RAPTOR ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION LTD
Your family needs more room and moving isn’t the answer. We build single-storey, double-storey, rear, side and wraparound extensions that connect into your existing home. Expect a site visit to confirm access and structure, a clear scope for roofing, brickwork and carpentry, then a written recommendation before any work starts. Send photos and basic dimensions to begin.
AN INTRODUCTION / 06
Need more space without moving? We’ll help you decide what works.
Thinking about an extension in Borehamwood? The practical question is where the extra space will sit and how it will join the existing house. We concentrate on the trades that make an extension weatherproof and durable — roofing, brickwork, masonry and carpentry — and explain where you may need design input or a structural survey. Start by sending photographs, a rough sketch and notes on access so we can give focused, practical feedback.
EXPLORE THE OPTIONSOUR SERVICES / 06
Faced with limited space, you’ll choose between ground-floor expansion, extra storeys or a combination. We cover the building work for single-storey, double-storey, rear, side and wraparound extensions. That includes tying in new roofs, laying foundations, matching brickwork and finishing joinery. Early on we’ll check site access, boundary constraints and whether our role is purely construction or if you’ll also need design or structural input from others.
Planning a single-storey extension for a kitchen, dining area or living room? We build ground-floor additions that tie into existing walls and roofs, ensure foundations suit the proposed footprint and integrate the new roof with the old to avoid leaks. Brickwork is matched to the existing elevation where possible — tell us about rear access and any established drains so we can plan deliveries and reduce disruption.
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS SERVICEWhen you need significant extra floor area, a double-storey extension increases both ground and first-floor rooms. We handle the construction elements — foundations, load-bearing masonry, structural beam installation and roofing — working to engineer’s drawings you or your designer supply. Early site assessment focuses on whether existing foundations need underpinning, how new loads transfer through the building, and where scaffolding and materials can be stored safely during the build.
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS SERVICERear extensions open up garden-facing space for larger kitchens, family rooms or open-plan living. We coordinate drainage connections, extend foundations beyond the existing footprint, and tie new roofs into the existing eaves and tiles in a way that keeps the extension weatherproof. Access for plant and materials is the practical priority for rear builds; tell us about gates, driveways and any restrictions so we can plan safe deliveries and scaffolding positions.
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS SERVICESide extensions broaden a property’s footprint to add extra rooms or circulation space. We assess boundary positions and build masonry walls that respect neighbouring lines, and we carry out the roof and carpentry work to integrate the new area. Party wall arrangements and narrow side access influence the build method and logistics, so provide details about boundaries and any existing agreements or tight gaps when you enquire.
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS SERVICEWraparound extensions combine side and rear elements to maximise floor area but add complexity in roof junctions, drainage and internal connections. We sequence groundworks, masonry runs and roofing so the new areas tie into the original building without creating moisture traps. Describe your preferred layout, access constraints and whether you already have structural drawings so we can advise which parts we can build and where specialist design input is needed.
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS SERVICEOUR PROCESS / FOUR STAGES
Deciding to extend brings a chain of practical questions: access, foundations, roof ties and finishes. We walk through site assessment, design coordination, structural works and finishing trades so you know which parts we carry out and when you’ll need architects or engineers. After an initial survey we explain next steps and produce a written scope and estimate before any commitment.
Send photos and a sketch and we’ll arrange a site visit where necessary to check access, ground conditions and how the new build will tie into the existing structure. On site we measure, note scaffold positions and record visible constraints such as drains, trees and boundary walls. We’ll identify what we can carry out ourselves and where an architect or structural survey is required to produce accurate pricing.
When your project needs drawings or planning consent, we work to the plans and structural calculations provided by your designer. We can advise on buildability, roof junctions and material choices during that stage, but formal planning submissions and structural surveys should come from qualified designers or engineers. Once drawings are agreed we prepare a construction specification setting out the roofing, brickwork and carpentry scope before tendering or confirming the build.
With a confirmed scope we start groundworks and foundations, then erect structural masonry and install load-bearing beams and joists. Roofing is scheduled early to make the extension weatherproof, with careful detailing where new and old roofs meet to avoid leaks. We coordinate deliveries and on-site storage to keep the site safe, and we keep you updated about major milestones so you know when critical structural stages are complete.
As the shell is finished we install windows, external doors, fascias and soffits, then carry out carpentry work like stud partitions, skirting and staircase fitting where needed. Our carpenters complete the joinery that prepares the space for trades such as plastering and flooring. Before handover we walk the job with you to list any final items and confirm compliance with building regulations through the appropriate inspections and certificates.
WHY CHOOSE RAPTOR / WHAT MATTERS
When roofing, brickwork and carpentry must work together on an extension, coordination avoids expensive rework. We bring those trades together so roofs are tied in correctly, walls are structurally sound and the finishings fit cleanly. That joined-up approach helps reduce surprises on site and makes it clearer which specialist reports or drawings you’ll need to secure before construction begins.
A new extension roof must integrate with the existing roofline to stop leaks and heat loss. We detail roof junctions, select compatible coverings and install flashings where new and old meet. Where dormers, valley gutters or mono-pitch roofs are required we plan the falls and drainage to avoid standing water. If you already have drawings, we build to them; if not, we’ll highlight what a roofing solution needs so your designer can include it.
