Hi. We have a single detached garage with workshop with a driveway up to it. We're wanting to build a flat on top of it to allow one of our children to move out! It's so expensive here. Where do we start? Do we need an architect or can a builder undertake the project for us. We're not sure what the foundations are like. There is electricity but we'll need water and gas connected.

I have a large crack under my 1st floor window (inside and outside). From the inside it appears to go through the mortar and not the brick. What is the best way to fix this?

I have a nearly square area of 5 x 5 metres right up to the boundary fences, which I am thinking of building living space, for use as office space and/or temporary living accommodation. I liken it to a studio apartment with kitchen, bathing, living, sleeping areas. What would be the best way to start exploring this project. Would I need planning, architectural services? Any advice would be appreciated at this stage.

When it rains water drips down my chimney. I think there is a plastic cap on top that’s supposed to keep rain out as the chimney is not used. I thought rain was going sideways through the slats on the chimney pot but it happens when the rain is going straight down so I think it might need looking at but who do I call?

Please can you tell me if I need to find a general builder to widen concrete steps or someone with a specific skill/trade? Many Thanks.

Why might stumps or joists have worn and eroded over time? What can I do about this?

My survey has picked up minor roof spread and advises improving restraint at ceiling joist level and potentially strengthening the rafter feet. Who do I need to assess this, a builder, roofer or engineer? Approx what costs might I be looking at?

Hi, I live in a semi-detached house. My new neighbour is building a single story extension to the front side and back and a planning application was approved for the extension. No application was made for the back toom extension as it is within 3m. They built the foundation exactly in line with boundary line that we agreed on. Foundation is about 50cm wide. Now, they have started building a wall and built it up to the DPC, back filled soil around the wall but dont think it was inspected since the foundation was dug. The new wall is built right on the edge of the foundation and exactly in line with the boundary line leaving no space whatsoever between the wall and boundary line. Is my new neighbour allowed to build the wall so close to the boundary line and on the edge of the foundation, and how will this impact the roof on the new extension as i have told them that roof should not overlap the boundary line into myside? Your advise would be appreciated. Kind regards Ref

I wonder if you can help me. We're looking to buy a house, where I can see an improvement could be made, dividing a bedroom. but would need to create the access to the 2nd bedroom by recreating the landing. There seems to be the space to do this by moving walls of a 3rd bedroom. I'm just wondering how easy this all is. Looks like its move 4 internal walls, 3 new doorways, but are there watch outs in terms of lighting, carpets. If one wall is load bearing (not sure if it is) is that simple to get around or an issue etc, just really looking for advice on complexity and cost ? Thank you

How much to knock down an internal wall and install a RSJ and make good