Frequently Asked Questions

We'll pass your enquiry to a trusted local specialist and they'll be in touch to discuss your project. Out-of-hours enquiries are picked up the next working day.

We cover Barnet borough (EN4, EN5, N3, N12, N20, NW7) and the Hertfordshire border towns of Borehamwood (WD6), Elstree (WD6), Potters Bar (EN6) and Arkley. Enter your postcode in the quote form and we'll confirm immediately.

No. Quotes are always free and no-obligation. The specialist will visit, measure up and provide a written quote without charge.

A trusted local carpenter, loft conversion specialist or builder, depending on what your project needs. Herts Build itself is not a contractor — we're a referral service that puts you in touch with the right local specialist for your project.

We check trading history (minimum 3 years), public liability insurance (£2m minimum) and reference work in the local area. We periodically review completed jobs from referrals. If standards drop, the relationship ends.

Let us know — email info@hertsbuild.co.uk. There's no obligation to proceed with any specialist we connect you with. If a match doesn't work we'll try to find an alternative for you.

The specialist we match you with handles planning where needed — they prepare drawings, submit applications, manage party wall agreements and Building Control. You don't deal with the council directly unless you want to.

Permitted development is a national set of rules that lets you extend without a planning application, provided the work stays within strict size and design limits. Planning permission is a formal application to the council, required when the work exceeds PD limits or the property is in a conservation area.

Velux conversions: 4–6 weeks on site. Dormer: 8–10 weeks. Hip-to-gable: 8–12 weeks. Mansard: 12–16 weeks. Add 4–6 weeks of pre-construction (design, planning, calcs).

Typically 12–16 weeks on site, plus 6–10 weeks of pre-construction. Two-storey rear extensions take longer (16–22 weeks on site).

Yes — most the specialist we work with have project portfolios they can share. Ask during the survey visit. Some operate Instagram or website galleries — they'll share links.

Loft conversions: usually no. Single-storey rear extensions: kitchen out of action for 4–6 weeks, family stays in the house. Full house renovations: usually yes, move out for 8–16 weeks.

Most specialists work to a staged payment schedule — deposit on contract sign, then stage payments at agreed milestones. Never pay the full amount upfront. Final balance is paid only when work is complete and Building Control sign-off is in hand.

The specialist we work with typically offer 10-year structural warranties on extension and loft work, with manufacturer warranties on installed elements (boilers, electrics, glazing). Confirm specifics with each specialist during the quote stage.

Your enquiry details are passed to a local specialist, who contacts you about your project. We retain enquiry data for 90 days for service purposes, then delete it. See our Privacy Policy for the full detail.