RAPTOR ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION LTD
Your family needs more room — an extension adds the living space you want without moving house. We handle the brickwork, roofing and carpentry that form the core of most extensions, advising on practical choices, site constraints and the next steps so you can decide whether to proceed and what to ask a contractor.
AN INTRODUCTION / 06
You already know you need more space — perhaps a bigger kitchen, extra bedroom or open-plan ground floor. We start by looking at how the new area will connect with your home, what access and boundaries mean for the build, and which trades are essential so you can picture the project and make a confident enquiry.
Planning an extension starts with a measured survey and a clear brief so costs and feasibility become realistic. We assess access, foundations, drainage and how new roofing and brickwork will tie into the existing structure, then explain the likely scope and list the documents you’ll need for any planning or Building Regulations conversations.
EXPLORE THE OPTIONSOUR SERVICES / 06
Deciding which extension suits you depends on plot size, how much garden you’re willing to use, and how the new space should flow with the existing rooms. We’ll help you weigh the trade-offs between footprint loss, structural complexity and internal layout so you can choose single-storey, double-storey, rear, side or wraparound schemes with confidence.
A single-storey extension expands your ground-floor living area and is commonly chosen for larger kitchens or open-plan living. We assess foundations, drainage and roof tie-ins so the new structure drains correctly and matches the existing appearance. Practical access for deliveries and how close the build sits to boundaries influence material choice and site set-up.
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS SERVICEA double-storey addition creates extra rooms without using more garden space but brings greater structural work. We review load-bearing walls, stair positioning and how the new roof and upper walls will integrate with the current home. Structural calculations, careful sequencing and clear neighbour communication are key parts of this type of project.
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS SERVICEA rear extension increases living space while keeping the street frontage unchanged. We check garden depth, existing drainage and how the new roof will meet the existing eaves and gutters. Internal connections and natural light are planned to improve flow between rooms while ensuring the junctions between new and old fabric are weatherproof.
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS SERVICESide extensions add width to a property and can be single- or double-storey. We assess access around the property for deliveries and plant, how the build sits against boundaries and whether alterations to existing openings are needed. The work often involves new rooflines and careful flashing to prevent leaks where the extension meets the original house.
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS SERVICEA wraparound combines side and rear work to create a larger, cohesive ground-floor plan. These projects need more complex sequencing and coordination across trades to tie foundations, walls and roofs together. We plan logistics, protection for existing areas and the interface with neighbours to reduce disruption through a clearer, staged build programme.
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS SERVICEOUR PROCESS / FOUR STAGES
Your extension will progress in stages from survey and design through to construction and final checks. We run each stage with a focus on practical sequencing: clear briefs and measured surveys first, then drawings and structural work, followed by masonry, roofing and internal finishes. We set out responsibilities and next steps in writing after the initial site visit.
Begin by telling us what you want to achieve and sending photos plus your postcode and any basic measurements. From that we advise whether a measured survey is necessary; the survey then identifies access issues, boundary constraints and visible structural features so the design phase proceeds on accurate information.
Once we have measured information and a brief, we work with your architect or provide practical input on buildability, materials and roof connections. We identify potential Building Regulations requirements and whether a planning application might be needed, and advise on party wall matters. Structural calculations are arranged where the design affects load-bearing walls.
Groundworks and foundations come first, followed by brickwork, structural frames and roofing that ties into your existing home. We coordinate carpentry, roofers and masons to reduce interface problems and manage deliveries to suit access constraints. Regular on-site checks ensure junctions between old and new are weatherproof and compliant with the specification.
At practical completion we carry out a thorough inspection and prepare a snagging list for any minor defects. We confirm that roofs, gutters and external junctions are watertight and that internal finishes meet the agreed specification. Afterhand advice covers routine checks on flashings, pointing and timber to help prevent avoidable issues later.
WHY CHOOSE RAPTOR / WHAT MATTERS
You need a build team that coordinates the core construction trades and communicates clearly through each stage. We combine roofing, brickwork and carpentry skills so those elements of your extension are managed together, reducing handovers and clarifying responsibility for the structure of the new build.
Keeping roofing, brickwork and joinery with one team avoids conflicting handovers. We manage those trades directly so the new roof, wall junctions and joinery are planned and executed with consistent methods and tools, simplifying site coordination and removing ambiguity about who fixes interface issues.
