Builder in Reading
More space for your family, without moving house.
Kestrel Build & Renovate is a local builder covering Reading, specialising in house renovations, house extensions and loft conversions. You get one point of contact from the first visit to final sign-off.
Our services
Building services in Reading
Here's what Kestrel Build & Renovate does. Choose a service to find out more, or just call and tell us what you need.
House renovations
Full and partial renovations, from strip-out and knock-throughs to replastering and finishing.
02House extensions
Single-storey rear extensions that give you a bigger kitchen, dining or living space.
03Loft conversions
Dormer, hip-to-gable, mansard and Velux loft conversions that add a bedroom or ensuite.
04Side return extensions
Turn the narrow alley beside your terrace into a wide, light-filled kitchen.
05Wraparound extensions
An L-shaped side and rear extension for the biggest ground-floor transformation.
06Double-storey extensions
Add living space downstairs and a bedroom or ensuite upstairs in one build.
07Knock-throughs & structural work
Remove load-bearing walls safely with engineer-designed steel beams and building control sign-off.
08Garage conversions
Turn an unused garage into a home office, playroom, bedroom or annexe.
Our work
Recent work around Reading
A look at the kind of work we do for homeowners and landlords locally.
Where to start
Where are you with your project?
Tell us where you are starting from and we will take it from there.
I have plans or drawings
Send over your drawings and any approvals. We will price the build properly, with an itemised quote you can check against others.
I'm just starting to think about it
Not sure what is possible, what it involves or whether you need planning? We will visit, look at the space and talk you through the options.
How it works
From first call to a job done properly
No jargon and no surprises. Here's exactly what happens when you get in touch.
Site visit and a proper chat
We come to you, look at the space and listen to what you want. You get honest advice on what is possible and what it involves.
Itemised quote
Once the scope is clear, you receive a detailed, itemised quote. You can see every element of the job and compare like for like.
Planning and building control
We guide you through permitted development or planning, building control, structural calculations and party wall notices, so everything is in place before work starts.
Build and handover
Work follows a realistic programme with regular updates. At the end, we walk you through the finished job and make sure building control have signed it off.
Why choose Kestrel Build & Renovate
Why homeowners in Reading choose Kestrel Build & Renovate
One point of contact
You always know who to call. No chasing different trades or wondering who is responsible.
Clear, itemised pricing
A detailed quote up front, and any changes agreed in writing before the work is done.
Respect for your home
Dust sheets down, access kept clear and the site tidied at the end of each day.
Straight answers
Honest advice on planning, programme and cost, even if it is not what you hoped to hear.
Reviews
Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 34 local customers
Don't just take our word for it. Read what customers across Reading say about Kestrel Build & Renovate on Google, then get in touch.
Local toReading
About us
About Kestrel Build & Renovate
Kestrel Build & Renovate is a building company working across Reading and nearby parts of Reading. We build extensions, loft conversions and renovations for homeowners who want more space without the upheaval of moving. We keep things simple: listen properly, give a clear quote, turn up when we say we will and leave a tidy site. Every job gets the same care, whether it is a single knock-through or a full house transformation.
- One point of contact. You always know who to call. No chasing different trades or wondering who is responsible.
- Clear, itemised pricing. A detailed quote up front, and any changes agreed in writing before the work is done.
- Respect for your home. Dust sheets down, access kept clear and the site tidied at the end of each day.
Areas we cover
Covering Reading
We build extensions, loft conversions and renovations across Reading and nearby parts of Reading. Not sure if we cover your street? Give us a call and ask.
- Reading
- Surrounding areas
FAQs
Questions people ask us
Can't see yours? Call or WhatsApp Kestrel Build & Renovate and we'll happily help.
Do I need planning permission for an extension or loft conversion?
Not always. Many single-storey rear extensions and loft conversions fall under permitted development, within limits on size, height and materials. Flats, listed buildings and conservation areas follow different rules. A lawful development certificate gives you certainty either way.
Is building control different from planning permission?
Yes. Planning covers what you build and how it looks. Building Regulations cover how it is built, including structure, fire safety, insulation and drainage. Almost every extension and loft conversion needs building control sign-off, even when planning is not required.
What is a party wall agreement and do I need one?
If your work affects a shared wall, or you dig foundations close to a neighbour's, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 usually requires you to serve notice before work starts. If your neighbour does not consent, surveyors agree an award setting out how the work will be done.
How much will my extension or loft conversion cost?
It depends on size, specification, ground conditions and finishes. The best approach is an itemised quote, so you can see where the money goes and compare builders fairly. It is also wise to keep a contingency of 10 to 15 percent.
How long will the project take?
Design and approvals often take longer than the build. Time on site depends on the size and complexity of the job. Ask for a written programme so you know what to expect and when.
Can we stay in the house while the work is done?
Usually, yes, especially for loft conversions and rear extensions. Expect some noise and dust, and a period without a working kitchen if the build connects to it.
How are payments usually structured?
Stage payments linked to completed milestones are common in the building trade. Agree the stages in writing before work starts, so you always know what is due and when.
Do I need an architect, or can the builder help with design?
Either route can work. Some homeowners use an architect or architectural designer for drawings, then bring in a builder. Others prefer to talk to the builder first. We are happy to work from your drawings or talk through options before any are drawn up.
Free, no-obligation quote
Ready to talk about your project?
Call us or send a few details. We will arrange a visit, look at the space and talk through what is possible for your home in Reading.
07700 900005