London’s period gems: Cube’s insider tips for a flawless renovation

From the elegant Georgian terraces of Greenwich and Blackheath to the character-filled cottages in Dulwich Village, Highgate, Chiswick and beyond, many of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods are rich in period properties. Areas like Wimbledon, Richmond and Barnes offer homes full of charm, however renovating them comes with unique challenges, especially in precious conservation areas.

Making the most of space in a beautiful period home takes thoughtful planning, structural care and often involves specialists to ensure quality at every stage. These homes deserve to be extended, refurbished and renovated with expertise as well as respect for their heritage.

Our blog is based on over 15 years of experience in delivering hundreds of build projects. We unpack how you can maximise your home’s potential with Cube’s unique end-to-end build services.

PAIN POINT: PLANNING PERMISSION

We hear you! Planning applications can be one of the most irritating and time-consuming parts of a build project, however they’re essential for extensions, loft conversions and work on listed or period properties. Navigating the process takes time, accuracy and a clear understanding of local policies. That’s why Cube manages it for you, handling everything from drawings to submissions and communication with your local authority. Our experience helps avoid delays and increases your chances of approval, leaving you to focus on the exciting parts of your build project.

NOTIFYING NEIGHBOURS

Proactive communication is key. Letting your neighbours know about your home renovation or building project well in advance is not just courteous, it’s essential for maintaining good relationships and avoiding disputes. Whether you’re planning a loft conversion, rear extension or full refurbishment, giving your neighbours advance notice helps manage expectations around noise, access and timelines. Clear communication can also prevent objections during the planning process and ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish. If you instruct Cube to look after your build project, we will be sure to drop your neighbours a polite note on your behalf.

ASSESSING ACCESS

Evaluating how easily materials, equipment and contractors can access the site before any building work begins paves the way for your build project. Restricted access can impact everything from delivery logistics to waste removal and overall timelines. Identifying access challenges such as narrow streets, lack of off-street parking or shared driveways early allows for better planning, reduces disruption and helps to keep your project on schedule and within budget.

SEARCHING SPECIALISTS

By brining specialists into your build project you’re adding invaluable, in-depth knowledge and precision to complex tasks like structural engineering, electrical work or any kind of bespoke solution. It also ensures that every element meets the individually required standards. Specialised expertise diminishes errors, avoids costly reworks and significantly enhances both durability and the final outcome.

At the end of the day, everyone wants a polished result so let’s take a quick look at the project areas that should be handled by specialists:

✅ Loft conversions, extensions & refurbishments
✅ Structural engineering
✅ Electrics
✅ Plumbing & heating
✅ Glazing such as architectural, large bi-fold doors and roof lanterns
✅ Excavation & ground works
✅ Damp proofing
✅ Asbestos removal
✅ Timber treatment
✅ Installation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC engineers)
✅ Installation of fire safety systems
✅ Crafting and installing bespoke joinery, high-end tiling or polished concrete
✅ Roofing

SEIZING SPACE

Surely, you’re dreaming of a home that really works for you. A build project is a great opportunity to rethink every square inch of your home. Beyond just adding space, smart design is the secret to unlocking incredible potential. Imagine transforming your underutilised areas into cleverly built-in storage, crafting dynamic multi-purpose rooms that adapt as your family grows or fitting stunning, expansive glazing to seamlessly blend the indoors with the outdoors. Don’t just build bigger, build smarter. And yes, aesthetics are important but so is transforming your daily life and boosting your home’s value.

SECURE STRUCTURAL REPAIRS

Now, we’re talking about the backbone of any successful build. When planning a construction project, few elements are as critical as structural works. Whether it’s new foundations, load-bearing walls, or essential repairs, getting the structure right sets the tone for the entire build. Structural stitching, an advanced method used to reinforce and bind existing structures, plays a vital role in restoring stability and extending the life of older buildings. At Cube, we bring proven expertise to both traditional and complex structural challenges. From the ground up, we ensure your project is built to last, seamlessly blending safety, precision and longevity.

