# Journal

> HXL's writing on construction process, contract form, cost and heritage.

## Hampstead Article 4 directions: what they actually mean for your renovation

A 2026 guide for Hampstead, Belsize and South Hampstead homeowners. Which permitted development rights are removed, what is changing in June 2026, and how to plan for it.

**Published:** 2026-06-06 · **Category:** Planning
**Page:** https://hxlconstruction.co.uk/journal/hampstead-article-4-directions-renovation-guide
**Markdown:** https://hxlconstruction.co.uk/journal/hampstead-article-4-directions-renovation-guide.md

## What a London basement excavation actually costs

The real cost drivers behind a single-storey basement addition under a London terrace. Why the price varies so much between properties, and what homeowners should budget for in 2026.

**Published:** 2026-04-05 · **Category:** Cost
**Page:** https://hxlconstruction.co.uk/journal/london-basement-construction-costs
**Markdown:** https://hxlconstruction.co.uk/journal/london-basement-construction-costs.md

## Design-and-build versus appointing an architect separately. How to choose

For homeowners starting a major residential project, the appointment sequence matters as much as the team. Here is how to decide whether to brief an architect first, or contract a design-and-build firm from the outset.

**Published:** 2026-03-28 · **Category:** Process
**Page:** https://hxlconstruction.co.uk/journal/design-and-build-vs-architect
**Markdown:** https://hxlconstruction.co.uk/journal/design-and-build-vs-architect.md

## What a £1m London home renovation actually costs

An honest breakdown of where the money goes on a £1m refurbishment of a Victorian terrace. Drawing from HXL's recent project data across Hampstead, Richmond and Notting Hill.

**Published:** 2026-03-15 · **Category:** Cost
**Page:** https://hxlconstruction.co.uk/journal/london-home-renovation-costs
**Markdown:** https://hxlconstruction.co.uk/journal/london-home-renovation-costs.md

## JCT Standard vs Design & Build. Which contract for your scheme?

For homeowners and architects appointing a principal contractor, the choice between JCT Standard Building Contract and Design & Build is the single biggest decision after appointing the team. Here's how to choose.

**Published:** 2026-02-28 · **Category:** Contract
**Page:** https://hxlconstruction.co.uk/journal/jct-standard-vs-design-build
**Markdown:** https://hxlconstruction.co.uk/journal/jct-standard-vs-design-build.md

## Conservation-area renovations: what Hampstead and Marlow homeowners need to know

Hampstead, Marlow and Beaconsfield are among the UK's most tightly-regulated conservation districts. Here's what that actually means when you start a renovation or extension. And how to plan for it.

**Published:** 2026-02-10 · **Category:** Heritage
**Page:** https://hxlconstruction.co.uk/journal/conservation-area-renovations
**Markdown:** https://hxlconstruction.co.uk/journal/conservation-area-renovations.md

## Choosing a principal contractor for a £2m+ residential project

Five questions every homeowner and architect should ask before appointing a main contractor on a project of this scale. Get these right and the build is largely solved.

**Published:** 2026-01-22 · **Category:** Process
**Page:** https://hxlconstruction.co.uk/journal/choosing-principal-contractor
**Markdown:** https://hxlconstruction.co.uk/journal/choosing-principal-contractor.md


---

**HXL Construction Ltd** · Principal contractor and design & build firm · London and the Home Counties
Email: info@hxlconstruction.com · Phone: +44 7845 585147
Registered office: 102 Vine Lane, Uxbridge, London UB10 0BE
Canonical: https://hxlconstruction.co.uk/journal