Serving Torbay · Building across South Devon jbcarpentryandbuilding@yahoo.com07511 309544 AboutServices Areas Our WorkReviewsContact07511 309544Get Your Plans Priced - Home - Services - House Extensions # House extension buildersin Torbay & surrounding areas More space without moving house. We build traditional block and cavity wall extensions and timber frame extensions, from foundations to a watertight roof. We'll help you choose the method that suits your project and budget. Get Your Plans Priced, Free - Director: 18 years' trade experience - 11+ years trading in South Devon - 1-year indemnity-backed guarantee - Public liability insured - City & Guilds bricklaying & carpentry ## Block and cavity wall or timber frame extensions A house extension adds floor space to the home you already own: a bigger kitchen-diner, an extra bedroom, a ground-floor bathroom or a home office. Done well, it changes how the whole house works, not just one room. Our extensions are for South Devon homeowners who already have architect drawings and, where needed, planning permission in place. That's the point where the design questions are answered and what you need is a builder who can turn the drawings into a sound structure. Traditional block and cavity wall construction offers a robust, long-lasting extension with a familiar masonry build. Timber frame can offer faster construction and less disruption on site, with excellent insulation and energy efficiency when properly specified. We'll discuss your drawings, site and budget to help you choose. That's why professional groundworks and structural experience matter. Foundations, drainage, the connection to the existing house and the roof structure decide whether an extension performs over time. Our in-house team handles groundworks, brickwork, blockwork and structural carpentry, so the parts that matter most stay under our direct control. ## What goes wrong when an extension is rushed Most extension problems start below ground or where new meets old. They rarely show on day one, and they're expensive to put right later. ### Movement and cracking Foundations that don't suit the ground, or a poor tie-in to the existing walls, lead to cracks along the junction and doors that start to stick. ### Damp and leaks Badly detailed roof abutments, missing cavity trays or a poor damp-proof course let water in, damaging new plaster, flooring and fittings. ### Failed inspections Work that doesn't match the drawings or Building Regulations can be stopped at inspection, causing delays and forcing parts of the build to be redone. ### Spiralling costs An unclear scope or poorly coordinated trades can lead to unexpected costs during a build. ### Common mistakes to avoid - Choosing the cheapest quote without checking what's actually included. - Starting before drawings and structural calculations are finalised. - Letting several separate trades work without anyone coordinating them. - Not planning how the extension will be finished, by the builder or your own trades. ## Our house extensions process - Step 1 ### Send your plans Share your approved drawings and any structural calculations. We'll arrange a free site visit. - Step 2 ### Clear written price You get a written quote for the work, with any fit-out priced separately if you want it. - Step 3 ### Groundworks, shell and roof We build the foundations and your specified block and cavity wall or timber frame shell, install structural supports, and fit the roof to make the extension watertight. - Step 4 ### Building Control liaison We can liaise directly with Building Control officers on site where inspections are required. - Step 5 ### Completion and guarantee We hand over the finished work, covered by our 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee. ## House Extensions project photos See our South Devon building projects → ## What you get with JB Carpentry and Building ### Masonry or timber frame Our core team handles groundworks, block and cavity walls and structural carpentry. We can advise on the build method that suits your plans and budget. ### Built to your drawings We work from your architect's plans and with your structural engineer, so what's built matches what was approved. ### Inspections handled on site We liaise directly with Building Control throughout, keeping the build moving between stages. ### Your choice of finish Finish with us, or take the watertight shell and use your own kitchen, bathroom and decorating trades to manage cost. ### Guaranteed workmanship Completed work is covered by a 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee. ### Experienced hands Director Jake Brown has 18 years of trade experience and is City & Guilds qualified in bricklaying and carpentry. ## Extension types, materials and methods We build both traditional block and cavity wall and timber frame extensions. The right method depends on your design, site, insulation specification and budget. ### Single-storey rear and side extensions Open up a kitchen or living space with traditional block and cavity walls or a timber frame, finished to suit your home. Both need foundations designed for the site and careful detailing where new meets old. A flat or pitched roof and any steel beam at the opening follow your approved drawings and structural calculations. ### Two-storey and wrap-around extensions Adding a second floor means heavier loads, so foundation design and steelwork become more important. Wrap-around extensions combine rear and side sections and often need several steels and careful roof detailing where the roofs meet. ### Flat roofs and pitched roofs Pitched roofs are built with cut timber or trusses and tiled or slated to match. For flat roofs we're approved rubber roofing installers. We fit rubber membranes suited to extensions and garden rooms. ### Sloping and coastal sites Much of South Devon is hilly, with mixed ground conditions. Sloping gardens may need stepped foundations, retaining walls or deeper excavation, and exposed coastal sites need careful attention to weatherproofing details. ### Drainage and services Extensions often sit over or near existing drains. Diverting drains, protecting them or building over them with the right approvals is part of the groundworks stage, and gets planned before excavation starts. ### Related services - Structural Alterations → - Flat Roofing → - Basement Conversions →Based at 156 Newton Road, Torquay, Devon. House Extensions across Torquay, Paignton, Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, South Hams, Teignbridge. ## Planning your house extensions project ### Start with approved drawings We work primarily from existing client plans, so the best time to contact us about house extensions is once your architect's drawings and any planning consent are in place. Drawings fix the size, layout and