Builders in Surrey
New builds, renovations, extensions, conversions and commercial projects across Surrey, from our base in Woking.
A trusted construction company in Surrey.
Godman Construction specialises in new builds, renovations, conversions and extensions for homes and businesses across the county.
Our work covers both residential and commercial sectors, including healthcare and private projects. From the initial consultation to the final handover, we manage each project with the same care, whether it is a single-room refurbishment or a complete new home.
Surrey is a heavily protected county. Much of it is Green Belt, around a quarter is covered by the Surrey Hills National Landscape, and every borough has conservation areas of its own. Planning is handled by eleven different borough and district councils, which are due to be replaced by two in 2027.
We work across that patchwork, and there is a page for each of the main towns we cover, setting out the local rules alongside our services.
Building services across Surrey.
Residential and commercial building, wherever you are in the county.
Property Renovations in Surrey
A full home renovation can include structural alterations, kitchen and bathroom renovations, electrical and plumbing upgrades, plastering, flooring, decorating and internal remodelling. We tailor every renovation to the property’s condition and your requirements.
We have experience renovating a wide range of properties, including Victorian, Edwardian and period homes throughout Surrey, balancing modern improvements with the original character and features of the property. For many homeowners, renovating is a cost-effective alternative to moving.
House Extensions in Surrey
We build single-storey and double-storey extensions, kitchen extensions, home offices and family rooms, each designed to complement the existing architecture.
The national rules on permitted development are the same across Surrey, but how they apply depends on where you live: in a conservation area, in the Surrey Hills, in the Green Belt or in none of them. Our guide to planning permission for house extensions explains each case.
Loft Conversions in Surrey
We specialise in loft conversions, from simple rooflight conversions to dormer, hip-to-gable and mansard designs, and manage every aspect from the initial design to the final inspection.
Guide prices for each type are set out in our article on loft conversion costs, and the planning and Building Regulations position in our guide to loft conversion rules.
Garage Conversions in Surrey
We carry out full and partial garage conversions, creating bedrooms, home offices, gyms and annexes complete with insulation, flooring, plumbing and electrics to match the rest of the home.
We have dedicated pages for garage conversions in Guildford and garage conversions in Farnham.
New Builds in Surrey
We build custom new homes, small residential developments and commercial premises across Surrey, and support self-builders who want a hands-on role in their project. Our team works with skilled architects and designers and manages each build from the plot to the handover.
Because so much of the county is Green Belt, many new homes in Surrey replace an existing house. Additional homes in the west of the county also have to contribute to protecting the Thames Basin Heaths. We can guide you through the planning process and help ensure the project complies with local authority requirements and Building Regulations.
Commercial Building in Surrey
We deliver commercial projects across Surrey and Hampshire, including healthcare facilities, office refurbishments and retail spaces, with professional project management from conception to completion.
Our healthcare work includes clinic renovations, medical practice refurbishments and waiting room improvements, planned in phases so that practices can stay open while the work is carried out.
We also take on healthcare, private works and small works in Surrey. See all our services.
Planning and building in Surrey
A short guide to how the county is organised and protected.
Who decides planning applications
Surrey has eleven borough and district councils, each its own planning authority. From April 2027 they are due to be replaced by two new councils, East Surrey and West Surrey. The Surrey local government reorganisation hub explains the change.
Green Belt
Much of Surrey outside its towns is Metropolitan Green Belt. It does not remove permitted development rights, but it limits new building, and extensions and replacement houses that need planning permission are judged against the size of the existing building.
The Surrey Hills
The Surrey Hills National Landscape covers roughly a quarter of the county, and permitted development rights are reduced within it. In September 2026 Natural England proposed extending it by more than 30%. A decision by the Secretary of State is awaited.
Conservation areas
Every borough has them: 44 in Waverley, 40 in Guildford, 27 in Woking and 26 in Elmbridge, for example. Side extensions, two-storey extensions and roof extensions in a conservation area always need planning permission.
Thames Basin Heaths
The heaths of north-west Surrey are a Special Protection Area. New homes within five kilometres must contribute to measures that protect them. Extensions and conversions are not affected.
Why choose Godman Construction in Surrey?
Get a QuoteA Personalised Approach
No two projects are ever the same. We take the time to get to know your needs and goals before laying a single brick, and tailor every solution to fit your budget, lifestyle and aspirations.
Managed From Concept to Completion
We offer full project management, working closely with architects, engineers and suppliers and coordinating every trade, so you are kept informed with regular updates and never have to chase a deadline.
Compliance and Safety
Our team stays up to date with the latest regulations, so all work meets Building Regulations and stringent safety standards, from the initial planning stages to the final inspection.
Quality That Lasts
Our fully qualified and insured team builds beautiful, functional spaces designed to last, and all our work comes with a workmanship guarantee.
Discover our excellent reputation.
We have worked with a large number of clients throughout the area, take a look at some of the feedback we have received.
Our projects
Building in Surrey: your questions answered.
Answers to the questions we are asked most often by homeowners across Surrey.
How much does a home renovation cost in Surrey?
The cost of a home renovation depends on the size of your property, the scope of work and the materials you choose. Whether you are renovating a single room or carrying out a full house refurbishment, we provide detailed, no-obligation quotations tailored to your project and budget.
How long does a house renovation take?
Every renovation project is different. Smaller refurbishments may take a few weeks, while complete home renovations can take several months. We will provide a clear project schedule before work begins and keep you informed throughout every stage.
Do I need planning permission for a home renovation?
Many internal renovations do not require planning permission. However, structural alterations, extensions or work to listed buildings and properties in conservation areas may require approval. We will advise you on any planning or Building Regulations requirements relevant to your project.
Is renovating a house better than moving?
For many homeowners, renovating is a cost-effective alternative to moving. It allows you to improve your existing property, create additional living space and modernise your home without the expense and disruption of relocating.
Which council will decide my planning application?
At present, your borough or district council, such as Woking, Guildford, Waverley, Elmbridge or Surrey Heath. From April 2027 the eleven councils are due to be replaced by East Surrey and West Surrey councils. The national planning rules will not change as a result.
Can I build a new home in the Green Belt?
New building in the Green Belt is tightly restricted, but national policy allows the replacement of a building provided the new one is in the same use and not materially larger than the one it replaces. That is how most individual new homes in Surrey’s Green Belt come about.
Which parts of Surrey do you cover?
From our base in Woking we work throughout Surrey and the surrounding areas, including Guildford, Godalming, Farnham, Cobham, Weybridge and Walton-on-Thames. Our coverage page lists them all.
Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?
Yes. Alongside private homeowners, we deliver commercial projects across Surrey and Hampshire, including healthcare facilities, office refurbishments and retail spaces.
Guides for your project
- Do You Need Planning Permission for a House Extension?
- How Much Does a House Extension Cost in Surrey?
- How Much Does a Loft Conversion Cost? Prices by Type
- Loft Conversion Planning Permission and Building Regulations Explained
- Garage Conversions: Planning Permission, Building Regulations and Ideas
- Renovate or Rebuild? When Knocking Down and Starting Again Makes Sense