FAQ

When you build without planning permission, you may not break any laws. Nevertheless, if there is a planning violation, you may be required to file a retrospective application or even appeal against a compliance notice. If an appeal fails, in some cases you may need to return your property to its original condition.

Acceptable building codes have recently been relaxed so that an extension of up to six meters (or eight meters if the house is detached) can generally be built without building permission. There are other rules such as distance from your boundary and how high the extension is. We can guide you through planning permission.

In addition to the photos that we have available on this website, we have a sample portfolio of our previous work at our headquarters.
During the consultation, we take your idea and present examples of similar work that we have already done to narrow down what you want to build.

If you’ve seen a photo of building work that you think is what you want, we’ll be happy to see it so we can quote you on the work.
When we visit you at home, we can also bring samples of different materials/colour cards so that we have a starting point for your building project.

Usually, a good place to start is a full set of architectural drawings (plans, views and sections).
Certain information may be required, such as drainage reports, tree reports, soil reports, historical records such as original drawings, and so on. But each project is unique so the requirements may differ.

Design and Build is a project execution method in which one entity – a team of designers – works on the basis of one contract with the project owner to provide design and construction services. Thus, the entire construction project is handled by one firm from start to finish.

In many situations, Design and Build is more cost-effective than conventional project execution.
In addition to saving time, we’ve found that customers save between 6% and 10% on projects using the Design and Build process.
Again, less conflict between different players means less wasted resources.

With the design and build method, the contractor gets full control over the project and is legally responsible for every aspect of the project. The design and build approach offers a high-quality finish with efficient delivery.

We predict that more and more clients will choose this route for planning and construction or renovation of their properties due to the constantly growing competition for space.

Yes, you can. It is necessary for the client to convey his wishes regarding the project.

Not at all. We will work with your interior designer. And if you don’t have it yet, our interior designer is at your disposal.

Building a new house in the UK usually takes three to four months, but sometimes it can take up to six months, depending on the weather, delays in the delivery of materials and changes in the customer’s design.

The question of how long a property will last is often debated in construction circles. In 1992, it was proposed that new homes have a lifespan of at least 60 years.

However, the local government (LGA) announced that after 25 years, new buildings should have a lifespan of at least 2000 years

Today’s buildings are built from long-lasting synthetic materials such as concrete, metals, bricks, and plastics. Before now, houses were built with stone, clay, and timber

Time can vary significantly depending on the size and nature of the project. A small extension can take only 3 months to finish, while a larger extension can take up to 6 months. A newly built large house can easily take 12-18 months on a complex site.

Yes, we can easily pour a concrete foundation in winter. Indeed. There are safe and effective ways to build a concrete foundation. It all starts with shielding the ground under the foundation from snow, frost, and ice. The underground heat will cure the concrete before it freezes.

We can build a custom house between three to four months. However, sometimes it can take up to six months depending on several factors such as weather, changes to requirements, unavoidable delays, and so on.

Yes, we provide all the necessary equipment. Clients who have received a quote from Clifton Hill and Montpelier Builders & Construction can be sure that it covers everything that is required to build a house in accordance with approved plans in terms of working hours and building and construction materials.

In addition, Clifton Hill and Montpelier Builders & Construction is fully insured for all third-party equipment rentals that may be required to complete the project.

Steel is the best available building material (unless you’re counting on expensive materials such as titanium). Steel is stronger than wood. In fact, they cannot be compared.

It is generally considered a good idea to always build a new home using a freshly laid foundation. However, it is possible to use an existing foundation if you want to save on the costs of building a new house.

We wait for seven days to allow the concrete to cure before we start building on it. Longer waiting significantly reduces the risk of concrete cracks. Concrete keeps hardening for up to 28 days after pouring and then reaches maximum strength.

Steel is tensile. The strength-to-weight ratio is high, which means that the unit weight is high. Regardless of the size of the entire structure, steel structures are compact and lightweight and distinct from other building materials.

Bespoke joinery produces custom wood components that meet individual requirements. Many bespoke joinery pieces are designed to optimise space in the building. This includes built-in wardrobes, cabinets, racks and a number of creative storage solutions.

The term ‘groundworks’ refers to works aimed at preparing subsurfaces for the commencement of construction. In addition to demolition or construction works that may need to be done, groundworks are usually the first phase of a construction project and may include: ground testing and clearing of the site.

Strip foundations are usually 450mm wide and at least 200mm deep for a one-storey building, and 600mm wide and 200mm deep for two floors.

Although full strength is not achieved for 28 to 60 days, based on the prevailing conditions, the construction process can be started when the foundations have been cured about 50 per cent. Curing is a chemical process which concrete passes within a few days after pouring.

