Frequently
Asked Questions

We cover three specialist divisions across the North East: Signature Builds — extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, new builds, kitchens, bathrooms, structural alterations, plastering and joinery, and flooring; Signature Roofing — repairs, re-roofing, flat roofs, fascias, VELUX windows and all roofing trades; Signature Landscaping — driveways, patios, decking, fencing, artificial grass, and full garden transformations.

We work across the whole of the North East — Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Northumberland, and all surrounding towns and villages. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, just get in touch.

Call us on 0191 7221525 or email info@grayssignaturebuilds.co.uk. For most projects we'll arrange a free site visit to properly assess the work before providing a written, itemised quote.

Yes — we offer free, no-obligation site surveys for domestic projects across the North East. We'll visit, assess the work, and provide a written quote with no pressure to proceed.

We typically provide a written quote within 5–10 working days of the site survey. More complex projects may take a little longer — we'll confirm timescales at the visit.

Yes — we advise on whether planning permission is required, assist with applications where needed, and manage building control notifications and inspections throughout your project. Many works fall under permitted development, which we'll confirm during the survey.

Absolutely. We regularly work from third-party drawings and coordinate directly with architects, structural engineers, and designers to deliver the project as specified.

Timescales vary significantly by project type and size. Your written quote will include an estimated start date and a phased programme. We'll communicate promptly if anything changes during the build.

We manage all core trades in-house wherever possible. Where specialist subcontractors are used, they are vetted, approved, and managed directly by us. You have one point of contact — us — throughout.

Changes are handled with written variation orders that document the updated scope, cost, and any timeline impact. We never carry out additional work without your written approval first.

Yes — every project is covered by a written contract or formal proposal setting out scope, price, payment schedule, programme, and responsibilities before any work begins.

Standard terms are: a deposit on contract acceptance, staged payments at agreed milestones throughout the build, and a final balance on completion. Exact terms are specified in each contract.

Our quotes clearly state whether prices are VAT inclusive or exclusive. Where VAT applies, it is shown separately on invoices. We'll clarify VAT status during the quotation process.

Yes — we provide workmanship guarantees on all trades. Manufacturer warranties apply to supplied materials and appliances. Both are detailed in your contract at the outset.

Email info@grayssignaturebuilds.co.uk with full details. We aim to acknowledge within 2 working days and will inspect and propose a resolution within the guarantee period.

We agree working hours, access arrangements, and site storage before starting. We protect adjacent areas, keep sites clean throughout, and provide regular progress updates so you always know what's happening.

Yes — standard site waste clearance is included in our quotes unless stated otherwise. Large projects include a waste management plan and any skip or haulage costs are specified upfront.

For works involving scaffolding, road closures, or significant noise, we advise on neighbour notification and assist where needed. We comply fully with local council rules on working hours and noise.

We operate in full compliance with UK health and safety regulations, carry out risk assessments before works begin, provide appropriate PPE, and can supply method statements and RAMS documents for larger or higher-risk projects.

Report any defects to info@grayssignaturebuilds.co.uk. We operate a formal defects policy and will arrange inspection and rectification within the agreed warranty period.