Can I live at the property during the refurbishment?

We always recommend that you arrange for alternative accommodation during the project. Some of our clients choose to live at the property during the work, and, of course, we make that possible. However, please be advised that this arrangement comes with a significant increases in stress, cost and duration of the project.

Do I need planning permission for my refurbishment?

You won’t need planning permission for most refurbishment projects. If you are not changing the external appearance of your flat or your house, you won’t need planning permission. In many cases, you can make a loft conversion or a rear/side extension within permitted development rights. You can find all the details on which type of extensions are allowed under permitted development here. However, if you are planning to refurbish a listed building, you may need permission.

How long will my refurbishment take?

As per the duration of a project, it cannot be estimated without the full details. If you want to plan ahead, for alternative accommodation for example, we recommend at least: For smaller flat refurbishment, approximately 4 to 6 months. For house refurbishment, approximately 6 – 8 months These estimations relate to straightforward refurbishments like loft conversions or rear and side extensions. More complex work like basement excavations can only be estimated with more details, especially if access to the property is a consideration. Composition of the soil etc are also important factors.

I am buying a property, can you help me estimate how much the refurbishment would cost?

When you buy a new property, it is very likely that you’ll plan for a refurbishment. You can find some very good deals on the market, where you can buy a property for a good price when it needs some work done. By offering an estimation on work to be done, we can help you make the right decision and offer the right price for the potential property.

I have all the drawings ready with my architect, can you do the building works for me?

We certainly can! We work with the best architects in London through a tender process, for clients that choose to have the designs for their refurbishment made by an independent architect. We can provide quotes in our own very detailed format or in your architect’s preferred format.

I want to do everything with one company, can you do design and refurbishment for me?

Yes we can. We collaborate with top architects specialising in London house refurbishment and renovation planning which allows us to create designs that suit you and your needs. We will match you with architects who have specific experience in your area, share your vision and style for your refurbishment project. Doing the design and build with us gives you a view and control of the projected costs of your refurbishment from the very first day. You will be able to make well-informed choices for your design while understanding the cost implications and opting for the best solution for your investment. Check out our Design & Build page for more information.

What works make the biggest difference in the final cost of my refurbishment project?

Typically excavation to extend or create a basement under an existing property is one of the most expensive types of work in construction. The cost of finishes is another big factor in the final cost of a flat or house refurbishment.

HomeServicesLocal Builders Chiswick, London

Local Builders Chiswick, London

Who we are? houseUP is an innovative construction company based in London. We offer customer oriented construction services and use digital tools to communicate with our customers, suppliers and contractors. Our project management and our estimations are completely digitalised, too. We use the latest technologies, together with knowledge and continuous research on the history of building and architecture in London, to perform amazing transformations of period buildings, especially in West London.

In our team we have:

Architects, Planners and Interior Designers
Structural Engineers
Project Managers
Quantity Surveyors
Professional Builders
Specialised Tradespeople

Local Builders Chiswick, London — houseUP London

Building Services in Chiswick

01Planning, Design and Interiors
For our design and build projects in Chiswick, Hammersmith, Hampstead and all West London we partner with local architects and designers. Our clients have all the benefits of working with local professionals who are experts of the council’s requirements and already have excellent relationships with the planning officers.

For all the details on our approach for design and build in West London you can visit our Design and Build page.
02Conservation Architecture
As many areas in Chiswick and West London are designated conservation areas, we specialise in conservation architecture and listed building alterations and design. We often manage to obtain planning permission in conservation areas, even when our clients thought it would be impossible.

Our secret is a deep knowledge of the history of the local architecture. Chiswick has always been a fertile terrain for new architectural trends and styles in the last couple of centuries. Our conservation experts are able to develop innovative designs that follow the historical vocation of the area while respectful of the local vernacular.

