Transform Your Home with Bespoke Extensions & Renovations


Whether you’re planning a £100k–£500k project, seeking expert craftsmanship, or need professional guidance, we’ve got you covered. We proudly serve St Albans, Harpenden, and the wider Hertfordshire area, bringing over 25 years of hands-on experience to every job. With a complimentary site consultation and no-obligation quote, making your dream build a reality has never been easier.

OUR SERVICES

Premium Home Transformations

for Discerning Clients

Whether you’re an expanding family seeking extra space, creating your forever home, or optimizing an investment property for maximum ROI, our bespoke renovation services deliver exceptional results:

  • Extensions – Loft, rear, and side extensions designed to blend seamlessly with your existing home.

  • Refurbishments – Kitchen and bathroom makeovers that combine style, functionality, and lasting quality.

  • Loft Conversions – Transform under‑utilized attic space into bedrooms, home offices, or play areas.

  • Garage Conversions – Convert garages into gyms, studios, or additional living quarters.

  • New Builds – Ground‑up construction tailored to your vision, from concept to completion

Why Trust Us with

Your High‑Value Project?


At Abbey, we don’t just build—we care. For comfortable couples , discerning older homeowners , and young professionals in St Albans, Harpenden, Welling, Hartford , and beyond, we deliver tailored solutions that match your lifestyle and values. Here’s why locals trust us:

25+ Years Delivering £100k–£500k Projects

Decades of experience managing mid‑to‑high budget builds with precision and care.

Local Expertise

Proudly serving St Albans & Harpenden since 1999, with in‑depth knowledge of local regulations and styles.

Full Project Management

From initial design through to final handover, we coordinate every detail for a stress‑free renovation.

Premium Materials & Craftsmanship

We use only top‑quality materials and apply meticulous workmanship to ensure results that last.

TESTIMONIAL

Real Results. Satisfied Clients.

We take pride in delivering high-quality Refurbishment, loft conversions, and home extensions that transform homes and enhance lifestyles. But don’t just take our word for it—see what our happy clients have to say!

Thanks very much for all the work you’ve done on the house. It looks great. We look forward to working with you again in the future – whether in this house or the next!

Caroline, Mark and family

“Hi Richard and thanks for your email and quick response on the quote. I saw four builders last Friday and you were by far and away the most professional, informative and reassuring so thank you for that”.

Mr and Mrs Worton

St Albans

“Putting aside the COVID19 setbacks and frustrations, this have been a quality project. Please convey my thanks to all involved for their quality contributions. Have a great Christmas and a successful 2021, cheers”

Cornel

Stevenage

“Thank you for all the works that you have done for me. I am delighted with the result. Please use the extra money I have paid to take your team out for a drink. Once again Thank you”.

Marie

Welwyn Garden City

As an architect who has been working with Richard for a number of years, I have had positive feedback from clients on the services he provides in terms of both quality of work and customer service.

Pam Stokes

“I thought I’d drop you a line to let you know we are really pleased with how it’s turned out and our friends and family are amazed at how the place has transformed.”

Karen and Jon

Your Benefits at a Glance

Ready to elevate your home in St Albans, Harpenden, Hartford, and Welling?

Let’s create a space that reflects your life, your way.

  • For Comfortable Couples

    Collaborative updates that reflect your style—no compromises.

  • For Discerning Homeowners

    Timeless quality, no hidden costs, and post-project support you can trust.

  • For Young Professionals

    Modern upgrades, seamless communication, and on-time delivery for your busy lifestyle.

  • For Every Home

    • Full Transparency : Quotes honored, no surprises.

    • Respect for Your Space : Clean, tidy work areas—always.

    • Skilled Craftsmanship : New materials, flawless results.

    • Local Reliability : Decades serving St Albans, Harpenden, and beyond.

House Extensions

Make your house the dream home you always wanted with an extension


There are only so many clever Scandinavian storage solutions you can buy before it’s time to admit you simply need more room. A house extension—large or small, single storey or two—can give your home a luxurious new feel and offer your family years of growing space, all without the expensive and exhausting process of moving.

We manage every stage of your extension project, from bespoke design and planning permission to construction and finishing touches. With our own team of skilled, local craftspeople and streamlined project management, you’ll enjoy a hasslefree build and minimal disruption to your daily life.

  • Completely Customisable – Tailored layouts and finishes to match your style & requirements.

  • Single or Doublestorey Options – Flexible configurations for every need.

  • Planning & Permissions – Architect’s drawings provided or supplied, plus full application support.

  • Endtoend Project Management – Coordination of all trades for a seamless build.

  • Minimal Disruption – Efficient scheduling and clean work sites.

  • Adds value to your home – A smart investment with longterm benefits.

Whether you’re dreaming of a spacious new kitchen, a larger living area, or extra bedrooms for a growing family, we’ll bring your extension vision to life.

