We have experienced a brief delay on the rear extension of the full-house refurbishment we are working on in Balham due to a small design change, which meant we had to apply for a change to the planning permission

The client had realised that a slight redesign of the old side-return and a change to the windows would allow for much more natural light, which is the type of small change that can make a big difference to the end result.

As expected, Wandsworth council granted planning permission, but it did push things back a few weeks.

However, we were able to progress as much as possible during that time. Most notably, the temporary supports that had been holding the house were replaced with a box frame that will provide the new back of the house.

Removing temporary supports is a slow process as you need to remove one and allow it to settle before removing the next one. Failure to allow sufficient time for this could lead to unsightly (and potentially unsafe) cracks.

Having removed the supports, the timbers and joists, including the holes for the electric windows have been constructed. We are finishing the brickwork on the exterior and waiting for aluminium sliding doors, which will open out from the kitchen to the garden, to arrive.

At this stage, the focus of the project is getting the house weatherproof. When we achieve that it marks a significant step change and we move into the final stage of the job, which is all about the fit out and finishing touches.