For all the details on our approach for design and build in conservation areas in West London you can visit our Conservation Architecture page.
03House Renovation
A house renovation is a great investment for your Chiswick home. Renovating your property creates the feeling of living in a new home without all the known hassle associated with moving. If you love living in West London and want to explore all the options you have to renovate your property, you can find all the info you need at our dedicated house renovation page.
04Flat Refurbishment
For our flat refurbishments in Chiswick, we take care of everything with your neighbours, the resident’s association, the management company, and your freeholder. Party wall, working hours, rubbish removal, method statements, we cover everything for your, whether your flat is in a 2-apartment building or a 30-dwelling Victorian mansion block. For more info you can check our page dedicated to property refurbishments in West London.
05Loft Conversion / Roof Development
Adding a loft conversion is a fantastic option to get more space without moving. Whether you are developing the roof of a top floor flat or a house, with houseUP you can leverage our experience with the Hounslow and the Ealing councils for the necessary planning permissions for bigger developments or conversions inside conservation areas. We can also help with early feasibility studies and conversions within permitted development rights. For all the info on the types of loft conversions, average costs and more see our pare dedicated to loft conversions in London.
06House Extensions
Extending your house is a great option to gain more space for a new room, to have a larger kitchen or more living space for the family. Any additional space in London is precious, and extending is a cost effective solution to improve your quality of life and increase the value of your property. That is why choosing the right house extension company is crucial for a final result in line with your expectations.

Space is very valuable in West London and rear and side extensions are a great option to add more living space for the family. In houseUP we can create the perfect design to maximise the space gain and keep plenty of outdoor space in your garden. Whether you want a larger kitchen, a play room for your children or a cosy living space for TV and video games, our teams will make it happen. Find out more about our house extension approach for Chiswick homes, even if you already have designs and plans from your chosen architect or designer.
07Basement Conversion
In premium areas like Chiswick r Hammersmith, , a basement conversion is perfect for an additional living space when extending upwards or outwards is not possible.

Technology and materials have evolved so that a basement is no longer a dark low-ceilinged space. If well designed and properly built, a basement can be used for virtually any purpose in your house, including an open plan kitchen, for example.

To learn more about the steps to take to understand if a basement is feasible for you, see our page dedicated to basements in London.

Ready to start?

Get a free site visit and quote for your local builders chiswick, london.

Our projects in Chiswick

The aerial view of Bedford Park Mansions, in the Bedford Park Conservation Area. Developing the roof of one of the top floor flats, a grass terrace, a media room and a sauna were added to the 3-bedroom 4-bathrooms property. See here.

Our projects in Chiswick

For the roof terrace we designed a bespoke drainage system. The inside and outside surfaces are perfectly flush, creating a strong link between the indoor space and the open terrace. See here.

Our projects in Chiswick

The new staircase created from the original flat hallway to the new built floor. The warmth of classic herringbone parquet is the perfect counterpart for the modern design of the Italian staircase. See here.

Chiswick

Chiswick is one of our favourite areas to work in London. In our history, we have moved more and more towards North London and West London especially, with Hounslow and Ealing as the councils with great impetus for innovative solutions to improve living spaces with innovative architectural solutions.

This is not new for Chiswick, as the history of its residential architecture is varied and remained dynamic in the past centuries, from the terraces of Heathfield and Grove Park to the big houses in Italianate style, from the Tudor inspiration to the vernacular architecture of so many residential streets in Chiswick.

As builders in Chiswick, we have learned a deep respect for these beautiful buildings, so strong and so fragile at the same time. We take deep pride and satisfaction in our projects in W4, where we extended roofs, created extra rooms and opened up spaces to light, always in the spirit of beauty and functionality.

Local Builders Chiswick, London — FAQs

Questions and answers

Common questions about our local builders chiswick, london service

Can I live at the property during the refurbishment?
We always recommend that you arrange for alternative accommodation during the project.

Some of our clients choose to live at the property during the work, and, of course, we make that possible. However, please be advised that this arrangement comes with a significant increases in stress, cost and duration of the project.
Do I need planning permission for my refurbishment?
You won’t need planning permission for most refurbishment projects. If you are not changing the external appearance of your flat or your house, you won’t need planning permission. In many cases, you can make a loft conversion or a rear/side extension within permitted development rights. You can find all the details on which type of extensions are allowed under permitted development here.

However, if you are planning to refurbish a listed building, you may need permission.
How long will my refurbishment take?
As per the duration of a project, it cannot be estimated without the full details. If you want to plan ahead, for alternative accommodation for example, we recommend at least:

For smaller flat refurbishment, approximately 4 to 6 months. For house refurbishment, approximately 6 – 8 months These estimations relate to straightforward refurbishments like loft conversions or rear and side extensions. More complex work like basement excavations can only be estimated with more details, especially if access to the property is a consideration. Composition of the soil etc are also important factors.
I am buying a property, can you help me estimate how much the refurbishment would cost?
When you buy a new property, it is very likely that you’ll plan for a refurbishment. You can find some very good deals on the market, where you can buy a property for a good price when it needs some work done.

