How It Works

Our Process

How It Works

Our Process From Start  To Completion

One of the biggest concerns for clients undertaking a building project is not knowing what happens next. At Alan Bender Ltd, we've developed a clear and proven process that removes uncertainty and provides confidence at every stage. From your first enquiry through to final handover, our experienced team will guide you through design, approvals, pricing and construction, ensuring your project is carefully planned, professionally managed and delivered to the highest standard. The timeline below shows the typical journey from initial idea to completed project.

1.Enquiry & Consultation

Initial Enquiry & Idea

You identify works are required, make a short description of what you would like done and set out your expectations of rough budget.

Estimated Time: 1–3 days

Contact & Initial Consultation

Speak with us, Phone Call / Email / Website Enquiry.

Talk to us about the scope of works, budget, and feasibility. We can then guide you in the right direction for your project requirements.

Estimated Time: 1–3 days

2.Design Concepts

Initial Design Team Appointment

Meet with our in-house architect or we can recommend trusted designers. Here we understand your needs and set out the next steps based on your project.

Estimated Time: 1-2 weeks

Concept Design & layouts

Produce initial drawings which include floor plans and elevations with revisions based on your feedback.

Estimated Time: 2–4 weeks (project size dependant)

3.Planning & Regulations

Planning Application (if required)

Submission to Local Authority Full Planning or apply for Lawful Development Certificate.

Council Determination Time: 8–10 weeks (May extend if revisions or conditions required)

Technical Design Stage

Produce building regulation drawings and work with structural engineers to confirm the final designs. Complete drainage, foundation and other specialist design if required.

Estimated Time: 4–6 weeks (project size dependant)

Building Regulations Approval

Submit the plans to be checked by Building Control, this could be via Local Authority or an Approved Inspector.

Estimated Time: 3–6 weeks (project size dependant)

4.Quotation & Contract

Detailed Quotation

We arrange a site visit to discuss in detail your project, once we fully understand your requirements we provide a fixed quotation for the works.
Always based on approved drawings and a clear scope with specific inclusions / exclusions.

Estimated Time: 1–2 weeks

Contract & Programme Agreed

Before works are scheduled and commence, we hold a deposit, sign contracts, produce a payment schedule, confirm the start and finish date.

Estimated Time: 1 week

5.Preparation & Construction

Pre-Start Preparation

Set up phase, finalise any outstanding specification for specific products, Order materials, Appoint trades, complete health and safety documentation, neighbour notifications, and visit with your project manager and site supervisor.

Estimated Time: 1–4 weeks

Construction Phase

Build in accordance with the specification and building regulation drawings while following the project programme.

Typical durations (guide only):
Kitchen or bathroom: 1–4 weeks
Single storey extension or home renovation: 8–12 weeks
Double storey extension: 12–18 weeks
Bespoke new build 20-40 weeks

6.Certification & Handover

Building Control Inspections

Throughout the build we will organise all required inspections and make sure every aspect of the build is in line with the current regulations and is approved by building control.

Practical Completion & Handover

Project completion, all the final finishes are now installed any snagging items are addressed the site is cleaned.

Certification

Project signed off Building Control Completion Certificate, Electrical & Gas certificates, Structural warranties (if applicable)
Estimated Time: 1–4 weeks after handover

Testimonials

Crafting Your Dream Home

Angela

2 months ago

My previous experience with ABL (who completely rebuilt my current home on time, within budget and with a high quality finish, using exemplary project management, organisational skills and reliable, experienced sub-contractors) led me to ask them to renovate and repaint my beach hut ready for sale, even though I believe this is not a usual project that they undertake. I asked them because they are now a company in whom I have 100% confidence. I would not be on site while the work was done but felt entirely happy handing over my keys knowing that the work would be carried out quickly, efficiently, without causing nuisance in a public area and that the end result would be as I wanted. As with my previous experience, dealing with the ABL staff (this time, Graham, Dan and office admin) was an absolute pleasure and the rebuilt hut side and repainting has completely rejuvenated and weatherproofed the building. Contracting a building company can be such a lottery, frequently involving early promises but actually resulting in a stressful, negative experience with delays and hidden costs, so ABL’s expertise, efficiency and ethical practice certainly warrants their charges and reputation. I don’t hesitate to recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone who wants the hassle and uncertainty removed from any building project they are currently contemplating.