Concrete foundations and slab foundations should have a service life of 80 to 100 years or more, as long as they are of high quality.

Loam is the best solution when it comes to suitable soil for foundations. Loam is a mixture of clay, sand, and silt.

You don’t build houses on sand. The sand cannot be compacted and as such will never be a permanent piece of soil on which to lay the foundation. Houses built on the beaches are usually built on concrete pillars.

The best way of keeping water from the foundation of your building is by proper drainage. Build a French drainage system around your building’s foundation – ensure the foundation has a trench dug around it, insert gravel and insert a drain with punctures to drain the water. Cover the drainage with gravel and soil.

Rendering walls can make a building more energy effective. This is in addition to shielding the wall against wind and rain.

Rendering a property produces a slight insulation effect, but if you are rendering your walls, you may as well consider full external insulation.

A small ceiling should take from 6 to 12 hours, a medium ceiling from 8 to 12 hours, and a large ceiling from 2-3 days. This should give an idea of the plaster time for a standard house.

Laying the foundation usually takes 2-4 weeks. Then the internal walls, roof structure and base frame can be completed. This, however, depends on the size and design of the house. As your contractor, we usually give the estimated time for each phase.

Here are four durable building materials that every homeowner should consider:

• Brick – The fact that brick is one of the world’s most robust and long-lasting building materials should not be shocking.
• Stone – another solid building material tested and proven to be reliable over time for hundreds of years.
• Steel – has a dual role; it ensures the strength of the basic structure can support the weight of high structures. The best part is that it is also a budget-friendly option.
• Concrete – concrete is not only the best building material for durable buildings but also a popular material. The foundation’s main support system consists of the thin steel bars and reinforced concrete throughout the construction. This makes the foundation stable and durable.

As soon as construction work begins and the construction inspector has carried out the initial inspection, approval is granted for an indefinite period. A completion certificate must be obtained if the rules are complied with, within 8 weeks of completion of the construction work.

Some types of construction work are exempted from building regulations. These include small, detached, one-storey buildings, such as garages, sheds and greenhouses that do not contain sleeping places and are not larger than 30m².

The owner is ultimately responsible for complying with the applicable design and construction laws for all construction projects.

The difference between Planning Permission and Building Regulations is Planning Permission has to do with how the building looks and the impact it will have on surrounding properties and the environment, while building regulations set the standards building constructions must meet to ensure the health and safety of people around the building.

Construction works include construction, civil engineering, and development works. All works in which a surface has been prepared for a building or structure are considered construction works.

Construction refers to the work of the contractor who creates the physical structure. Basically, the word “building” is used in civil engineering to describe the physical structure as in a commercial building.

Construction is a process composed of specific construction activities that translate a design from a drawing or plan into reality.

You can do it yourself. There is no law stating that you have to hire a contractor. However, building a house requires high-level skills and experience, which can take years to learn and achieve mastery.

Contractors are specialists and have learned the business for years. So, you’re better off hiring a contractor to build your house.

Prefabrication is the assembly of structure components at a factory and the transport of complete assemblies or sub-assemblies to the site of the construction on which the structure is to be erected.

If you are thinking about a new construction or renovation project, we recommend contacting Clifton Hill and Montpelier Builders & Construction as soon as possible during the first phase of project planning.

The sooner we take part in your construction project, the better. We can manage variables like costs and schedule your project’s time frames. During the initial planning meeting with Clifton Hill and Montpelier Builders & Construction, we will discuss various lending options at your disposal and choose an architect who better suits your needs and budget.

Each construction management project consists of four main stages: design, construction, handover, and owner usage. Each phase is important to keep the project on schedule, without losing sight.

Yes, Clifton Hill and Montpelier Builders & Construction offers a complete package for basic construction including drainage, excavations, and all other site preparatory work. We will also coordinate directly with your local building supervisory authority /NHBC to get approval as per your request.

If you are worried about the structural integrity of your house, or if a third party has requested you to provide a structural report, for example, a mortgage lender, we recommend that you call one of our engineers to discuss the matter.

If we think you need a survey, we will help you through this process and let you know what kind of survey we think is best for you. If we agree that another expert will help solve your problem, we will happily point you in the right way.

A Building Survey is undertaken by an RICS Building Surveyor which involves a thorough review of all available areas of the building and extensive documentation of all that was observed. A Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer conducts a Structural Survey.

The characteristics that make modern architecture unique include minimalism, open floor plans, and use of innovative materials such as steel, glass, and reinforced concrete for a more durable and quality construction. The idea of modern architecture is based on the philosophy that form follows function.

