Ventilation for new builds, extensions and lofts in Essex

New homes, extensions and loft conversions need ventilation that meets the building regulations and is tested before sign-off. We design the system, install it at the right stage of the build, measure the airflows and provide the commissioning information building control asks for.

Essex has every kind of building, from old terraces to new estates and business parks, and every job is designed around the building in front of us, not a standard kit.

New builds & extensions in Essex at a glance

Area: Essex
Towns listed: 32, largest Southend-on-Sea
Postcode districts: CM3, CM8, EN3, EN8, RM15 and RM19
Price region: East of England
Survey: Free survey (UK mainland)

How we do it

For new dwellings in England, Approved Document F sets whole-home ventilation rates and requires mechanical systems to be commissioned and the results given to building control. Extensions and loft conversions have their own triggers: a new wet room needs extract, a new habitable room needs background ventilation or a connection to the ducted system, and energy-efficiency work can mean the existing home needs more ventilation too. We work for self-builders, small developers, builders and architects.

MVHR for new builds

Design, first fix, second fix and commissioning for whole-home heat recovery.

MEV or dMEV

Continuous extract systems where MVHR is not specified.

Extensions and lofts

Extract for new bathrooms and kitchens, background ventilation for new rooms.

Guide prices in Essex

Ventilation for new builds, extensions and lofts guide prices in Essex
Work	Guide price
MVHR in a new build or full renovation (fitted at first fix), 3 to 4 bedrooms (per home)	£5,200–£8,350 inc VAT
Continuous-running extract fan (dMEV) with humidity boost, flow tested (per fan)	£360–£625 inc VAT
Airflow testing and commissioning sheet for extract fans (up to 6 fans) (per home)	£150–£310 inc VAT
MVHR or MEV commissioning test, every terminal measured and recorded (per system)	£255–£415 inc VAT

East of England rates shown. Prices include VAT at 20%. The fixed price is confirmed in writing after we have seen the job.

Common reasons people call

Ceilings are about to be boarded
Building control has asked for a ventilation strategy or commissioning sheet
Your SAP assessor has assumed a particular ventilation system

Rules in England

In England, ventilation is covered by Part F of the Building Regulations and its guidance, Approved Document F (2021 edition). It sets extract rates for kitchens, bathrooms and utilities and asks for mechanical ventilation to be commissioned and recorded.

How the job runs

Drawings
Design
First fix
Second fix
Commission

Towns we cover in Essex

Questions about ventilation for new builds, extensions and lofts in Essex

Are prices different in Essex?

Our guide prices are adjusted by region. In Essex we use East of England rates, so MVHR in a new build or full renovation (fitted at first fix), 3 to 4 bedrooms is typically £5,200 to £8,350 inc VAT per home.

Does an extension need extractor fans?

A new kitchen, bathroom, utility room or WC in an extension needs mechanical extract to meet Approved Document F in England, and new habitable rooms need background ventilation or a connection to a ducted system.

When should MVHR be fitted in a new build?

MVHR ducts should go in at first fix, after the structure and before plasterboard. Planning it at design stage avoids clashes with joists and steels.

Is the survey free in Essex?

For new installations on the UK mainland, yes. The survey is free and the quote that follows is fixed and in writing. Servicing, testing and repair visits are charged, and we confirm the cost before booking.

Which rules apply to ventilation in Essex?

In England, ventilation in new and altered homes is covered by Approved Document F of the Building Regulations. Landlords also have duties under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, and workplaces must be ventilated under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.