Kevin

9 months ago

I have been using Alan Bender Limited for the past 7 years, over 5 different projects. They have completely transformed my house. I couldn’t be happier.

Projects completed with Alan Bender Limited:

1. House Extension
This was the first big job they did for me, and it set the tone for everything after. They were recommended by my architect, which is always a good place to start. They initially sent me a checklist to fill in, which at first felt like an inconvenience. Then I realised how important this step was for ensuring the quote and downtime was accurate. The extension turned out exactly the way I hoped. Solid work, no drama, and it still looks great years later.

2. Internal Decorative Partitions
When I wanted to break up some space inside the house, they took the concepts from our interior designers and built some smart looking partitions. They fitted in perfectly with the rest of the space.

3. Bay Window Roofs
A smaller job, but still important. They replaced the bay window roof quickly and without any fuss whilst I was out the country for work. I trusted them to deliver their usual standard despite having no one onsite. It’s been completely trouble‑free since, and it tidied up the front of the house nicely.

4. Main Bathroom
This was a bigger renovation, and Dan did a really nice job. The bathroom feels modern and well thought‑out, and the finish is spot on. It’s one of those projects where you notice the difference every day.

5. Utility Room (Just finished Jan 2026)
The most recent job, and they’ve kept up the same standard. The new utility room is practical and looks great. Another great job by Dan.

What I like most is that they’re easy to deal with, turn up when they say they will, and their work holds up over time. After five projects, I can say they’ve earned my trust, and I’m happy to recommend them to anyone. They are not a one-man band but a proper company. You are paying to have professionals on and off site focused on making your project a success.

Managing Director Oliver is 100% customer focused. He wants to make sure every project is on time and on budget, whilst delivering the highest standards.

Site Supervisor Adam can build anything. Brickwork, plasters, carpentry . . . he can do it all! The odd homemade bacon and egg sandwich kept him energised through the build.

Dan did our bathroom and utility room. We couldn’t be happier with his approach, demeanour, and quality of work. I went to work each day and left him to it. Coming home to see the project progress was always a highlight.

Project Manager Angie and Project Coordinator Kirstie were great to deal with. They were an integral part of each project.

Thank you Alan Bender Limited for setting the industry standard.

Sandra R

12 months ago

We were very pleased with the work carried out by Alan Bender Ltd and would be more than happy to recommend them.
We were given a detailed project plan for our extension and it was completed ahead of schedule to a very high standard.
Our site manager Simon and his team were a pleasure to work with. Simon made the whole project run smoothly with his attention to detail & excellent communication. He suggested practical solutions to design issues encountered which resulted in an improved room layout and a more spacious entrance area.
Throughout the process Angie, Gee & Kirstie were very helpful and dealt with any queries we had promptly.

Duncan McLean

1 year ago

From day one - our meeting with Graham to talk about what we wanted, our vision and how it could be done- all went very well and we felt that ABL listened and were very caring.
When it came to the build itself, our site supervisor Bryan and his team excelled. They all worked so hard and their highly skilled workmanship was clear to see every day. We enjoyed having them around, making its of coffees, cold drinks and bacon butties. They felt like family/friends in the end.
Bryan was very thorough and reassured us about what was happening every day and through each stage, and with lots of advice given, which was great.
The build was right on time and right on budget and the team went above and beyond in every aspect of it. The standard of workmanship has been outstanding and we are so happy with the end result, our vision has come to life.
A very big thank you to Bryan, John, Emilio and Craig and all those on site and in the office - all were helpful and very understanding of minor 'adjustments' along the way.
We are so pleased, thank you again.

From first contact to finished project

Typical Overall Timeframes

Kitchen or bathroom: 1–2 months
Single/ double storey extension or home renovation: 6–14 months
Bespoke new build 10-18 months
Timescales are indicative and can vary depending on lead in times, project complexity, local authority response times, and client design decisions.

Testimonials