specification, which helps us define the scope of the quote; any assumptions or changes should be agreed for your project. If your engineer has produced structural calculations, include them too; they set the foundation sizes, steel sections and fixings we'll build to. ### Working with your architect and engineer We regularly work alongside client architects and structural engineers. When a question comes up on site (an unexpected drain, softer ground than expected, or an existing wall that isn't what the drawings assumed), we can discuss it with your designer before proceeding and agree any necessary changes. ### Building Control from first dig to sign-off Most structural work needs Building Regulations approval and inspections at key stages, such as foundation excavations, damp-proof courses, drainage and structural elements before they're covered. We liaise directly with Building Control officers on site throughout the build, where required; inspection timing and approval depend on the relevant Building Control body. ### Shell handover or full finish Our core strength is the ground, the structure and the watertight shell. Once that's complete you have a choice: we can price and manage the internal fit-out (kitchens, bathrooms, doors, decorating) through our vetted specialist trades, or we can hand over at the shell stage so you can bring in your own finishing trades and control that part of the budget yourself. Either way, the structure your finishes sit on has been built by one accountable team. ### Building in South Devon conditions Site conditions vary across South Devon. Sloping plots, restricted access, existing drains, coastal exposure and older structures may affect your house extensions project. Your architect or engineer can specify the measures required, and we can discuss the site conditions and agreed scope when preparing a quote. ### What happens after you get in touch Call Jake or send your drawings through the contact page. We'll look over the plans, arrange a free site visit at a time that suits you, Monday to Saturday, and walk the site with you to understand access, ground conditions and how you want the project finished. You'll then receive a clear, written quote setting out what's included, so you can compare it properly and decide with confidence. ### One team, managed start to finish A core in-house team of six handles groundworks, brickwork, blockwork and structural carpentry, growing to as many as 15 with long-standing subcontractors on larger projects. Director Jake Brown brings 18 years of hands-on trade experience and the company has been trading across South Devon for over 11 years. You get one point of contact, clear communication and strict quality control on every stage. Want to know more about the team? Read about us or go back to the homepage. ## House Extensions questions ### How much does a house extension cost in Torbay? It depends on the size, the ground, the roof type and how far you want us to take the finish. The quickest way to an accurate figure is to send your drawings for a free, written quote. ### How long does an extension take to build? It depends on the design, ground conditions and construction method. Timber frame can shorten the on-site shell build compared with traditional block and cavity walls, but the full programme also includes foundations and finishing. We'll discuss realistic timings after reviewing your plans and site. ### Do you build timber frame as well as block and cavity wall extensions? Yes, we build both. Block and cavity walls offer a robust, long-lasting traditional build. Timber frame can be quicker to erect with less on-site disruption and excellent insulation and energy efficiency when properly specified. We'll help you weigh up the options for your project and budget alongside your designer. ### Do I need planning permission and drawings first? We generally take projects on once planning and architectural drawings are in place. Some extensions fall under permitted development; your architect can confirm which applies to you. ### Can you fit the kitchen and bathroom as well? Yes, we can price the internal fit-out. If you'd rather use your own trades, we'll hand over at the watertight shell stage. ### What do I need to send you for a quote? Your architectural drawings, any planning or Building Regulations approvals, and structural calculations if your engineer has produced them. Photos of the site help too. We'll then arrange a free site visit. ### Who manages the specialist trades? We do. Plumbing, electrical, plastering and specialist finishing trades are delivered by vetted subcontractors who work through the company, so you deal with one contractor rather than several. ### Is the site visit and quote free? Yes. Initial site visits and quotes are free. Send your drawings, we'll look at the site with you and give you a written price for the work. ### Is the work guaranteed? All completed work is covered by a 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee, and the company holds business and public liability insurance. ### Which areas do you cover? We're based on Newton Road in Torquay and serve Torbay (Torquay, Paignton and Brixham) and the surrounding South Devon area, including Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, the South Hams and Teignbridge. ### What are your working hours, and do you take emergency call-outs? We work Monday to Saturday, 6:30am to 6:00pm. Contact Jake to discuss your project and availability. If a structure appears unsafe, seek urgent advice from a qualified structural engineer or the appropriate emergency service. ## Got your plans?Get a clear price. Free site visit and a written quote. Director Jake Brown brings 18 years of trade experience. All completed work carries a 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee. Get Your Plans Priced, Free +44 7511 309544 JB Carpentry and Building Ltd Groundworks and structural building specialists serving Torbay and South Devon. Contact 156 Newton Road, Torquay, Devon +44 7511 309544jbcarpentryandbuilding@yahoo.comMon–Sat, 6:30am – 6:00pm Pages AboutServicesAreasOur WorkReviewsContactPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsCookie PolicyCookie settings Services House Extensions TorbayBarn Conversions TorbayBasement Conversions TorbayUnderpinning TorbayStructural Alterations TorbayRefurbishments TorbayFlat Roofing TorbaySeptic Tank Installation TorbayDriveways TorbayLandscaping TorbayAll building services Areas Torbay: Torquay, Paignton and Brixham Builders in TorquayBuilders in PaigntonBuilders in TotnesBuilders in DartmouthBuilders in KingsbridgeBuilders in SalcombeBuilders in South HamsBuilders in TeignbridgeBuilders in South DevonAll areas we cover © 2026 JB Carpentry and Building Ltd. 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