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Free site visits and fixed quotes across Essex and Suffolk

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Service Areas

Thorpe-le-SokenClacton-on-SeaFrinton-on-SeaWalton-on-the-NazeColchesterHarwichManningtreeIpswichSudbury

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What areas do you cover?

We are based in Thorpe-le-Soken and work throughout Essex and Suffolk, including Clacton-on-Sea, Frinton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze, Colchester, Harwich, Manningtree, Ipswich, Sudbury and the surrounding villages. If you are just outside these areas, call 01206 670196 and we will happily confirm.

How long have you been established?

Buildall Homes and Gardens grew out of Plantall, our grounds maintenance and landscaping business, and now operates as a dedicated residential and commercial construction company. That landscaping heritage means we bring years of hands-on experience to every extension, garden room and patio we build.

Who will I be dealing with?

You deal directly with our leadership team throughout. Olly is your first point of contact for the consultation, estimate and planning stages, and once work begins our Construction Director, Conor, leads the build on site, coordinating the team and maintaining quality control.

Do you provide free quotations?

Yes. Every quotation is free and comes with a clear breakdown of what is included, with no hidden costs. We prepare it after a site visit so the price reflects your actual project.

Is your work guaranteed and are you insured?

Yes. We stand behind our workmanship, only use quality materials from trusted suppliers, and carry the appropriate insurance. We are a registered limited company, so you have the reassurance of dealing with a properly established business.

How do payments work on a larger project?

For larger builds such as extensions we agree a clear, staged payment schedule up front, tied to milestones in the project. That keeps everything transparent and lets you plan your budget with confidence.

How much does a house extension cost?

The cost depends on the size, specification and complexity of the project. Single-storey extensions typically start from around £2,000 to £2,800 per square metre, but every project is different. We provide a detailed fixed quotation following a site visit.

Do I need planning permission?

Not always. Many extensions fall under Permitted Development, although larger extensions and certain properties will require planning permission. We will advise you before work begins.

Do you deal with Building Control?

Yes. We work alongside Building Control throughout the project to ensure your extension complies with current Building Regulations.

How long does an extension take?

A typical single-storey extension usually takes between 10 and 16 weeks, depending on the size, weather and specification.

Can you manage the whole project?

Absolutely. We can handle everything from groundworks and structural work through to roofing, windows, plastering and final finishes.

Will I be able to live in my house during the work?

In most cases, yes. We will discuss access, safety and disruption before work starts and keep inconvenience to a minimum.

Do you install steel beams (RSJs)?

Yes. We regularly install structural steelwork as part of extension projects, in accordance with the structural engineer's drawings.

Can you match my existing brickwork?

We always aim to source bricks and materials that closely match your existing property for a seamless finish.

Is your work guaranteed?

Yes. We stand behind our workmanship and only use quality materials from trusted suppliers.

Do you provide free quotations for extensions?

Yes. All quotations are free and come with a clear breakdown of what is included.

Do I need planning permission for a garden room?

Most garden rooms do not require planning permission if they fall within Permitted Development rules. We will advise based on your property.

Can I use my garden room all year round?

Yes. Our insulated garden rooms are designed for comfortable year-round use.

How long does it take to build a garden room?

Most projects are completed within 2 to 6 weeks depending on the size and specification.

Can you install electrics?

Yes. We can arrange certified electrical installation including lighting, sockets, heating and internet connections.

What can I use a garden room for?

A home office, gym, bar, games room, beauty salon, hobby room, guest accommodation or simply extra living space.

Do you build the foundations too?

Yes. We complete all groundwork and foundations before construction begins.

Can I customise the design?

Absolutely. Every garden room is built to suit your needs, from doors and windows to cladding, roofing and internal finishes.

Are garden rooms insulated?

Yes. We use modern insulation throughout the floor, walls and roof to create an energy-efficient building.

Can you build on sloping gardens?

Yes. We have built garden rooms on a wide variety of sites and can adapt the foundation design where required.

How much does a garden room cost?

Prices vary depending on size and specification, but we provide a bespoke quotation for every project.

Which paving is best, porcelain or sandstone?

Porcelain is low maintenance and has a contemporary finish. Sandstone offers a more traditional, natural appearance. We can help you choose the right option.

How much does a new patio cost?

This depends on the paving chosen, site conditions and preparation required. We provide fixed quotations with no hidden costs.

How long does a patio installation take?

Most patios take between 3 and 10 working days depending on the size and complexity.

Will weeds grow through my patio?

When installed correctly on a proper sub-base with quality jointing compound, weed growth is greatly reduced.

Do you remove the old patio?

Yes. We can remove and responsibly dispose of your existing patio before installing the new one.

Do you install drainage?

Yes. We ensure your patio has the correct falls and drainage to prevent standing water.

Can you build steps and retaining walls?

Yes. We regularly construct steps, retaining walls, raised planters and seating areas as part of patio projects.

How do I maintain my patio?

A simple clean a few times a year is usually enough. We can also recommend sealers where appropriate.

Can patios be installed in winter?

Yes, although weather conditions may affect scheduling. We will always advise if temperatures could impact installation quality.

Do you offer design advice?

Absolutely. We can recommend layouts, paving styles, borders and colours to suit your home.

What driveway surfaces do you offer?

We install block paving, resin-bound and gravel driveways. We will talk you through the look, maintenance and cost of each so you can choose the right option for your home.

How long does a driveway take?

Most driveways take around one to two weeks depending on the size, the surface and any groundwork or drainage needed. We will give you a clear timescale with your quotation.

Do you install drainage?

Yes. We lay the correct falls and, where needed, drainage channels so surface water runs away properly and your driveway meets regulations.

Do you remove the old driveway?

Yes. We excavate and responsibly dispose of your existing driveway and prepare a proper sub-base before laying the new surface.

Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?

Usually not, provided the surface is permeable or drainage is directed to a soakaway rather than the road. We will advise you before work begins.

Is your driveway work guaranteed?

Yes. We use quality materials and stand behind our workmanship, and every driveway comes with a free, fixed quotation.

What kind of carpentry do you do?

We build bespoke timber work including oak pergolas, cedar slatted screens, decking, fencing, gates and fitted interior joinery. If it is made from timber, it is worth asking us.

Can you design something bespoke?

Absolutely. Every piece is designed around your space and how you want to use it, from the timber and finish to the fixings and detailing.

What timber do you use?

We use quality timber suited to the job, such as oak and cedar for outdoor structures, and we finish and treat it to stand up to the weather and last.

Do you build decking and fencing?

Yes. We install decking, fencing, gates and screens, including all the groundwork, posts and fixings needed for a solid, long-lasting result.

Do you handle the groundwork too?

Yes. We handle the full job, including foundations, posts and fixings, so you have one team accountable from start to finish.

Is your carpentry work guaranteed?

Yes. We stand behind our workmanship and only use quality materials, and every job comes with a free, fixed quotation.