Single & Two-Storey Extensions
Rear, side, and wrap-around extensions designed to maximise your living space. From open-plan kitchen-diners to home offices and garden rooms.
Extensions & Cut Roofs Built to the Highest Standard.
A well-designed extension is one of the smartest investments you can make in your home — adding significant value and giving you the space you need without the cost and upheaval of moving. Pair it with a specialist cut roof and you also unlock the potential for a loft conversion further down the line.
Ross-Read Carpentry & Building has been delivering high-quality building works across Poole, Bournemouth, and Dorset since 2013. We handle everything from the initial planning consultation through to the final coat of paint — managing groundworks, structural works, carpentry, and finishing trades under one roof.
Our approach is straightforward: clear communication, honest pricing, and a finish that adds real value to your home. We're fully insured, Building Regulations compliant, and we don't disappear once the work is done.
Building Services
What We Build
Structural building works carried out to the highest standard, fully insured and Building Regulations compliant.
Loft Conversions
Velux, dormer, hip-to-gable, and mansard loft conversions. Add a bedroom, bathroom, or home office without losing garden space.
Garage Conversions
Transform an underused garage into a habitable room — home gym, playroom, office, or annexe. Planning advice included.
Structural Alterations
Knock-throughs, RSJ installation, load-bearing wall removal, and structural remodelling. Fully managed with structural engineers where required.
Cut Roofs for Extensions
Traditional cut roofs built on site for extensions and new builds — hipped, gabled, and mansard structures. Specialist structural carpentry that gives you better roof space and future loft conversion potential.
New Build & Groundworks
New build projects, outbuildings, garden rooms, and groundworks. We manage the full build process from foundations to first fix.
How It Works
Our Process
01
Free Consultation
We visit your property, discuss your vision, and assess what's possible within your budget and planning constraints.
02
Detailed Quote
You receive a written, itemised quote with a clear project timeline — no hidden costs, no vague estimates.
03
Planning & Design
We advise on planning permission and Building Regulations, and can liaise with architects and structural engineers on your behalf.
04
Build & Handover
Our team carries out all works to the highest standard, keeping you informed at every stage. We don't leave until you're completely satisfied.
No Planning Permission Needed
Permitted Development Extensions — Faster, Cheaper, No Red Tape
Most single-storey rear extensions in Poole and Dorset can be built under Permitted Development rights — meaning no planning application, no eight-week wait, and no planning fees. It's one of the most cost-effective ways to add space and value to your home.
What Can You Build Under Permitted Development?
Permitted Development (PD) is a government-granted right that allows homeowners to carry out certain building works without needing to apply for planning permission. For extensions, the key rules are straightforward — and if your project falls within them, we can typically start on site within weeks rather than months.
Single-storey rear extensions
Up to 4 metres deep for detached houses, 3 metres for semi-detached and terraced — or up to 8m/6m under the Neighbour Consultation Scheme.
Height restrictions
Maximum eaves height of 3 metres and overall height of 4 metres. Extensions within 2 metres of a boundary must not exceed 3 metres at the eaves.
No more than half your garden
The total area covered by extensions and outbuildings must not exceed 50% of the land around the original house.
Matching materials
External materials should be similar in appearance to the existing house — though this is a matter of judgement, not a strict rule.
Not in a conservation area
PD rights are restricted for properties in conservation areas, National Parks, or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We'll confirm your status at consultation.
Why a PD Extension Makes Sense
For many homeowners in Poole and Bournemouth, a Permitted Development extension is the fastest route to more space. There's no planning application to prepare, no fee to pay, and no eight-week determination period to sit through. You get your extension built and finished in a fraction of the time — and at a lower overall cost.
0
Planning fees to pay
0 weeks
Planning wait time
8–12 wks
Typical build time
£50k+
Value added to your home
Ross-Read Tip
If you're unsure whether your project qualifies under PD, we can advise at your free consultation — and if needed, apply for a Lawful Development Certificate on your behalf. This is a formal confirmation from the council that your extension is lawful, which protects you when you come to sell.
FAQ
Loft Conversions & Extensions — Your Questions Answered
How much does a loft conversion cost in Poole?
A basic Velux loft conversion starts from around £25,000. A dormer conversion typically costs £35,000–£50,000, and a full hip-to-gable or mansard from £45,000–£65,000. We provide free, itemised quotes for all loft conversion projects.
Do I need planning permission for an extension in Poole?
Many single-storey rear extensions fall under Permitted Development and don't require planning permission. Two-storey extensions and projects in conservation areas typically do. We advise on this as part of our free consultation.
How long does a house extension take?
A single-storey rear extension typically takes 8–14 weeks from groundworks to completion. Larger two-storey projects may take 16–24 weeks. We provide a detailed timeline before work begins.
What is a Lawful Development Certificate and do I need one?
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is a formal document from the council confirming your extension is lawful under Permitted Development. It's not legally required to build, but it's strongly recommended — it protects you when you sell, satisfies solicitors and mortgage lenders, and gives you peace of mind. We can apply for one on your behalf.
Do you manage the full build or just the carpentry?
We manage the complete build — groundworks, structural works, carpentry, roofing, and finishing trades. You have a single point of contact throughout, which keeps projects on time and on budget.
