Questions and answers

Building regulations approval is needed for most structural work, extensions, loft conversions and HMO conversions. We coordinate the drawings and building control inspections as part of the project, so you’re not left chasing sign-offs at the end.

We’ve been members of the Federation of Master Builders since September 2026. FMB membership involves meeting their membership requirements, including an inspection of our work, and agreeing to follow the FMB Code of Conduct. Ask us for our insurance details and we’ll send them with your quote.

We’re based in Cardiff, and most of our recent projects are in Pontcanna, Cathays and Roath. We also take on projects elsewhere in Cardiff and South Wales. Send us the postcode and we’ll let you know.

After an initial conversation and a visit to the property, we agree the scope of work with you and put together a written, itemised quote. If the scope changes during the project, we agree any changes with you before doing the work.

Yes. Our projects page has case studies from Pontcanna, Cathays and Roath, and we post progress and finished work on Instagram.

Whatever suits you. Call us on 07929 113138 (+44 7929 113138 from outside the UK), message us on WhatsApp, email infoelevatedev@gmail.com, or send a few details through our contact form. Photos of the property and a postcode help us give you a useful first answer.

Usually, yes. In Wales, changing a family house (use class C3) into a small HMO for three to six unrelated people (class C4) needs planning permission, and HMOs for more than six people are ‘sui generis’, which also need permission. Cardiff Council also publishes planning guidance that looks at how many HMOs are already in an area. We’ll talk you through what’s likely to apply before you commit.

Cardiff Council has run additional HMO licensing schemes in Cathays and Plasnewydd (Roath), covering all HMOs in those areas. Elsewhere, larger HMOs need a mandatory licence. Licensing is handled by Shared Regulatory Services and the schemes are renewed periodically, so always check the current position for your address.

Our recent HMOs have been six- and seven-bed conversions of Cardiff terraced houses, often using a rear extension and a dormer to add bedrooms and bathrooms. One started as a three-bed house; another as a run-down two-bed.

Turnkey means one team manages the whole process: finding a suitable property, helping you arrange finance, the design and build, and handing back a property that’s ready to let, or tenanted where that’s part of the agreed scope. Exactly what’s included is agreed in writing at the start.

No. We’re builders and developers, not financial advisers, and we don’t publish rental yield or return figures. Any lending comes from third-party lenders, and you should take your own independent financial, tax and legal advice before investing.

It depends on the size of the dormer, whether structural steels are needed and how much finishing is involved, such as a new bathroom. We’ll set out a realistic programme with your quote once we’ve seen the property, rather than guess at a number here.

Many rear dormers on houses can be built under permitted development, within set size limits. Flats, listed buildings and conservation areas have tighter rules, and building regulations approval is needed either way. We check what applies to your property before any design work starts.

Yes. Where they’re worth saving, we keep original features such as fireplaces, cornicing, ceiling roses and tiled hallways, and design the new work around them. See our period property refurbishment.

One company takes responsibility for both the design and the construction. You agree the brief and budget with us at the start, we coordinate the design, planning and building regulations, then build it. It means one point of contact and fewer handovers.

Yes. We work through planning with our clients as part of design and build projects. Our five-apartment scheme in Roath, near the city centre, was approved in 2026 after a long process of back and forth.

Kitchens and bathrooms are part of almost every project we do, usually within a wider refurbishment. If you’re planning a standalone kitchen or bathroom, tell us about it and we’ll let you know whether it’s a good fit.