33b High Street, Belper, DE56 1GF
01773 828516
Frequently asked

FAQ.

Quick answers to the things we hear most. Building work raises a lot of questions — we've tried to cover the common ones below.

Home FAQ

Short answers to the questions we get asked most. Browse by topic, or use the jump links below. If yours isn't here, just give us a call on 01773 828516.

General

Where are you based and what areas do you cover?

We're based in Belper, Derbyshire and cover Derby and the surrounding Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire — including Ripley, Alfreton, Ambergate, Matlock, Bakewell, Heanor, Duffield and Kilburn. If you're a little further out, give us a call and we'll usually still come and quote.

How long has K. Smithurst Building Contractors been trading?

We've been building across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire for over 30 years. The business is a limited company registered in England & Wales (Reg No. 04362330) and a member of the Federation of Small Businesses.

Do you provide written quotes?

Yes — every project gets a clear, itemised written quote with no obligation. We come to site, talk through what you want, and come back with a detailed proposal covering labour, materials and timeline.

Are all trades in-house?

Yes. Bricklayers, joiners, gas-safe plumbers, qualified electricians, plasterers, ground workers, decorators, roofers and landscapers — all available through us. One point of contact, one team, one finished project.

Is K. Smithurst Building Contractors insured?

Yes — we carry full public liability insurance and as a limited company we're properly registered and compliant. We're happy to share evidence on request.

Are you members of any trade bodies?

Yes — we're members of the Federation of Small Businesses and are registered with Trusted Trader.

House Extensions

Do I need planning permission for a house extension?

It depends on the size, position and existing house. Many single-storey extensions fall under permitted development, two-storey extensions usually need planning. We handle the planning conversation and any building-control sign-off as part of the project.

How long does a house extension take to build?

A single-storey extension is typically 10–14 weeks from groundworks to handover. Two-storey extensions usually run 14–20 weeks. We give you a realistic programme in your written quote.

Can you do the design as well as the build?

We work with architects regularly and can recommend one if you don't have one. For smaller extensions we can also handle the design liaison ourselves.

Do you do loft conversions and garage conversions too?

Yes — both are covered under our extensions and refurbishments work. Dormer, mansard, hip-to-gable and Velux loft conversions, plus full garage-to-room conversions.

New House Builds

Do you build to architect plans or design your own?

Both. Most clients come to us with architect plans already, but we can also recommend a local architect or work with you on the design from scratch.

Can you deliver a new build as a shell-and-core?

Yes — we'll deliver to whatever stage you want. Shell-and-core, weathertight, first-fix or fully finished ready to move into.

How long does a new build house take?

Roughly 9–14 months for a single dwelling depending on size, ground conditions and specification. We give you a clear phased programme up front.

Do you handle building control and warranties?

Yes — building control inspections are scheduled as part of the project, and we provide a workmanship guarantee on completion.

Commercial Developments

Do you work to CDM regulations?

Yes — all our commercial projects are CDM compliant, with the appropriate principal designer / principal contractor responsibilities discharged.

Can you work out of hours to avoid business disruption?

Yes — out-of-hours and weekend working is a regular part of our commercial work, especially for retail and hospitality fit-outs where daytime trading needs to continue.

What kinds of commercial clients do you work with?

We've delivered work for dental practices, hair and beauty salons, football clubs, haulage companies, retail units and small offices. A large amount of our commercial work is repeat business from local and international clients.

Refurbishments

Do you do garage and loft conversions?

Yes — both are core parts of our refurbishment work. Garage-to-room conversions and dormer/mansard/Velux loft conversions, all handled in-house.

How disruptive is a whole-house refurbishment?

We protect the rest of the house during the work, contain dust, and keep mess and disruption to a minimum. Most clients can stay in the property for partial refurbishments; for whole-house we'll talk through the phasing options with you.

Do you handle kitchens, bathrooms and staircases?

Yes — kitchen renovations and bathroom installations are some of our most-requested refurbishment work, alongside staircase replacements, gyms, cinema rooms and full period property restoration.

External Work

Do you do landscaping as well as building work?

Yes — total landscaping packages are a core part of our external work. We do hard and soft landscaping, driveways, patios, retaining walls and boundary gates.

Can you do disabled adaptations to a property?

Yes — ramps, level-access thresholds, dropped kerbs and other disabled adaptations. Happy to liaise with occupational therapists or council schemes where required.

Do you do rendering and cladding?

Yes — timber cladding and full house rendering, both as standalone jobs and as part of larger renovation work.

Getting in touch

How quickly do you respond to enquiries?

We aim to respond to all enquiries the same working day. Phone is usually fastest; WhatsApp is great if you want to send photos of the site.

Do you charge for quotes?

No — every project gets a no-obligation written quote, free of charge.

What's the best way to contact you?

Call us on 01773 828516, drop us a WhatsApp on the same number, or use the form on the contact page — it opens WhatsApp pre-filled with your details, ready to send.

Got a question that isn't here?

Pick up the phone or message us — we're happy to talk through anything before you commit. No pressure, no obligation.