Know the true cost of your extension or loft conversion before a spade goes in the ground.
The first quote is rarely the final bill. Our free guide shows you every cost that should be on the table from day one, and how to choose a builder you can trust with your home before you commit a penny.
- The costs most quotes leave out, and the questions that bring them to light
- How to compare builders' quotes like-for-like
- Planning, Building Control and party walls, explained in plain English
- The 10 questions to ask any builder before you sign
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Extensions & loft conversions in Stockport & Cheshire. Sent straight to your inbox.
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You've heard the stories. You don't want to become one.
Extending your home is one of the biggest investments you'll make, and you'll be living with it, and often in it, while the work goes on. These are the worries we hear most from homeowners across Stockport and Cheshire.
A low headline price that leaves out steels, drainage, Building Control or finishes. The real number only appears once you're committed.
Different builders include different things, so you can't tell which is genuinely better value and which has simply left things out.
Architect, engineer, Building Control, trades. Nobody joining it up, and you end up project-managing your own build.
Builders who juggle too many sites, go quiet, or leave a half-finished shell while they're elsewhere.
Permitted development, Lawful Development Certificates, party wall notices. Get them wrong and the whole job can stall.
Mess, noise and strangers on your driveway for months, with no clear idea when it will end.
The build price is only part of the story
A trustworthy quote puts every cost in front of you at the start. These are the items that most often go missing from early quotes, and they're all covered in the guide.
Design & structural engineering
Architectural drawings, structural calculations and steel design, needed before anything can be priced properly.
Planning, PD or a Lawful Development Certificate
Which route your project needs, the application fees, and how long each one typically takes.
Building Control
Inspection fees and sign-off. Without the completion certificate you can run into problems when you come to sell.
Party wall agreements
When notices are needed, what a surveyor costs, and how to keep your neighbours on side.
Drainage & build-over agreements
Building near or over a public sewer needs water-company approval, a classic "surprise" cost.
Steels, foundations & groundworks
Ground conditions, trees and existing structure can change what's needed under the surface.
Electrics, heating & utilities
Consumer unit upgrades, heating and boiler capacity, relocating meters and services.
Glazing, roof lanterns & finishes
Bi-folds, sliders, lanterns, kitchens, flooring. Where "prime cost" allowances can hide big differences.
VAT & contingency
Is the price you've been given inclusive of VAT? And how much should you hold back for the unexpected?
Making good & landscaping
Decorating, patios, paths and lawns. The finishing touches that turn a build into part of your home.
Everything you need to plan with confidence
- 01What really drives the costSize, structure, glazing, finishes and access, and where your budget makes the biggest difference.
- 02The hidden-cost checklistA simple checklist to hold against any quote, so nothing is left out.
- 03Planning made simplePermitted development, LDCs and householder planning in Stockport & Cheshire.
- 04Comparing quotes like-for-likeHow to spot provisional sums, exclusions and "prime cost" allowances.
- 05Choosing a builder you can trustThe 10 questions to ask, plus the red flags to walk away from.
- 06What to expect, step by stepFrom first call to snagging and handover, so there are no surprises.
How we work with Stockport & Cheshire homeowners
We'd rather have an honest conversation about cost on day one than an awkward one halfway through your build.
A clear, itemised quote
A detailed quotation so you know exactly what's included, with transparent invoicing throughout.
One point of contact
Your project manager runs the whole job, from survey to handover. One number to call, always.
Problems raised early
Every build has its challenges. We bring solutions, not excuses, and tell you early, not late.
Respect for your home
Punctual, tidy, considerate teams, and Building Control handled for you.
On time, on budget, and honest when it matters
"The team were brilliant and Joe managed the whole process. The project was delivered on time and within budget to a high standard. I would confidently recommend Prima Construction. Clear quotation, transparent invoicing, and a very competitive price. The Building Inspector was highly complimentary about the quality of the workmanship."
"We found Joe at Prima Construction online and were quickly impressed by his clear communication, professionalism, and practical solutions. His team was punctual, tidy, and great to have on-site—neighbours even praised them. After parting with our architect, Joe took over, handled Building Control, and saw the project through smoothly. The result: a beautiful loft extension completed in under three months, just in time for summer."
"After receiving quotes from a few other local builders, we found Prima's quote to be very comprehensive and we particularly liked their work ethic and "can do" attitude. They completed the project on time and within our expected budget. The project wasn't without its problems, but Joe and Aiden came with solutions to rectify them. Overall a great experience and we look forward to working with them again on future projects."
"The overall quality of work was excellent. This is the second time we have used Prima Construction. The team were hardworking, professional, and highly skilled throughout the project. Communication was excellent, and the work was completed to a high standard. I would confidently recommend Prima Construction as a reliable construction company for both commercial and residential projects."
Master Builders
Choose a builder who's been checked, not just one with a van
Anyone in the UK can call themselves a builder. Membership of the Federation of Master Builders, the UK's largest trade association for the construction industry, means a builder has been vetted before joining and works to the FMB's Code of Practice.
- Federation of Master Builders member
- Checkatrade member, with reviews from real clients
- Fully licensed and insured, meeting all relevant standards
- Strict compliance with current health and safety regulations
"I wrote this guide because I've seen too many homeowners hit with costs nobody mentioned at the start. Whether or not you choose us, I want you going into your project with your eyes open."
Plan your project with your eyes open
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Before you download
Is the guide really free?
Yes. No catch, and no obligation to use us. It's the guide we wish every homeowner read before talking to any builder.
Will I be bombarded with sales calls?
No. You'll get the guide by email, plus a few genuinely useful follow-ups. If you'd like to talk about your project, you can book a call, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Which areas do you cover?
We work across Stockport, Cheshire and Greater Manchester, including Cheadle, Bramhall, Cheadle Hulme, Poynton, Wilmslow and the surrounding areas.
Is it relevant if I'm at the very early stages?
That's the best time to read it. The decisions you make before drawings and planning have the biggest effect on what you'll eventually pay.
Can I just talk to someone?
Of course. Book a free 15-minute call at a time that suits you, or call Joe on 07739 589324 or the office on 0161 706 1777.