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Advice Centre.

Straight-talking guides on building, extending and renovating in Surrey and Hampshire. No jargon, no sales pitch, just what we would tell a friend.

Latest guides

Read before you build.

Kitchens

The kitchen hack: a bespoke look for less

How to get a high-end kitchen for a fraction of the price, with standard carcasses, made-to-measure fronts and the right finishing.

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Sustainability

Energy-efficient homes, done properly

Lower bills and a warmer home, without the gimmicks. Fabric first, heat pumps, solar, MVHR and smart controls, in plain English.

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Windows & glazing

Windows and glazing, chosen well

Aluminium, timber and alu-clad frames, double versus triple glazing, the building regs, and how to buy well direct from Europe.

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The process

The stages of a build

Every stage in order, from brief, design and planning through foundations, roof and first fix to finishes and handover.

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Free tool

Project cost estimator

An instant, indicative cost range for your extension, renovation or new build. Choose the type, size and finish.

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Partners

Who we work with

The architects, designers, engineers and trades we work with, plus local architects we can recommend.

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Costs

What your project really costs

Typical costs per square metre for extensions, renovations and new builds in Surrey and Hampshire, and where the money goes.

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Planning

Planning and permissions, explained

Planning permission, permitted development, party wall and conservation areas around Farnham, without the headache.

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Planning

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

How CIL works, the exact process, the risks that cost people thousands, and why you must follow it even when exempt.

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Your team

The project team explained

What an architect, engineer, quantity surveyor and the rest actually do, and when you need them.

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Getting started

How to choose a builder you can trust

Anyone can call themselves a builder. The accreditations, references, contracts and red flags that tell the good from the risky.

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Value

Does an extension add value?

What adds the most value, roughly how much, and how to avoid over-developing your home.

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Protection

Insurance and warranties, explained

The cover you need during the work, and the guarantees like NHBC that protect you afterwards.

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Money

Deposits and stage payments, explained

Why you should never pay a big deposit, how stage payments protect you, and how to keep your money safe.

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Glossary

Building terms in plain English

Snagging, retention, provisional sums, practical completion and the rest, translated.

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Free tools

Free cost estimator and budget planner, ready to use.

Try our cost estimator for an instant ballpark, or download the budget planner (Excel) to map out your costs.

Still have a question?

Ask us anything about your project.

No obligation. Tell us what you are planning and we will give you a straight, helpful answer.

Call01252 757 177
Emailjohn@hankleyhomes.com
Get in touch