Victorian properties are common across Guildford and the wider Surrey area, but they bring their own set of challenges when planning an extension: solid wall construction, shared party walls, period detailing, and often conservation area restrictions.
1. Establish what you’re allowed to build
Before anything else, check:
- Permitted development rights many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development, but Victorian terraces in conservation areas (common in central Guildford) often have these rights removed.
- Conservation area status check with Guildford Borough Council’s planning portal.
- Listed building status some Victorian properties or whole streets are listed, which restricts changes to materials and elevations.
2. Party wall agreements
Most Victorian terraces and semis share a party wall with a neighbour. If your extension involves:
- Building on or astride the boundary line
- Excavating within 3–6m of a neighbour’s foundations
- Cutting into the party wall for beams
…you’ll need a Party Wall Award under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, served at least two months before work starts.
3. Foundations and existing structure
Victorian houses typically have shallow brick footings, often only 0.5–0.75m deep. A structural engineer will need to:
- Assess the existing foundations
- Design new foundations that tie in safely
- Specify underpinning if the extension sits close to the existing walls
4. Matching materials
Reclaimed or specially-sourced bricks, matching mortar colour and pointing style, and matching roof tiles (often clay plain tiles or slate) are usually required particularly in conservation areas where planning conditions may specify this.
5. Typical project sequence
- Feasibility sketch and budget check
- Planning application (or lawful development certificate for permitted development)
- Structural design and building control submission
- Party wall notices served
- Groundworks and foundations
- Brick/blockwork shell, roof structure and covering
- First fix electrics, plumbing, carpentry
- Plastering, second fix, decoration
- Building control sign-off
Working with BUILDA
Our design services cover the planning and structural design stages, and our building services team carries out the full build, including groundworks, carpentry and finishing trades.