Weather can affect construction equipment performance, causing wear and tear. Dry weather on the job site can raise the amount of dust that can jam and clog machinery. Strong winds can disrupt machinery and cause interruptions. And the hot weather can reduce the effectiveness of materials such as sealants and mortar.

Eco-friendly or ecological construction is the construction of a structure that is beneficial or not harmful to the environment and efficient in terms of resources.

We know you want to see construction progress, but it’s important to keep your site secure throughout the entire construction process. Although we’re working on your home, you should only enter the building with a team.

Even with the best-planned renovation, some things may need to be changed while the work is in progress. This is perfectly normal and we have a process to deal with the change. We manage the process using a document called “Change Orders”. A Change Order is a mini-contract that specifies changed or additional work, including payment terms.

The best time of year to build a house depends on the climate. Cool and dry conditions are best suited for house building. Other good months are January, February and December. April is the worst month to build a house.

Foundation depth is influenced by many factors: soil type, groundwater level, soil capacity and density, as well as other factors. The minimum soil depth is calculated using the Rankine formula if the soil capacity is known in the soil test report.

Piles are concrete pillars drilled deep in hard bedrock to securely anchor the building, supported by the friction resistance of the surrounding soil. This method has been widely used in residential construction since the emergence of cheaper short hole drilling systems installed with rented mini piling platforms. It is the most common type of foundation after conventional trenches, due to planning requirements that favour tree protection and brownfield lands.

Steel constructions are resistant to natural and artificial wear. They are resistant to termites, fire, rust and decomposition. In fact, structural steel is not only a stronger material, but it also has a significantly better resistance-to-weight ratio than other materials.

Intentionally hiring an unlicensed contractor is unlawful. If the state finds out that the contractor is unlicensed, you may be issued a letter of cessation requesting the cessation of work, resulting in delayed construction.

All information that includes the breakdown of work, such as working drawings, work plan and all contract information. All this information can help us make an official quotation.

It’s difficult to answer because every project is different. We will visit you on-site to see how we can help you, and then we will provide you with a free quote without obligation, including our best assessment of how long your work will last. When we can’t, we’re not going to claim we can do anything, and we’re going to give you an honest picture of what work is needed and when we need to finish it.

Refurbishment and renovation are often used interchangeably. However, renovation usually restores property to a good condition. Refurbishment, on the other hand, has to do with cleaning, equipping, or modernising a property.

Underpinning is the act of reinforcing the foundation of an existing building or another structure through construction or renovation. Underpinning may be necessary when the original framework is not solid enough or secure, or the function of the system has changed.

Home extensions make sense as a medium and long-term investment. Because house prices usually double every ten years, it’s likely that a home extension will pay off in terms of financial returns if you want to stay in the home longer. You will also enjoy the house extension for years.

A loft conversion is often found in surveys as the best way to increase the value of your home. Research has shown that loft conversion will increase the home’s value by up to 20 per cent.

Planning permission is usually not required for a loft conversion. This project is described as permitted development as long as you keep to certain guidelines.

Clearing the room of your furniture and other household items will help, because it will facilitate and speed up the work. 

Choose a satin finish that is both durable and attractive. Matte satin is suitable for front doors because it is more resistant than flatter gloss to abrasion and dirt.

Of course. We are proud of the professional work. Upon painting and decorating we want your room to be neat and tidy. And we don’t want your house to be ruined by used paint containers, dust, and dirt.

For a Brighton homeowner, it can be an uncomfortable moment to decide when to call decorators. Since most exterior paint needs an ambient temperature of around 50 degrees, painting contractors face poor application of paint if they paint during the spring season. Waiting till summer temperatures finally arrived in late June, July, August or early September provides the optimum outcome.

Yes, we will send a survey expert and he will consult with you. Just specify your colour requirements.

Over time, heated wood and other materials will shrink after the house is occupied. This can cause cracks in the walls, ceilings and floors. Such cracks are not structurally significant and can be patched through standard cosmetic procedures. Since such cracks are inevitable, you will need a designer to fix them.

On average, a small, complete bathroom remodelling can be carried out in about 23 days under ideal conditions. Assuming that no work is done on weekends, it may take just over a month – if the work is done evenly and without breaks.

It is recommended that you renovate your property every 15 to 20 years in order to keep it in tune with the times. That is an average time frame and the true number depends on your property’s condition. Assess the look of your property before starting some remodelling. Kitchens are one of the house’s most frequented spaces, where most homeowners visit two or three times a day, or more than a thousand times per year, therefore it is the most renovated space in the house.

Making the house more functional, increasing square footage, enhancing the kitchen or bathroom and incorporating smart-home devices will help to add value to it.

