Bring Your Home’s Potential to Life
Before you call the estate agent, explore what thoughtful design can do. A tailored renovation or extension can deliver the extra bedroom, dream kitchen, or sun-drenched family hub you crave—at a lower carbon and financial cost than moving. As RIBA-chartered, award-winning architects, we blend structural ingenuity with elegant aesthetics to reimagine homes across Surrey.
Renovations vs Extensions—Which Path Is Right for You?
Renovation — Reconfigure and upgrade existing rooms for better flow, performance, and style.
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Extension — Add floor area with single-storey, double-storey, loft, or basement builds that stitch seamlessly into the original fabric. Either route, we design holistically so new and old read as one considered composition.
Why Partner with James Williamson Architects?
Advantage
Your Benefit
Surrey Planning Savvy
Fabric-First Sustainability
Cost Transparency
One-Team Delivery
Craft Meets Tech
Decades navigating green-belt, conservation-area, and PD rules—fewer delays, faster approvals.
Insulation upgrades, airtightness detailing, and MVHR that cut energy use up to 70 %.
Stage-by-stage cost plans + fixed-price contractor tenders keep budgets on course.
We orchestrate engineers, builders, and inspectors—so you stay inspired, not overwhelmed.
BIM-driven precision and artisan finishes, giving you flawless joins and timeless character.
What Our Renovation & Extension Service Covers
Vision Workshop — deep-dive briefing, lifestyle mapping, and mood-board curation.
Site Analysis & Feasibility — measure-up, structural checks, and planning constraints review.
Concept Design — 3-D massing + layout options that balance light, views, and circulation.
Planning & Building Regulations — full submission packs, neighbour consultations, and compliance sign-offs.
Technical Design & Specification — tender-ready drawings, eco-material schedules, and smart-home allowances.
Contract Administration — site inspections, valuations, and snag-free handover.
Popular Extension Types
Our 3-Stage Roadmap (RIBA Simplified)
For most projects, we simplify the architectural journey into (3) three major steps, aligning with the RIBA Stages. This approach ensures clarity, flexibility, and a seamless experience at every phase:
1. Design and Planning (Stages 0-3)
Feasibility
Concept
Planning Consent
2. Technical Design and Tender (Stage 4)
Detailed Drawings
Fixed-price
3. Construction and Handover (Stages 5-7)​​
On-site Oversight
Quality Assurance
Move-in Support
​Engage end-to-end or select stages à la carte—flexibility built in.
Ready to Start Your Home Renovation or Extension Project?
Let’s start a conversation about how we can bring your architectural aspirations to life. Book a free 15-minute introductory call with James Williamson and his team in Surrey, and let’s collaborate to design a home where every return is a joyful experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Renovation and Extensions
1. How long will my renovation take?
Typical single-storey extension: 6-9 months incl. design; whole-house overhaul: 9-15 months.
2. Do I need planning permission?
Many extensions qualify for Permitted Development, but we confirm and manage any applications required.
3. Can I live on-site during works?
Often yes for phased renovations; we advise on safety, logistics, and comfort.
4. What budget should I expect?
Current Surrey averages: £1,800–£2,800 / m² depending on spec and complexity. Early cost advice safeguards spend.
5. Will sustainability increase costs?
Fabric-first measures add modestly to capex yet cut bills for decades—ROI within 5–7 years.
Ready to Re-Imagine Rather Than Relocate?
Book a complimentary call and discover how we can add space, light, and lasting value to the home you already love. If you have any queries about our services, feel free to explore our FAQs for quick answers.