From concept and design through to finishing touches, our team manages every aspect of your project with minimal disruption. Let us help you unlock your home’s true potential—and enjoy a stunning, functional space you’ll love for years to come.

Refurbishments

Bring out the best in your property with renovation and refurbishment


Whether you’re looking to maximise the value of an investment property or transform your Hertfordshire home into a space that truly works for you, our refurbishment service delivers outstanding results. With impeccable craftsmanship and an eye for detail, we breathe new life into every room—big or small—ensuring your property reaches its full potential.

  • Open plan living – Remove walls and create a bright, contemporary flow.

  • Room repurposing – Convert under utilised areas into home offices, playrooms, or guest suites.

  • Bathroom relocation & addition – Install a new cloakroom downstairs or move your main bathroom upstairs.

  • Custom partitions – Define flexible zones for work, relaxation, or storage.

  • Enhanced natural light – Add or relocate windows and skylights to flood interiors with daylight.

  • Tailored storage solutions – Built in cabinetry and shelving designed to fit your space perfectly.

  • Door and access upgrades – Rehang or replace doors for better circulation and style.

  • Concealed services – Hide radiators, pipework, and meters behind bespoke cabinets and housings.

Home Offices

Give yourself room to think with a purpose-built home office

With so many people now working from home, having a dedicated office space is essential. Working at the kitchen table or squeezing a desk into the bedroom might work for a while, but it’s hard to stay comfortable—and even harder to focus. A bespoke home office, designed around your needs, frees you to work at your best and makes virtual meetings a pleasure. As flexible and remote working continue to rise, there’s never been a better time to put the right infrastructure in place.

  • Loft conversions – Transform unused attic space into a bright, airy study.

  • Singlestorey extensions – Add a groundfloor office with its own entrance for maximum privacy.

  • Garage conversions – Repurpose your garage into a fully insulated, functional workspace.

  • Outbuilding remodels – Convert sheds and studios into warm, connected offices.

  • Interior reconfiguration – Reorganise your existing footprint to carve out the perfect work zone.

  • Techready installations – Integrated wiring, data ports, and bespoke storage for all your equipment.

  • Minimal disruption – Expert planning and project management to keep your home running smoothly.

  • Adds property value – Enhance both functionality and resale appeal with a professional home office.

Whether you’re in St Albans, Bishop’s Stortford or anywhere across Hertfordshire, our team will design and build the home office that lets you work smarter—and enjoy every minute of it.

Whether you’re in Hertford, Hitchin, Harpenden or anywhere across Hertfordshire—from St Albans to Stevenage and Bishop’s Stortford—our team is ready to guide you through your loft conversion options. Get in touch today for an architect’s survey and a no obligation cost estimate.

Loft Conversions

Why move out when you can just move up?

Unlock the hidden potential of your home with a professionally engineered loft conversion. We’ll work around existing tanks and joists to maximise your usable floor area, fully insulate and ventilate your new roof space for year round comfort,and integrate clever storage so you still have plenty of headroom.

  • Maximised floor area – Strategic water tank relocation and bespoke storage solutions.

  • Year round comfort – High performance insulation and controlled ventilation.

  • Natural light – Skylights, dormer windows, and roof lights to brighten your new room.

  • Flexible layouts – Perfect for a home office, guest suite, extra bedroom, playroom, or hobby space.

  • Planning & structural support – Surveys, architectural drawings, building regulation approvals, and engineering checks.

  • End to end project management – From initial feasibility and planning through to finishing touches, with minimal disruption.

  • Added property value – A highquality loft conversion boosts both living space and resale appeal.

Garage Conversions

Cars don’t need comfortable, spacious homes. People do.

Most of us park our cars elsewhere—so why let your garage sit cold and unused? A garage conversion is one of the quickest, most cost-effective ways to add around 150 sq ft of warm, inviting living space without the expense or upheaval of a full extension.

  • Maximise existing footprint – Transform your single or double garage into a seamless part of your home.

  • Year-round comfort – Full insulation, heating, and ventilation for cost winters and fresh summers.

  • Integrated design – Expert advice on layout, finishes, and connections so your new room looks like it was always there.

  • Flexible uses – Create a lounge, kitchen extension, home office, playroom, utility room, cinema den, or even a bespoke granny annex.

  • Tech ready installations – Bespoke wiring, lighting, and plumbing to suit your chosen purpose.

  • Minimal disruption – Streamlined project management and local tradespeople keep your home running smoothly.

  • Planning guidance – Most conversions fall under permitted development, but we’ll handle any permissions needed in conservation areas or for listed buildings.

  • Boost your home’s value – A wellexecuted garage conversion can add up to 10% to your property’s resale price.

From St Albans and Harpenden to Stevenage and across Hertfordshire, Abbey Building Services & Maintenance will help you unlock valuable extra space—quickly, affordably, and with impeccable finish. Get in touch today to explore your garage’s potential!