Traditional cement is largely based on gypsum which is not listed as a dangerous substance. Nonetheless, certain forms of dust can be harmful to health, and when dealing with cement, dust can accumulate which can lead to health problems if not treated properly.

Small cracks are usually not a cause for worry in drywall walls or plaster walls and are caused by the regular expansion and contraction of the house’s frame over time. Larger cracks in the walls may, however, suggest issues with the construction or foundation.

Most foundations can be fixed, even in comparatively serious cases. Theoretically, it is a fairly simple process to replace the foundation. The building is either supported or elevated and strengthened, the existing structure is dismantled and replaced and the new foundation is constructed on-site. The house then stands on a new foundation.

Usually, homeowners hire an architect before the contractor gets involved. This may be nice, but in most cases, there is no need to hire the architect who designed the plans. So, if you have a limited budget, it is wiser to deal with the contractor yourself.

Yes, as a professional contractor, we carry liability insurance of  £XXXm. Clifton Hill and Montpelier Builders & Construction is also accredited with some of the big regulators in the industry and has the status of a safe contractor, which shows the commitment of the organisation to efficiency and safe construction.

Clifton Hill and Montpelier Builders & Construction is the main contractor who can contractually design/manage any project in which we are involved.

Our employees are a solid team and can work in all weather conditions. But if adverse conditions make work unsafe or affect quality, we can delay. In this case, you’ll be kept up to date.

Our team has over a century of combined experience in the field of fit-outs, renovation, planning and building construction. In over 10 years, we have gathered a large number of satisfied clients all over Brighton. You will find a list of the projects on our portfolio page.

The vast majority of our orders include the purchase of all materials, managing of staff and ensuring that the project is completed at the highest level. This is included in our service.  Our experience shows that customers who try to manage many dealers and supply materials themselves often incur large construction costs. You will have a better experience when you hire a company to complete a project from start to finish.

As a general contractor, we are responsible for providing all materials, labour, equipment (e.g. technical vehicles and tools) and services necessary to build the project. The general contractor often employs specialised subcontractors to perform all or part of the construction.

Our showroom is our workshop. Usually, we have products ready for shipping to you. If you plan to visit us, please call us to make sure you arrive on one of our delivery days.  If you want to see our products, but our workshop is too far away, contact us and we will check whether we can call or meet you on the way to delivery.

Our fitters move your furniture as part of the installation, but you still need to move small items such as lamps, televisions or other fragile items before the installers arrive.

No. When we get a job, we don’t charge call-out fees. We think it is more profitable for the client this way. All prices are agreed before the start of construction.

All our prices apply only to labour costs. They do not include material costs. We tell you what materials are required. You can buy the materials yourself or our service provider will buy them for you.

Yes, we can work in the evenings or on weekends, depending on the needs of our clients.

Prepayment is not required. Initial payment may be required shortly before starting work, often for disposable items, such as tailor-made windows or stairs. A detailed contract will be drawn up defining milestones tailored to your project/work when interim payments are required. The remaining payment is only due after all work has been completed. Our most common payment terms are from 3 to 4 intervals.

All our services are among the best on the market and we have over XXX years of experience in this field. Therefore, our quality is many times higher than the local technicians’. We do not send random, unverified craftsmen, everyone is checked and verified by the police. They are therefore trustworthy and reliable.  We guarantee satisfaction with your work. We also offer a warranty on the work done if you are not satisfied. We would fix anything for free if a problem occurs within our warranty period.

No, we won’t. In fact, we will leave it cleaner than when we arrived. We are a small enough company to supervise every job and we are a proponent of cleanliness. All furniture, carpets and hard floors are protected against dust. All tools are equipped with electric dust extraction. We vacuum thoroughly after each task.

Warranty applies to all our products. Contact us immediately so that we can solve any problems.

For the right project, distance is not a problem.

Yes, if you use us for a new building, extension or renovation, we will do all the work. Windows, painting, plumbing, and joinery are part of our service, so you save time and money.

We are very proud of the high quality of our work and we will do our best to organise a ready project for you. We have many photos, recommendations and opinions of clients that we will be happy to share with you.

Yes, we always visit the site before starting work. This gives us the opportunity to talk to you about your individual needs and assess the scaffolding requirements for your project.

We serve Brighton and Hove, East Sussex and the surrounding area in all building and construction projects. Do not hesitate to contact our polite and friendly team, even if you think you are outside our service area because we make exceptions for our clients to provide them with the best service.

Yes, we have liability insurance for £XXX. We treat your home and items as they were our own.

