Frequently Asked Questions

Covering frequently asked questions that customers have asked us over the years of providing exemplary services in Surrey and the surrounding area.

Design & Build Process

Learn how we handle every stage of your project, from initial ideas to detailed drawings and quotations.

Yes, at TN Design & Build, we provide complete design and build services in Walton on Thames and across Surrey. You can choose our full package for a smooth process from initial plans to final construction, or use just our design or build services if you already have one stage covered.

Most house extensions, double-storey builds and major refurbishments need architectural drawings for accurate planning permission, building regulations and construction quotes. If you don’t have drawings yet, we can create these for you in-house.

Yes, if you have existing architectural drawings for your extension or new build, you can send them to us. We’ll usually arrange a site visit to confirm all details before giving you an accurate, fixed quote. However, in some instances, depending on the complexity or scale of the works an initial quote may be given, but this will only be intended as a guide.

We aim to carry out your home survey within two weeks of your initial consultation. The first draft of your plans is typically ready within two weeks after the survey. Once you review and approve any amendments, we submit the final plans to the local planning authority.

To get a detailed quotation for your home improvement project, simply contact us to book a free site visit. A member of our team will visit your home, discuss your ideas and prepare a tailored quote.

Yes, standard design revisions are included to make sure your plans meet your needs. If you decide to add extra features, such as another storey or a new outbuilding, we may need to update your quote to cover the extra work.

We recommend engaging with a structural engineer after you’ve received planning permission or permitted development approval. This avoids unnecessary costs or duplicated work, as changes during the planning stage can affect the structural design.

Once approval is in place, we can introduce you to a trusted structural engineer to help develop the detailed construction plans needed for building regulations and your builder.

Planning Permission & Regulations

Understand what permissions and approvals you might need before building works can begin.
Whether you need planning permission depends on your project. Many extensions and loft conversions can be done under Permitted Development Rights. We’ll advise you on whether planning permission is needed and handle the application for you if it is.

A local council usually makes a decision within 8 to 10 weeks of submitting your planning application, but this can vary depending on the size and complexity of your project.

Planning permission or a lawful development certificate is valid for three years from the date it’s granted. As long as you start your build within this period, you can complete the work even if it extends beyond three years.
Building control ensures that your building work meets safety and quality standards set out in the Building Regulations 2010. Local authority building control officers check that extensions, new builds, conversions and structural changes comply with legal requirements.
Yes, most major home projects, such as single-storey or double-storey extensions, loft conversions and structural renovations, require building control approval. This ensures your work complies with current Building Regulations for safety and quality. We’ll guide you through the application and inspections as part of our service.
Most home building projects, including single-storey extensions, double-storey extensions, loft conversions and major refurbishments, need to comply with the Building Regulations. This applies in cases where planning permission is not needed.
Building control fees depend on your local council and the size and type of your project. We can advise you on the likely costs and guide you through the process as part of our service.
Planning permission focuses on the use of land, the look of a building, and its impact on neighbours and the environment. Building regulations ensure that the technical construction work meets safety, energy efficiency and quality standards.

Neighbours & Legal Considerations

Find out your responsibilities when it comes to informing neighbours and complying with legal requirements.
Yes, it’s always best to discuss your plans with neighbours, especially if your building work might affect them through noise, dust or changes to shared boundaries. For certain work, you may also need to serve a formal notice under the Party Wall Act.
A Party Wall Agreement is a legal requirement if your project involves work on a shared wall, building on a boundary line, or excavating near a neighbour’s property. A Party Wall Surveyor can help you draw up the agreement and settle any disputes.
The Neighbour Consultation Scheme was a temporary government scheme (2013–2019) allowing larger single-storey rear extensions without full planning permission. It has now ended, but similar rules can apply under current Permitted Development Rights. We can advise you if these apply to your project.
Permitted Development Rights allow certain types of home improvement, like small extensions and loft conversions, to go ahead without needing full planning permission, provided they meet specific size and design limits. We can check if your project qualifies.

Cost, Quality & Previous Work

Get to know our pricing, the quality you can expect, and examples of our completed projects.
We offer fair and competitive pricing for high-quality design and build services in Walton on Thames and across Surrey. We may not be the least expensive, but we believe in honest quotes, realistic timelines and excellent results.
We take pride in delivering outstanding finishes on every project, from precise joinery and plastering to careful decorating and tiling. Many clients recommend us for our attention to detail.
Yes, we’re happy to show you examples of our previous home extensions, refurbishments and new builds. We can arrange site visits to completed or ongoing projects so you can see our work first-hand.

Project Timeline & Practicalities

Discover how long your project might take and what to expect during the build.
Our site teams usually work from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. We aim to minimise disruption and keep sites tidy and safe at all times.
The length of your project depends on its size and complexity. Small extensions naturally take less time, while full house refurbishments or double-storey extensions will take longer. We’ll give you a realistic timeline before work begins.
In most cases, yes, you can stay at home during the work. We keep sites as clean and safe as possible to minimise disturbance to your daily life. For very large projects, you may wish to stay elsewhere for part of the build.