Start Your Home

Transformation Today

Proudly Serving Homeowners Across Hertfordshire

Our team understands the diverse architectural landscape of Hertfordshire, from charming historic towns to modern suburban developments. We deliver projects that harmonize with the character of each location, blending craftsmanship with innovation.

  • St. Albans

  • Harpenden

  • Hemel Hempstead

  • Berkhamsted

  • Watford

  • Hertford

  • Hitchin

  • Stevenage

  • Letchworth Garden City

  • Welwyn Garden City

59 Moors Ley, Walkern, Stevenage SG2 7NQ, UK

Your Questions, Answered

Everything You Need to Know


We know that starting a garden room, loft conversion, or home extension is a big decision, and you probably have questions about the process, costs, and what to expect. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions our clients ask to help you make an informed choice. If you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch—we’re happy to help!

Do I need planning permission for a home extension, loft conversion, or home office? 

Most single-story extensions, loft conversions, and home offices fall under Permitted Development Rights (no planning permission required) if they meet specific criteria (e.g., size, height, and location). Garage conversions typically don’t require permission if the structure isn’t altered. However, we’ll assess your project and handle all necessary applications, or compliance checks to ensure stress-free approvals. 

Will a home extension or loft conversion add value to my property? 

Yes! Well-designed extensions, loft conversions, and home offices often increase property value by enhancing functionality and appeal. For example, a high-quality kitchen extension can yield up to 80-100% ROI, while a loft conversion adds valuable living space without the cost of moving. 

How do I know if my loft or garage is suitable for conversion? 

We’ll assess structural factors like roof type, headroom, and existing supports for lofts, and evaluate garage stability, access, and insulation for conversions. Many older properties in Hertfordshire have untapped potential—book a free survey to find out! 

How long does a home extension or refurbishment take? 

Timelines vary by project: 

- Extensions : 8–16 weeks (single-story), 12–24 weeks (two-story). 

- Loft/Garage Conversions : 6–12 weeks. 

- Full Refurbishments : 10–20 weeks (depending on scope). We’ll provide a detailed timeline upfront and minimize disruption with efficient project management. 

Can I stay in my home during construction? 

Absolutely! We prioritize safety and cleanliness, sealing off work areas and using dust-control systems. For major refurbishments or new builds, temporary accommodations are rare but can be discussed if needed. 

Why choose Hertfordshire Builders for my project? 

We specialize in extensions, loft conversions, home offices, and new builds across Hertfordshire, with 20+ years of local expertise. Our fixed-price quotes, transparent process, and dedication to craftsmanship ensure your vision is delivered on time and budget. 

What’s the cost difference between a new build and an extension? 

New builds start from £150,000+ for a small property, while extensions average £1,500–£3,000/m² . We’ll help you weigh the benefits—new builds offer customization, while extensions maximize existing space. 

Do I need an architect for a garage conversion or home office? 

Not always! Our in-house designers handle technical drawings for most projects. However, we collaborate with trusted architects for complex designs (e.g., structural changes or bespoke home offices). 

How do you handle structural challenges during a refurbishment? 

Our team uses advanced tools to identify issues early (e.g., damp, rot, or wiring). We’ll present solutions immediately, adjust plans if needed, and keep you informed every step of the way. 

Do you offer eco-friendly options for new builds or home offices? 

Yes! We integrate energy-efficient insulation, solar panels, underfloor heating, and sustainable materials (e.g., FSC-certified timber) to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. 

How do I start my extension, loft conversion, or new build? 

Contact us for a free consultation —we’ll visit your property, discuss ideas, and provide a no-obligation quote. From permits to finishing touches, we manage it all! 

Still have questions?


our friendly team is ready to help! - Call us now or send an email directly to us.

Your project, our promise

Hertfordshire builders, Abbey Building is an independent firm of local professional builders. We’re proud of the service which our architects, building project managers and craftspeople provide to Hertfordshire homeowners. We genuinely care about the people we’re here to serve and we work hard to uphold our excellent reputation. Our commitment is set out in our client charter.

Complete home transformations

It is truly satisfying to provide homeowners with refurbishments and home improvements that suit their needs. We can turn the space under the roof into extra rooms with a loft conversion or turn an underused garage into usable ground floor space with a garage conversion. We tackle ambitious house extensions and even new-builds on garden plots. Our former clients are happy to recommend us, see the reviews.

Hertfordshire builders

We work exclusively in Hertfordshire. Our projects take us across the county from hamlets like Ansells End and the Ayots to villages such as Wheathampstead and Welwyn. We complete projects in many Hertfordshire towns including Harpenden, Hertford and Hitchin. We’re frequently in demand in the St Albans area, whose cathedral abbey inspired our company name. Read our latest news