Clifton Hill and Montpelier Builders & Construction views safety as the top management concern and aims to build a leading safety culture through employee-led independent security initiatives. To this end, we are using new technologies and working to create a work environment that will more efficiently and effectively protect the safety and health of workers. Clifton Hill and Montpelier Builders & Construction must ensure that all appropriate measures are taken to ensure the health and welfare of its workers, the public and other people who may be impacted by its operations. All employees receive the requisite guidance and training on safe working procedures as well as a safe and efficient system, tool and machinery service and maintenance.

Yes, absolutely. No work is too big or too small. Contact us and one of our experienced teams will be happy to help you!

We have over XXX years of experience in the general construction industry. Our team has extensive knowledge to create exactly what is right for you. If you are undecided, contact one of our experienced carpenters today.

As a rule, we can start your work 2-3 weeks after receiving the order. There are times when it may take a week or more than a month. Contact us for more information.

Sure, we always do. That means we will address your individual needs with you and review all project criteria.

To calculate the approximate cost of building a home, simply multiply the projected area for your region by the average price per square metre.

For example, a house with an area of 2000 square meters = approximately £250,000.

While environmentally friendly homes cost more in advance, you can save more money on energy costs in the long run. If you buy an existing home, real estate costs are associated with it. Buying a new home usually means finding the perfect property first which is time-consuming and adds to the cost.

The average cost per m2 of extension is between £1200 and £1500. With two-storey extensions, you increase the cost of one-storey extensions by 50%. If you want to add a bathroom or kitchen, add £5,000 to £10,000.

Although new buildings are more energy-efficient than old buildings, they do cost more than old buildings,but the savings you will make living in a new buuild house will more than make up for the extra cost.

The average cost of upgrading a new home for a home is about 10 per cent of the cost of a home, but this average doesn’t last throughout the market. Houses with a base price of £100,000 or less achieve average improvements of around 7.3 per cent.

Prefabricated slabs are on the average 23.22% cheaper than concrete constructions in situ, and the prefabricated columns were 21.4% cheaper than concrete constructions in situ, especially for large-scale production.

Exterior rendering with cement-sand filler and a finer topcoat of render, accompanied by two layers of paint for external masonry costs in the range of £40-£60 per m2. Therefore, rendering and painting a typical semi-detached house with three bedrooms and 80 m² walls would cost £3200 to £4800.

In general, a foundation’s underpinning cost is about £ 1,000 to £ 1,200 per linear metre. This is the average cost but you can use it to get an idea of what your underpinning project will cost.

Yes, steel buildings are often cheaper than other solutions. Because they are made to order, they can be built faster, saving time and money.  The longevity of steel also exceeds other building materials. If you look at the life of a steel building, it turns out to be a reasonable long-term investment. In addition, maintaining a steel building is cheaper and easier compared to wooden structures.

Construction of a foundation costs an average of £6,000 with most spending varying from £3,000 to £9,000. Depending on the type of foundation, the cost of the foundation range from £3 to £5 per square foot. Design costs may vary depending on the type of foundation installed.

All homes settle over time, but if your house settles too much, it can lead to serious structural problems. It costs £900 to £1000 to pier and underpin the foundation of a house. Most major foundation repair is in the neighbourhood of £3000 and £5000. 

Based on the type of the project and the local authority the prices vary. If you are building a new house you should expect to pay about £240 for complete plan submission and around £510 for the checks needed.

You should plan to pay around £250 for a small room. A medium room is expected to cost about £300 and a big room would cost you at least £400. Depending on whether the room is small, medium, or large, the estimated time to complete the job is from one to three days.

It depends on what stage you are with the drawings and the project. If you have no drawings yet, we can lead you through the various stages of the development of the design, up to the planning application. You will incur costs before signing the contract if you consult an independent architect.

You can choose all or part of our services and our fees are calculated based on your requirements. Many projects are better implemented at an hourly rate while others require a fixed fee or percentage charge or we can create a bespoke plan for you. Rest assured, our servoces are budget friendly

Of course. We will visit you to discuss your vision and requirements in more detail before we send you a free quote without obligation.

Requesting a quote from Clifton Hill and Montpelier Builders & Construction is easy. Just fill out our registration form, send it back and we’ll take care of the rest. You do not have to fill out any additional registration forms.

You can submit the application form online or by post, by e-mail or by fax. We respond to all our standard quotes within 5 days, but most of them are completed in less than 2 business days. We recommend submitting the form as soon as possible. If we need more information about your request, we will get in touch with you to discuss exactly what we need. If you have any more questions or want to talk more about your project, please call 01273 257 224 or send an email to info@builders-brighton.com. We would love to hear from you.