.
Read guideDamp Check guides
About Damp CheckCondensation, penetrating or rising damp?
The patterns, locations and seasons that point to each cause.
Read guideBlack mould and health: what the evidence says
Who is most at risk, what to do today and when it becomes urgent.
Read guideAwaab's Law for private landlords
The 10-day and 5-day timescales, what counts as significant, and how to document compliance.
Read guideThe pre-winter damp checklist for London homes
Gutters, extractor fans, trickle vents and heating patterns — a 30-minute check.
Read guide