Building Guides for London Homeowners
Costs, planning rules and practical advice on extensions, lofts, kitchens, bathrooms and roofing, written by the team that does the work.
Building and renovation guides for London homeowners
Straight answers on costs, planning and what to expect, written by the team that does the work. Prices are indicative 2026 London figures; we confirm a fixed price after a site visit.
House Extension Cost in London (2026): Single, Double and Kitchen
What a house extension costs in London in 2026: side return, rear and wraparound prices, fees and hidden costs. The cost of an extension…
Read the guide (3 min)
House Extension Cost in London (2026): Single, Double and Kitchen
What a house extension costs in London in 2026: side return, rear and wraparound prices, fees and hidden costs. The cost of an extension…
3 min read
Loft Conversion Cost in London (2026): Dormer, Mansard, Hip-to-Gable
How much a loft conversion costs in London in 2026: dormer, hip-to-gable and mansard prices, plus fees and extras. The cost of a loft…
3 min read
Landlord Maintenance Checklist for London Rentals (2026)
Landlord maintenance checklist for London rentals: legal safety checks, between-tenancy jobs, seasonal upkeep and how to keep void periods short.
3 min read
Mini Renovation Ideas: Big Impact for Under £10,000
Mini renovation ideas for London homes: refresh a bathroom, kitchen, hallway or floors for under £10,000, with indicative costs and timings.
3 min read
Slate vs Tile Roof: Cost, Lifespan and Which to Choose
Natural slate vs clay vs concrete roof tiles: 2026 UK costs per square metre, lifespan, weight, pitch, conservation areas and which suits a London…
4 min read
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Dormer? (England 2026)
Do you need planning permission for a dormer loft conversion? Plain-English guide to permitted development limits, conservation areas and applications.
4 min read
Loft Conversion with En-Suite: Cost and What Is Possible
What a loft conversion with en-suite costs in London in 2026, head height, drainage, stairs, fire safety and layout tips, with photos from our…
4 min read
How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take? Stage by Stage
A typical London bathroom renovation takes 2 to 4 weeks on site. See each stage from strip-out to sealant, what causes delays and how…
4 min read
Walk-In Shower vs Bath: Which Is Best for a Small Bathroom?
Walk-in shower or bath for a small London bathroom? Space, cost, water use, resale value and the shower bath compromise, with photos from real…
4 min read
How Much Does a Downstairs Toilet Cost in London? (2026)
How much a downstairs or under stairs toilet costs in London in 2026: plumbing, drainage, fitting and what pushes the price up.
5 min read
Planning Permission for an Extension in Harrow
Do you need planning permission for an extension or loft in Harrow? Conservation areas, permitted development, local guidance and practical tips for Harrow and…
3 min read
Planning Permission for an Extension in Brent
Do you need planning permission for an extension or loft in Brent? Conservation areas, permitted development, local guidance and practical tips for Willesden and…
3 min read
Planning Permission for an Extension in Haringey
Do you need planning permission for an extension or loft in Haringey? Conservation areas, permitted development, local guidance and practical tips for Muswell Hill…
3 min read
Planning Permission for an Extension in Camden
Do you need planning permission for an extension or loft in Camden? Conservation areas, permitted development, local guidance and practical tips for Hampstead and…
3 min read
Planning Permission for an Extension in Barnet
Do you need planning permission for an extension or loft in Barnet? Conservation areas, permitted development, local guidance and practical tips for Barnet and…
3 min read
Party Wall Agreements Explained for London Homeowners
When you need a party wall notice, the three types of notice, notice periods, surveyors, costs and how to keep neighbours on side during…
3 min read
Loft Conversions and Permitted Development
Loft conversion permitted development rules in England: size limits, when you need planning permission and what changes in a conservation area.
3 min read
Permitted Development for House Extensions in London
What you can build without planning permission in London: rear, side and two-storey extension limits, prior approval, conservation areas, flats and Article 4.
3 min read
Roof Replacement Cost in London (2026 Guide)
Roof replacement in London: 2026 new roof costs by house type, slate vs tile, flat roofs and scaffold. Free roof survey and a fixed…
3 min read
Kitchen Extension Cost in London (2026 Guide)
What a kitchen extension costs in London in 2026: side return, rear and wraparound prices, kitchen budgets, hidden costs and how to keep the…
3 min read
Side Return Extension: Is It Worth It for a London Terrace?
Is a side return extension worth it for a London terrace? Costs, planning, light, layout and the value it adds, explained by a London…
3 min read
6 Signs You Need a New Roof
Six clear signs your roof is near the end of its life, slipped tiles, gutter grit, sagging, loft daylight, and when to repair versus…
3 min read
How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in London?
How much a bathroom renovation costs in London in 2026: fitting prices, tiling, plumbing and what pushes the cost up.
3 min read
How Long Does a House Extension Take? A Realistic London Timeline
A realistic stage-by-stage timeline for a single-storey rear extension in London, design, planning, the build, and what causes delays.
3 min read
GRP vs EPDM Flat Roof: Which Is Right for Your London Home?
GRP fibreglass or EPDM rubber for your flat roof? How they compare on lifespan, cost, installation and best use, from a North West London…
3 min read
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Rear Extension in London?
When a rear extension in London is permitted development and when you need full planning permission, depth limits, conservation areas, Article 4 and party…
3 min read
Permitted Development Guide (PDF)
How far can you extend without planning permission? 20 pages of clear diagrams covering rear, side and porch limits, the 6m and 8m route and conservation areas.
Ready to Transform Your Property?
Whether you're planning a renovation, extension, loft conversion, or full refurbishment, our team is here to help. We provide clear advice, transparent pricing, and professional project management from start to finish.
Contact Details:
Email: info@arkivongroup.co.uk
Call / WhatsApp: 07754 690740
Office Line: 020 8830 9702