Blenford specialises in high-quality house extensions across Oxford and Oxfordshire, helping homeowners create more space while adding value to their property. We have delivered extensions throughout Oxford, from kitchen and single-storey rear extensions to larger double-storey and architect-designed projects.
Extending can be an excellent alternative to moving home, particularly in Oxford where additional living space can be extremely valuable. Depending on the property and your requirements, an extension can create a larger kitchen and dining area, additional bedrooms, a home office or completely transform the way your existing home is used.
Every extension involves careful planning. Blenford can manage the construction process from the initial stages through to completion, working alongside your architect and structural engineer and coordinating the requirements of Building Control. Our experience working on properties across Oxford means we understand the challenges involved in extending both modern homes and Oxford’s older and period properties.
If extending isn’t possible because of the available space, a loft or garage conversion may provide another way to create additional living accommodation within your existing property.
You may need planning permission for your extension and you will need to approach your local District Council (not the County Council) for advice and to apply.
Most Oxfordshire District Councils offer a planning advisory service so you can ask questions before you officially apply for planning permission as not all extensions will need planning, e.g. you can build various single storey extensions without planning permission, providing the extension fits within certain parameters. Here is a list for example.
Visit the government website for a full list of caveats and then get in touch with you district council for advice and to apply.
Once you have planning permission (if you need it) there are other legal issues to consider as your project progresses that Blenford Ltd. will help you with.
If you are planning an extension that will affect a wall that you and your neighbour share you have to serve notice to your neighbours when you are planning the build.
During the build and particularly at certain key stages such as fitting steel beams, a building inspector will need to come to inspect the build (regardless of whether planning permission is needed). This ensures building regulations are being met and the quality of the build is up to the government’s standards. We will liaise with the building inspector on your behalf and make sure they are notified to visit at key stages so there is no hold up in the progress of the project.
Once your extension is completed and the building inspectors have been to ensure every regulation has been met and the build is to a high standard you will be issued
with a Completion Certificate from your local council.
Blenford know that you not only need excellent quality at the agreed price but that the project should run smoothly and consistently. This is why we offer all the trades your extension will need as well as a dedicated project manager to ensure the legal side of your project runs just as smoothly.