When you need decisions about foundations, roof connections or boundary access we give direct, practical recommendations based on the measured survey. We outline the choices, the likely build implications and what you should expect to see in a written specification so you can compare quotes on a like‑for‑like basis.
Extensions require many trade interactions and neighbour awareness. We set out a site plan, delivery and protection arrangements at the start, and keep you informed about sequencing and any issues that arise so you’re not surprised by how the work affects day‑to‑day life during the job.
INSIGHT / Insightful Home Expansion
Faced with limited space or the desire to stop moving, homeowners need clear practical guidance. We explain the decisions that affect cost, disruption and suitability — from plot constraints and access to how roofing and brickwork must integrate — so you can choose the right type of extension and know what to prepare before asking for a quote.
Deciding how you’ll use the new space — extra living area, a larger kitchen or added bedrooms — sets the design priorities. Measure your garden and note side access because narrow passages can rule out certain builds or require alternative delivery methods. Single‑storey extensions suit homeowners who prefer a simpler structural approach and less impact on internal circulation, while double‑storey projects conserve horizontal space but demand more intrusive structural work, stairspace and careful integration of rooflines. Rear extensions keep the street frontage intact and deliver usable space to the rear; side and wraparound options change the footprint and usually need tighter boundary protection and neighbour discussions. An early site assessment lets you weigh these choices against how you actually use the house.
Permissions vary: some projects sit within permitted development while others need full planning consent. Building Regulations still govern structural safety, insulation and fire precautions for most extensions. We examine foundations, load‑bearing changes and roof junctions as part of the technical brief and advise what building control officers will expect to see. Where work touches a neighbour’s boundary a party wall procedure may apply; addressing that at the outset prevents late objections. Having drawings, a measured survey and a clear specification makes applications smoother and gives you a firm basis for contractor proposals.
Choosing materials affects both appearance and long-term performance. Matching brickwork, appropriate mortar and a roof that ties properly into existing tiles or coverings prevents common defects such as leaks or damp where new and old meet. Foundations must be designed for the soil conditions and load demand of the new structure; this sometimes means stepped or reinforced footings. Insulation and ventilation choices influence comfort and running costs, so specify U‑values and ventilation details early. We plan the carpentry for roof timbers and internal works so structural connections are visible and accessible for inspection. Practical decisions on materials and methods made before ordering minimise waste, reduce lead-time risks and keep the build more predictable.
AREAS WE SERVE
We handle enquiries for house extensions in Hoddesdon and also cover nearby Hertford, Cheshunt and Ware. If you live in these towns and want to discuss an extension, tell us the postcode and send a few photographs so we can advise whether a measured survey is the next step.
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
Common questions cover permissions, costs and how trades are coordinated. Below are practical answers and the steps you should take before asking for a formal proposal.
ASK ANOTHER QUESTIONWhether you need planning permission depends on size, design and how the extension affects neighbours. Start by checking permitted development limits and speak with your local planning authority if you’re unsure. Even where planning isn’t required, Building Regulations approval is usually needed and a measured survey helps determine the correct route.
Budget for design and survey fees, structural calculations where needed, foundations, materials, labour and a contingency for unexpected discoveries during works. Ask for a detailed cost breakdown from contractors so you can compare like for like and identify who supplies each trade and any provisional sums.
We directly cover roofing, brickwork and carpentry, which are the core structural elements of many extensions. Other trades such as electricians, plumbers and plasterers are usually coordinated through the main contractor; confirm in writing which trades are included and who manages specialist inspections prior to starting work.
Narrow side access, restricted on‑street parking and proximity to boundaries all influence deliveries and plant usage. Tell us about gates, driveways and any tree or neighbour constraints early so we can plan deliveries, storage and protective measures and factor any additional logistics into the proposal.
Roof junctions are a critical detail: flashing, upstands and eaves connections must be designed to prevent water ingress. We survey the existing roof and specify how the new roof covering and flashings will integrate so the interface remains weatherproof and maintainable over time.
At completion we walk the project with you, prepare a snagging list for minor items and confirm responsibilities for outstanding work. We explain routine checks for flashings, pointing and external timber and advise on any maintenance services we provide for roofs, gutters and brick repairs.