By offering an estimation on work to be done, we can help you make the right decision and offer the right price for the potential property.
I have all the drawings ready with my architect, can you do the building works for me?
We certainly can! We work with the best architects in London through a tender process, for clients that choose to have the designs for their refurbishment made by an independent architect.

We can provide quotes in our own very detailed format or in your architect’s preferred format.
I want to do everything with one company, can you do design and refurbishment for me?
Yes we can. We collaborate with top architects specialising in London house refurbishment and renovation planning which allows us to create designs that suit you and your needs. We will match you with architects who have specific experience in your area, share your vision and style for your refurbishment project.

Doing the design and build with us gives you a view and control of the projected costs of your refurbishment from the very first day. You will be able to make well-informed choices for your design while understanding the cost implications and opting for the best solution for your investment.

Check out our Design & Build page for more information.
What works make the biggest difference in the final cost of my refurbishment project?
Typically excavation to extend or create a basement under an existing property is one of the most expensive types of work in construction. The cost of finishes is another big factor in the final cost of a flat or house refurbishment.

150+Projects completed across London

10+Years delivering premium construction

2London offices Covent Garden & Hackney

A–ZFull service Design to completion

Why choose houseUP

Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas

We specialise in Grade I and Grade II listed buildings and conservation area projects across London — from Highgate to Chelsea. Our conservation architects understand the constraints and navigate them for you.

Transparent, Detailed Pricing

Every quote is itemised with material costs, labour, and timelines clearly set out. We list prices on our service pages because we believe you deserve to know what you're paying for.

One Team, Full Accountability

From first survey to final snagging, the same project manager oversees your build. No handoffs between contractors, no gaps in responsibility — just one point of contact throughout.

Andrew says about us:

Vincenzo and the team were enthusiastic, creative and engaged. They brought the project in on budget and I’m happy to recommend them. Their approach of having in-house structural engineering really helped make savings by integrating the disciplines involved with design and construction.

houseUP’s Building Process for Chiswick Homes

SITE VISIT

We meet you at your Chiswick home to understand your goals and needs. During the meeting we also assess the area and the architectural styles and the potential of your property

INTRODUCING YOUR CHISWICK DESIGNER

We will assign a specialist designer for your project. We partner with RIBA architects in W4 with experience in design and planning requirements for Hounslow and Ealing councils.

DESIGN PROPOSAL

We will create a design proposal for you centred on your goals and your needs for your property improvement. The design proposal includes the planning permission process, if needed. For planning, we use our experience in the Chiswick, Shepherd’s Bush and Hammersmith areas, including Chiswick Riverside, Brentford, Turnham Green, Chiswick Homefield and Syon wards.

CHOOSING FINISHES, MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS

With our partner architects and interior designers, you will choose the best finishes for your Chiswick property, perfect for your taste and your style. And for the trickier projects in listed buildings you will have specialist heritage consultants on your side, too.

PREPARATION AND CONSTRUCTION

Once the design is finalised, we proceed with handling planning permission and any other permit might be necessary, including design and access statement, basement impact assessment, party wall notice, parking suspensions and resident committee permits.

Our team will lead and manage all the construction works, from start to finish, eliminating all the hassle and the pain points that are so common when dealing with other building contractors.

COMPLETION, RETENTION PERIOD AND GUARANTEES

At completion, we go over every single details with you, to make sure that everything is satisfactory. That’s when we also provide all the certificates from building control and for any specialised work (gas, electrics) and guarantees for crucial parts of the works, like the roof construction and the waterproofing of the basement.

In any case, we always have a retention period that starts at completion and that covers a few months before the final payments are made to us.

Trade credentials

We partner with the best architect firms and interior designers in West London, in particular with studios that specialise in conservation areas and listed buildings.

We completed several projects in W4 with different partner architects, all RIBA Chartered. With their expertise on the local architecture and their established rapport with the councillors and planning officers, we make up the best teams for all renovation projects in Chiswick.

Areas we cover

With houseUP we have several completed projects in West London and Chiswick in particular, spanning W4 and neighbouring areas like Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush and Fulham. Our projects include extensions, roof developments, house refurbishments, basements and full property renovations.

