Frequently Asked Questions
Regardless of whether you are hiring us as a contractor for a specific part of a project for the first time or you are looking for a full design and build construction service, we have prepared a list of common questions below to help you find out what you need to know.
Building FAQ
What happens if you build without planning permission?
What size extension can I build without building permission?
Do you have any sample projects to choose from?
What information do you need for design work?
What is Design and Build?
Is Design and Build more expensive?
Which is a better, traditional procurement or design and build?
Can we have design input?
I have an interior designer that I want to use. Will this be a problem?
How long does it take to build a new home in the UK?
How long do new buildings last?
What are buildings being built from today?
How long does it take to build a home extension?
Can you build a foundation in winter?
How fast can you build a house?
Does Clifton Hill and Montpelier Builders & Construction provide all the machines necessary to fulfil the order, or should it be treated separately?
What is the hardest building material?
Can you build on an existing foundation?
How long after pouring the foundation can you build?
What are the advantages of using steel in construction?
What is bespoke joinery?
What do groundworks include?
How deep must my foundation be?
How long do foundations take to set?
How long does a foundation last?
Which soil type is best for the foundation?
Can a house be built on sand?
How to keep water away from the foundations of the house?
What are the benefits of rendering a house?
Does rendering improve insulation?
How long does it take to plaster a house?
How long does it take to build a house after pouring the foundation?
What is the most durable building material?
- 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.
How long does building regs approval take?
What is exempt from building regulations?
Who is responsible for building regulations?
What is the difference between planning permission and building regulations?
Construction FAQs
What is construction work?
What is the difference between building and construction?
I want to build my own house, do I need a general contractor, or can I do it myself?
What is a prefabricated construction?
What should my first step be if I want to build a new house?
What are the stages of planning a construction?
Do you do the excavations?
Do I need a structural survey?
What is the difference between a building survey and a structural survey?
What are the unique components of modern architecture?
Does climate affect the construction of a house?
What is an environmentally friendly construction?
Do I have access to the site during the construction phase?
Can I make changes after the building work starts?
Which month is the best for building a house?
What affects the depth of a foundation?
What does pile construction mean?
Why is steel suitable for construction?
Can I have problems because I hired an unlicensed contractor?
What sort of information do I need to provide for my project?
How long will my project take?
Renovation FAQs
What is the difference between refurbishment and renovation?
What does underpinning a foundation mean?
Are home extensions worth it?
Is it worth doing a loft conversion?
Do you need planning permission for a loft conversion?
Do I have to do anything before you start painting or decorating?
What is the best front door paint?
Are you going to clean up when you’re done?
When is the best time to paint outside your home?
I don’t know what kind of paint I need; can you help me with that?
There are cracks in my new build home, what do I do?
How long will it take to remodel my bathroom?
How often should I renovate my home?
What upgrades increase home value?
Is plaster dust toxic?
Do cracks in the walls indicate a structural problem?
Can a foundation be replaced?
Do I need an architect for a renovation?
FAQs About Us
Is Clifton Hill and Montpelier Builders & Construction fully insured and registered?
Are you the main contractor? Or you work for larger companies on much larger projects?
What weather conditions do you work in?
What is your experience?
Can you source all required materials and project manage our required works?
What are your responsibilities as a general contractor?
Do you have a showroom?
Do your flooring installers move furniture?
Do you charge call-out fees?
Do your prices include materials/spare parts costs?
Are you available in the evening or on the weekend?
How are payments processed?
Are your rates higher than local technicians?
Will you make a mess in my house?
What happens if I have problems with the furniture you make?
How far would you go?
Do you offer all trades as part of your services?
I’d like to see an example of your work before I hire you. Is it possible?
Do you usually visit the site?
What areas do you cover?
Are you insured?
What is your health and safety policy?
I have a few small jobs to do at home. Can you help me?
I’m not sure what I want – can you guide me?
When can you start work?
Do you visit the site before the project?
Costs FAQs
How do I estimate the cost of building a house?
Is building a house cheaper than buying?
What is the average cost of building an extension?
Are new builds more expensive?
How much does the modernisation of new homes cost?
Is precast concrete cheaper?
How much does rendering cost in the UK?
How much is underpinning per meter?
Are steel buildings affordable?
How much does a foundation cost?
How much does it cost to repair the foundation of a house?
How much does a building regs application cost?
How much does it cost to plaster a room in the UK?
Are there any costs before starting construction?
How are your fees calculated?
Can I get a free quote?
How do I get a quotation?
How long will it take to receive my offer?
For Experts in General Construction and Renovation