Guides
Plain-English guides
The questions we get asked most, answered by an engineer.
Can I do my own pre-completion inspection? (2026 rules)
Code V2 lets buyers inspect their own new build before completion. What the rules say, the hard part, and when a professional is worth it.
Read the guidePre-completion inspections explained
What the New Homes Quality Code lets you do before completion, when to book, and what happens to the defects found.
Read the guideDo I need planning permission for an extension?
Permitted development, prior approval and full planning, explained for houses in England, including the catch on newer estates.
Read the guidePlanning drawings vs building regs drawings: what's the difference?
Why most extensions need two sets of drawings, what each one shows, and where structural calculations fit.
Read the guideWhat is a snagging survey, and is it worth it?
What gets checked, what a report looks like, when to book and what it costs.
Read the guideReady for a fixed price?
Tell us about your project or the home you're buying. You'll get a clear, fixed quote, usually the same day.