PROJECTS FEATURED IN:

Reviews

It was a pleasure working with Vincenzo, Gen and their team. They have such an eye for detail and we worked well as a team to produce a project the client was very happy with. They are professional. We would highly recommend.

Juliette ByrneArchitectural & Interior design

Working with HouseUP on two challenging Conservation Area / Grade I listed apartment renovations in London recently has been a true pleasure. Their availability, enthusiasm, very collaborative approach, skilled staff, and dedicated and diligent site management made a huge difference to bring these projects to successful completion. Addressing issues as they arise on historic apartment buildings, and calmly making sure they are successfully resolved, made a huge difference. We have no hesitation recommending HouseUP, warmly and highly.

LISA M.HIGHPOINT I

houseUP did a 4 month complete renovation of our flat in South Kensington. We were very pleased with their work. Vincenzo put together a great team led by a very capable site manager. They used high quality subcontractors for plumbing and electricity. They communicated well and in a timely manner with our project manager regarding issues and problems. They also worked well with the 3rd party MEP engineer and they handled minor issues with neighbours professionally. Works were completed on time (critical due to Covid restrictions) and on budget. All three tenders were similar in price, but houseUP’s was the most comprehensive/detailed which made it easy to evaluate.

HARALD E.SOUTH KENSINGTON

I used houseUP to renovate a flat in Shoreditch whilst I was overseas. I would certainly recommend them as, whilst expensive, they provide an excellent service and undertook to make the process as pain free as possible for me. They also worked well with my designer.

KATE V.SHOREDITCH

I would absolutely recommend Vincenzo and the houseUP team. They completed an 8 month full refurbishment/extension of our house at the end of 2019. They managed every detail of the project and did so with such a high level of care - often it felt like they were carrying out works to their own house! They were always available to discuss when needed and kept us in the loop as required (but didn't over burden us with issues they could easily resolve themselves). We are delighted with our new family home and I feel like the process was made so much less stressful by using houseUP.

SARAH GWILLESDEN

Vincenzo and the team were enthusiastic, creative and engaged. They brought the project in on budget and I'm happy to recommend them. Their approach of having in-house structural engineering really helped make savings by integrating the disciplines involved with design and construction.

ANDREW W.CHISWICK

A team, that is an absolute pleasure to deal with. Professional, helpful and responsive, with a direct approach to projects. Look forward to continue working together in the future.

VITA ARCHITECTUREChelsea

We highly recommend houseUP. As architects, it is always difficult to find good contractors and houseUP and the team are very professional and have great communication skills. Looking forward to working with them in the future.

WHITE RED ARCHITECTSChelsea

I hired houseUP after meeting with Vinz and the team - I found them down to earth, easy to deal with and very flexible and fair with me, unlike many other companies we asked to quote our project. They completed a double storey side extension and rear extension for me, plus complete renovation of my house. We have recently moved back into our house after completion of the project, and could not be more happy. Even if there are any issues at this stage, they are always on hand to help and put things right. It was daunting having to think about a company to do such major works for us, however Vinz was great all throughout the project and helped us achieve what we wanted. He was always available to speak to, and is knowledgeable and friendly. The transparency is something I do not think we could have got with most other companies, and for this I am grateful. Thank you guys!

JUNAID C.GANTS HILL

The houseUP team came to the rescue to renovate our penthouse in Shoreditch, London, after our first builders did a runner. They are great guys and trustworthy, they're real construction professionals and manage their subcontractors well to ensure a good quality of finish.

JAMIE AND LULUSHOREDITCH

Vincenzo, Mike and their teams of subcontractors are a breath of fresh air to the construction market. They are extremely well organised and professional, providing a high end service, with clear and constant communication to clients throughout their projects, no matter how big or small. Alison's rear extension was the first thing we completed with the houseUP team and we never stopped working together since our first construction project. We enjoy working with houseUP as the projects are realised with ease, on time and on budget. We highly recommend these guys to all of our clients for construction projects of all sizes in London and beyond!

MODEL PROJECTS (DESIGNERS)Chelsea

Get in touch with our local team

Need local builders in Chiswick? Get in touch for works anywhere in West London. We carry out all types of property refurbishments, including extensions, roof developments, house refurbishments, basements and full property renovations.