Rear dormer or rooflight loft conversion: which suits your home?
Deciding between a rear dormer and rooflight loft conversion? This guide explains headroom, light, planning, costs and suitability for…
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions people most often ask before contacting a builder.
Areas
Which areas do you cover?
Our main areas are Newcastle upon Tyne and Tynemouth. We also help customers in nearby areas such as North Shields, Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Wallsend, Jesmond, Gosforth and Heaton. See the areas we cover page, or contact us to check your location.
Do you work in Gateshead and Northumberland?
We help customers in some nearby parts of Gateshead, South Tyneside and south-east Northumberland. Contact us with your location and project and we will tell you whether we can help.
General
Do you undertake small building repairs?
Yes, we can discuss a wide variety of property repairs and smaller improvement projects. Tell us what needs attention and we'll explain whether we can help.
Do you work on commercial buildings?
Yes. We undertake residential and commercial building work, including refurbishment, repairs and property improvements.
Do you cover Tynemouth?
Yes. Tynemouth is one of our main service areas, alongside Newcastle upon Tyne.
Can you help with home extensions and conversions?
Home extensions, loft conversions and garage conversions are among the building services we offer. Contact us to discuss your property and what you'd like to achieve.
How can I request a quote?
Call Builders Newcastle on 07960 485 880 or complete our website enquiry form with details of your project.
Can I send photographs of the work required?
Yes. The enquiry form lets you attach photographs, which help us understand the property and the work you have in mind.
Planning your project
Do I need planning permission?
It depends on the work and the property. Many single-storey rear extensions, loft conversions and internal alterations to houses can be done under permitted development, but flats, listed buildings and properties in conservation areas have tighter rules. We can talk through what is likely to apply, and the Planning Portal has guidance.
Do I need building regulations approval?
Most extensions, loft and garage conversions, structural alterations and changes to drainage or fire safety need building regulations approval. It is separate from planning permission. We explain what your project will need before work starts.
What is the Party Wall Act?
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies when work affects a wall shared with a neighbour, or involves digging foundations close to a neighbour's building. Notices may need to be served before work starts. GOV.UK has a guide to party walls.
Can I stay at home while the work is done?
For most projects, yes. We plan the order of work with you to keep the house as usable as possible and agree how access, deliveries and tidying up will be handled.
Working with us
Do you work with landlords and letting agents?
Yes. We carry out repairs during tenancies, refurbishment between tenancies and improvements to rental properties, and can arrange access with you or your agent.
Do you coordinate other trades?
Yes. Our general building and project management service coordinates the trades and stages of a project so you have one point of contact.
Do you give fixed dates and prices?
We discuss the scope of your project, the information needed to assess it and the next steps. Dates, prices and arrangements are agreed with you before work proceeds; we do not promise anything that has not been agreed.
Let's talk about your building project
Whatever stage you are at, tell us what you need and we will discuss the next steps with you.
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