DAMP PROOFING

Damp proofing is essential in any build or renovation project to protect your home from moisture damage, mould and structural decay. Without proper damp control, even high-quality finishes can quickly deteriorate. Full refurbishments, extensions and basement works all require different treatments which range from installing a damp-proof course (DPC) to using breathable membranes or specialist tanking systems in basement spaces. Always identify the source of moisture early and work with experienced contractors to ensure your home keeps dry, in good condition and protected for years to come. If you’re interested to see some examples from our portfolio which required basement tanking, you can visit our full refurbishment projects in either Kingston upon Thames or Wandsworth.

IDEAL INSULATION

Insulation is one of the smartest investments you can make as part of a build project to improve energy efficiency, comfort and durability. Getting it right means lower heating bills, fewer draughts and a home that’s both warm in winter and cool in summer. Whether you’re renovating or extending, consider high-performance insulation in walls, floors and roofs as well as around windows and doors. Good insulation also improves your EPC rating, which can help unlock government grants for heat pumps and solar panels.

SOUND SOUNDPROOFING

A quieter home starts with smart design choices during your build. From noisy neighbours to everyday sounds travelling through old, listed property walls, planning for sound insulation early makes a big difference. Adding acoustic insulation to walls, floors and ceilings, along with sealed doors, dense materials, and sound-rated plasterboard, can dramatically improve comfort and privacy. It’s a simple upgrade that brings long-term peace and adds real value to your home.

HOT ON HEALTH & SAFETY

Never underestimate the importance of health and safety. Building projects come with real risks ranging from heavy equipment and dust to noise and restricted access. A robust strategy is the foundation of any successful build project and managing risks carefully keeps everyone safe, prevents accidents and minimises costly setbacks. Investing in comprehensive health and safety measures means investing in peace of mind, delivering high-quality results safely and efficiently.

FREEZE FEATURES

Charm springs to mind when we think of retaining original features but it’s just as much about adding long-term value and preserving architectural integrity. Elements such as exposed beams, sash windows, original fireplaces or historic brickwork tell a story that modern materials often can’t replicate. Preserving them can elevate your project from standard to standout.

Cube’s top tips:

• Assess carefully: identify which features are structurally sound and worth keeping before build works commence;
• Blend old with new: use sympathetic materials and styles that highlight rather than overshadow original details;
• Work with specialists: conservation-savvy builders and craftsmen can restore features without compromising on safety or style.

HEAT PUMP POTENTIAL

Installing a heat pump as part of your build or renovation project is a smart way to cut energy bills and reduce carbon emissions. In order to qualify for government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, your home needs a good EPC rating, so it’s essential to first address insulation, airtightness and glazing. Planning ahead allows you to size the system correctly, find a suitable external unit location and integrate it efficiently with underfloor heating or radiators. With the right preparation, a heat pump can future-proof your home and lower your running costs for years to come.

SOLAR SURGE

We’ve witnessed a trend of more Cube customers requesting to install solar panels as part of their build or renovation project. It’s easy to see why with energy prices rising. Solar panels can significantly reduce energy bills, improve your EPC rating and even boost your home’s resale value, making them a smart, sustainable choice. Integrating solar panels early means better placement, less disruption and lower installation costs. Consider your roof orientation, shading and adding battery storage to get the most from your system.

CHOOSE CUBE

Every build project comes with its challenges such as tight access, remote locations, on-site concrete mixing, noise restrictions and the constant battle to keep things clean and tidy.

Cube has handled it all. With over 15 years of experience in delivering end-to-end build services, we don’t just manage your project – we anticipate it.

From the initial design consultation to the final snags, Cube keeps things moving smoothly and professionally.

Start your project the right way today:

E: space@cubelofts.co.uk
T: 020 8432 9676