Structural walls and finishes rely on accurate brickwork. We lay foundations, build cavity or solid walls to the required specification and match mortar and facing where possible to help the new work sit neatly against the old. For openings, lintels and movement joints we install supports that follow structural guidance, and we coordinate with engineers when non-standard details are needed.
Good carpentry turns a watertight shell into usable living space. We fit roof timbers, window and door frames, staircases and internal timber partitions to exacting lines so finishes follow cleanly. Our joinery prepares the building to receive plaster, skirting and final fixtures, and we can discuss options for internal timber work that suit your budget and desired aesthetic.
INSIGHT / Expert Guidance
You want usable space with predictable costs and a workable build method. Read this if you need practical guidance on extension types, site constraints and the trades involved so you can ask focused questions when you enquire.
Deciding where to place extra living area determines how disruptive the work will be. A single-storey rear extension often provides more kitchen or family space while generally avoiding extra load on foundations and requiring fewer structural interventions. A two-storey extension increases floor area but raises questions about foundations, load transfer and roofline changes that need structural input. Side extensions alter the footprint and street frontage, so clarify boundary lines and party wall matters early. Wraparound builds deliver the largest gain in space but increase junctions between old and new construction, raising the risk of water ingress and thermal bridging unless detailing is planned carefully. Match the extension type to site access and the level of disruption you and your neighbours can tolerate; restricted deliveries, scaffold or crane access will often narrow the realistic options and influence whether a simpler or staged approach is preferable.
Permitted development rules can allow smaller extensions without full planning but they impose strict limits on size, height and position relative to boundaries. For anything beyond those limits you’ll need a planning application and the council will consider neighbour impact, visual appearance and site context. Independently of planning, building regulations approval is required to verify structural safety, insulation, ventilation and fire-safety elements. Structural surveys are advisable when foundations are unknown, cracks exist or a double-storey change is proposed; those surveys determine foundation depth and beam sizes. Additionally, party wall issues arise with side extensions and can require formal notices and agreements with neighbours. Before committing to a design, confirm the status of underground drains and utility routes so that unexpected rerouting doesn’t inflate costs. Knowing these constraints early reduces the risk of designs having to be revised once construction starts.
Construction is noisy and disruptive; managing that disruption relies on realistic site logistics. Start by planning where materials and skips will be stored, how scaffolding will be erected and whether vehicles can reach the work area. Early conversations with neighbours about working hours and access reduce friction and make delivery windows easier to manage. On larger extensions, consider sequencing the work so roofing and external walls are completed as early phases to keep the interior dry and allow internal trades to follow in an orderly manner. Keep a single point of contact for decisions about finishes and variations to avoid delays, and expect site-based problem-solving as uncovered ground conditions or hidden structural elements may require modifications. Clear written records of variations, additional costs and approvals keep everyone aligned and reduce disputes at handover.
AREAS WE SERVE
We cover Borehamwood and neighbouring communities including Radlett, Barnet and Mill Hill. We work across Hertfordshire and adjacent parts of North London; tell us the postcode and we’ll confirm whether we can visit the site.
DISCUSS YOUR LOCATIONSTART THE CONVERSATION
Send us a few photographs and your postcode using the form, or give us a call. We will come back to you, arrange a survey where one is needed, and set out in writing what we recommend and why before any work is agreed.
QUESTIONS / HOUSE EXTENSIONS
Homeowners commonly ask about permissions, access and whether we handle design as well as build. Below are practical answers about risks, what to prepare and how we work with other specialists so you know what happens after you make first contact.
ASK ANOTHER QUESTIONNot always. Some smaller single-storey rear extensions fall within permitted development limits, but those rights have strict conditions on height, depth and proximity to boundaries. If your scheme exceeds those limits or affects a conservation area you’ll likely need a planning application. Send your site photos and a sketch so we can flag whether planning input is likely to be needed.
We undertake the construction work for roofing, brickwork and carpentry, and we build to the drawings and calculations supplied by your architect or engineer. If you don’t yet have those, we can recommend contacts for design and structural surveys, and we’ll explain the information we need so your designer can produce buildable drawings.
Access limits influence the build method and cost. We assess delivery routes, gate widths and on-site storage during the first visit and plan scaffold positions and delivery windows accordingly. If street offloading is required, we’ll explain the logistics involved and any additional labour needed to move materials safely from the kerb to the work area.
Structural surveys are advisable if foundations are unknown, the property shows cracking, or you propose a double-storey extension or large openings. A structural engineer will set out foundation and beam requirements; share any survey reports with us early so we can price and programme accurately. If a survey reveals unexpected ground conditions we’ll update the scope with clear options.
Key risks include hidden ground conditions, unforeseen utility runs, and party wall issues on side extensions. All can affect cost and build methods. Provide any known plans or utility records at enquiry, and let neighbours know about proposed works early. We’ll itemise foreseeable risks in our written scope and flag items that might require contingency budgets.
Following a site visit we provide a written scope describing the roofing, masonry and carpentry work we will carry out and any dependencies on design or surveys. From there we agree the specification and a programme with you, confirm inspection and certification stages, and keep a single point of contact for decisions during the build so variations are handled in writing.
