Saint Developments Ltd FAQs

Our Client Journey and FAQs

Begin your journey with us through a personalised initial consultation, where we listen to your vision, offer expert insights, and outline a tailored plan to bring your dream space to life with unmatched quality and craftsmanship.

1. Initial Consultation

Our process ensures every detail aligns with your vision. We partner with some of the best architects and engineers in the region, collaborating closely to refine the design, select premium materials, and finalise specifications that guarantee both beauty and functionality in your custom-built space. And because of our years of local experience, should your project require planning and building control oversite we’ll manage this on your behalf professionally and efficiently.

2. Design, Approval and Specification

Based on the already defined project specification, you’ll receive a comprehensive quotation that reflects the true value of your project, with a detailed breakdown of costs, potential timelines, and material options - ensuring you get the highest quality without surprises.

Not sure on all the fixtures and finishes yet? Don’t worry. We’ll set clear allowances for all unknowns, giving you the confidence to proceed without losing control of your overall budget.

3. Quotation

Defining the relationship between us, our contact and timeline document outlines every step of your project, ensuring work progresses seamlessly, with clear milestones, transparent communication, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results on schedule.

Our aim is always to ensure a hassle-free building experience from start to finish.

4. Timeline and Contract

During the construction phase, our team oversees every detail, ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship, precise execution, and continuous communication. Changes are managed efficiently, with any adaptations to the project budget or timeline reviewed with you before work commences, giving you complete control.

And if things should go wrong for any reason, we proactively address any challenges that arise with transparency and expertise, ensuring swift resolutions while maintaining the highest standards of quality and minimising any impact on your project timeline.

5. Construction

Once your project is complete, we conduct a thorough inspection with you to ensure every aspect meets our premium standards. Our aftercare service offers continued support, guaranteeing your space stays pristine and any post-construction needs are promptly addressed.

6. Completion and Aftercare

Saint Developments Ltd Oak Porch Construction

Frequently Asked Questions

Construction Costs

Whilst building costs can vary wildly depending factors such as specification, access, expediency, and nature of the existing structure, our ballpark costs table will give you a good starting point when budgeting your project. It’s important to keep in mind, all but the smallest builders will be adding VAT to their costs.

  • £1,800 – £2,800/m2 of additional floor area.

    Extension costs for m2 vary based on overall size and specification. Depth of footings, wall construction, roof type and outside finish all play a part.

    Higher specifications such as complex structural arrangements and specialist glazing can increase m2 costs, as can the size, with smaller extensions costing more per m2 overall.

  • £800 – £1,500/m2 of additional floor area.

    Without groundwork costs, an additional storey can cost significantly less per m2. Building over an existing floor will incur the cost of a new roof, while adding an additional floor to a yet-to-be-built extension will cost less per m2, as the roof will already be incorporated into the original price.

  • £2,500 – £9,000 per opening.

    Open-plan kitchen/living areas often require the removal of existing structural walls. Simpler projects may just require an internal wall to be removed and made good. More complex projects might need one or more external walls to be removed, with a series of integrated steel posts and beams.

  • £1,200 – £2,100/m2 of additional floor space (above 1500mm ceiling height)

    Your existing roof structure, access from the top floor, and the size of your loft conversion will all factor in to the overall cost of your project. Properties with ample existing loft space will be simpler and cheaper to implement, while adding new room-in-roof trusses to an existing property will result in higher costs

  • Whilst most refurbishments are a combiation of works of varying complexity, the cost to update an existing structure is roughly as follows:

    Cosmetic uplift - up to £500/m2
    New wiring/plumbing - £500 - £1,000/m2
    Back to brick (including minor structural changes) - £1,000 - £1,400/m2

Other Fees

The actual construction phase of a project is often the culmination of various other activities, some of which have costs associated with them. Again, VAT may be added to these costs.

  • £1,000 – £10,000

    An architect will provide consultation, design, and advice on finishes services. They will consider your individual requirements, the aesthetic of your whole property, and present ideas based on your initial vision.

  • £258+

    A householder planning application fee, payable to the local authority. The application can be managed by an architect, or construction partner like Saint Developments, if you wish.

  • £700 – £1400 +.

    Local building inspectors ensure relevant projects comply with current building regulations. Inspectors can review project designs and plans, recommending construction standards, and will inspect/sign off complying projects once complete.

  • £600 – £3,000+

    A Structural Engineer will design structural components fo ryour project, such as footings, walls, steels and lintels, floors and roofs. Calculations and specifications will be required by Building Control.

  • These may include:

    Measured Survey (including laser meaurement surveys, topographical surveys, drainage surveys) - From £1,000.

    Protected Species Survey (inclding inspections, monitoring and reporting) - from £500.

    Tree Reports (including full surveys, condition reports, impact and method statements) - From £700.

    Party Wall Surveys/Services (including notices and agreements) - £200 for notices, £1,000+ for awards.

    Public Sewer Buildover Agreement - £400+.

  • £1,500+

    Moving or connecting utilities such as water, gas and electricity requires Cadent (gas), Anglian Water (water), or UK Power Networks (electricity) to visit your site. The costs of works can very depending on the distance supplies need to move.

Factors to Consider

Every project is unique, and can therefore vary in cost significantly. A range of factors will contribute to the final price of your project.

  • Below ground works, including where your drains run, can impact the cost a feasibility of any project. Saint Developments can help you understand where your drains run, who owns them, and how they will be integrated into your plans, assisting with designs to minimise their impact on your project budget.

  • If you’re planning on extending, the type of soil your proerty is built on will impact the size and type of foundations you require. Soils with a high sand content provide good support for foundations, while clay soils can present issues. Saint Developments work with structural engineers to design appropriate foundation details for any type of ground type.

  • Trees and large shrubs can impact building foundations, both through root ingress and their impact on the surroundoing soils through water removal. Site with localised trees and shrubs will need deeper foundations, or the integration of foundation protection measures.

  • Whether you’re renovating or extending, or both, the age and style of your property will often dictate the specification of any changes or additions, impacting on timelines and costs. Listed properties, or those in conservation areas are subject to restrictions on designs and materials used, while older properties may require specialist works to integrate your ideas effectively. Saint developments has the knowledge and expertise to guide and assist you through this process, helping to implement your vision for your new space.

  • Structural works, and the complexity of the structural elements within your design, will impact on your project costs. Extensive steelwork, structural glazing, and unique roof designs can all raise the price of a project. That’s why Saint Developments works closely with architects and structural engineers to mitigate the need for excessive structural elements if at all possible, without compromising your vision for your new space.

  • The more space in and around your property, the easier it is to operate a safe and efficeint construction site. The more confined the site, the more likely work will have to be carried our by hand, from moving materials, to excavating footings and removing waste. Saint Developments has extensive experience managing construction projects of all sizes, scheduling activities to minimise site traffic and working cleanly, efficiently and safely.

  • A good relationship with your neighbours can be invaluable on a renovation or extension project. Works can be disruptive, and the support of a neighbour to allow access and tolerate some upheaval can be highly beneficial to any construction project.

Get In Touch

We’re always keen to work with clients who have high expectations on quality and project delivery.

If you’re searching for a specialist in premium extensions and renovations, we would be delighted to quote for your project.

We are based in Bury St Edmunds but will consider projects in the surrounding areas including Newmarket, Cambridge, Sudbury, Stowmarket, and Thetford.

Email us: info@saintdevelopments.co.uk
Call us: 01284 598050

Saint Developments Ltd
122 Hardwick Lane
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP33 2LE
United Kingdom