Does Lian Construction cover Kensington and Chelsea?
Yes. Kensington and Chelsea is part of our regular London-wide coverage. We take on refurbishment, repairs, roofing and general building work here.
What types of properties do you work on in Kensington and Chelsea?
We work on houses, flats, HMOs and commercial premises in Kensington and Chelsea for homeowners, landlords and managing agents.
How quickly can you start work in Kensington and Chelsea?
It depends on the scope of the job and our current schedule. As a London-wide contractor, we can usually arrange a site visit and quote for Kensington and Chelsea enquiries within a few working days.
How much do property repairs cost in Kensington and Chelsea?
The same general London market pricing applies in Kensington and Chelsea as across the rest of the city, since materials and labour rates don't vary sharply by borough. As a guide, damp survey (diagnosis before treatment) typically runs £200–£500, with the final figure depending on access, property age and what a survey finds. See our full property repair pricing for the complete range.
Which council covers Kensington and Chelsea for planning and building control?
Kensington and Chelsea is covered by Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (rbkc.gov.uk). Planning permission, Building Regulations approval, conservation area status and any Article 4 directions are all handled through the council, and requirements can vary street by street, so it's worth checking with them directly for anything beyond straightforward like-for-like repairs.
Do I need planning permission for a loft or basement conversion in Kensington and Chelsea?
It depends on the property. Many loft and basement conversions in the borough do need planning permission, particularly if the building is listed, in a conservation area, or the work affects the roofline or external appearance. Basement works also tend to involve additional structural and drainage considerations given how much of the borough sits on clay and how close properties are to each other. We'd always recommend checking the property's specific planning status before committing to a design, rather than assuming permitted development rights apply.
Why does tiling and plastering cost more in Kensington and Chelsea than elsewhere?
It's usually less about the borough itself and more about the specification. Properties here often call for larger format tiles, natural stone, or bespoke plaster finishes like polished plaster, which take more time and skill than standard trade finishes. Access can also be tighter in period terraces and mansion blocks, which slows work down. If you're pricing a job, it's worth asking what finish level a quote assumes, since standard and premium finishing can vary a lot in cost for what looks like the same job on paper.
How do I know if my property is in a conservation area?
The local council's planning portal will usually confirm conservation area status and any listing for a specific address, and this is worth checking before finalising plans for external work. If your property is in a conservation area, it can affect things like window replacements, render colours and roofing materials even where the work itself wouldn't normally need permission elsewhere. We'd suggest checking this early, since it can change both the materials specified and the realistic timeline for approval.
Can you match new plasterwork or decorating to the existing period detailing in an older property?
In most cases, yes, though it depends on the condition and complexity of what's already there. Matching cornicing, ceiling roses or panelling in an older property takes more care than a standard plastering job, and sometimes involves taking a mould or pattern from existing detail before replicating it elsewhere. It's worth flagging any original features you want matched at the quoting stage, since it affects both the time required and the finish achievable, rather than raising it once work is underway.