Residential Building, Extensions & Renovations in South Wales

Many single-storey extensions fall under permitted development rights and don’t require a formal planning application — provided they meet size, height, and boundary criteria set out in planning regulations. Larger extensions, two-storey additions, and any work on listed buildings or properties in conservation areas will typically require full planning permission. The rules can be nuanced and are worth checking before committing to a design, as getting it wrong can mean costly changes or removal of work. Ashdown Group will advise you on what your specific project requires during your free initial consultation.

A standard single-storey timber frame extension typically takes eight to fourteen weeks from groundworks to practical completion, depending on the specification and finish level. A two-storey extension will usually take twelve to twenty weeks. Loft conversions vary considerably depending on whether structural alterations are required. We provide a detailed, realistic programme with every quote so you know exactly what to expect — and we manage against that programme throughout the build, keeping you updated on progress at every stage.

Timber frame construction offers meaningful advantages over traditional blockwork for most residential projects. It is faster to erect — reducing the time your home is open to the elements and the overall disruption to your household. It achieves significantly better thermal performance, which translates directly into lower heating bills and a more comfortable home. It produces less waste on site, making it the more sustainable choice. And critically, the finished result is indistinguishable from any other well-built property — your extension or new build will look, feel, and perform exactly as you’d expect, with none of the flat-pack associations some people have with the phrase “timber frame.” Ashdown Group designs and erects our own frames in-house, which gives us tighter control over quality than most contractors can offer.

Yes. We’re happy to work alongside your appointed architect if you have one, or to provide design input ourselves at an early stage to help shape the project before formal drawings are produced. We can advise on what is likely to get planning consent based on our local knowledge of South Wales planning authorities and their typical requirements. For straightforward permitted development projects, we can often move directly to detailed design without the need for a full planning application. We’ll be clear with you from the outset about what the process involves and how long it is likely to take.