Completed DBM home transformation
Design Build Manage Ltd

FROM THE GROUND UP.

Extensions. Conversions. Structural Alterations.

A complete residential building service — from the first idea through to the finished project.

20+ Years' Experience
East Sussex & Kent
One Team. The Whole Project.
Design. Build. Manage.

A considered way to build your home.

DBM delivers residential construction with one clear route from concept to completion. We combine hands-on building experience with design, technical coordination and project management so your project is properly planned, clearly priced and coordinated from the outset.

Our in-house architectural drawing service can get standard residential projects moving quickly, while structural calculations and Building Control requirements can be coordinated alongside the build.

What we build

Tailored building solutions.

Design Build Manage flagship sunset

Home Extensions

Create more space and transform how your home works, with the build coordinated from groundwork to finish.

Find out more →
Design Build Manage loft complete

Loft Conversions

Make better use of the roof space with carefully planned loft conversions and structural alterations.

Find out more →
Completed DBM converted living space

Garage Conversions

Turn underused garage space into practical, comfortable living accommodation.

Find out more →
Design Build Manage interior open

Structural Alterations

Open up layouts and complete complex steelwork and structural changes with coordinated calculations.

Find out more →
Design Build Manage flagship interior

Full Renovations

Whole-property transformations managed through structural work, services, finishes and completion.

Find out more →
Design Build Manage newbuild complete

New Builds

Complete new-build delivery, including groundworks, structure, coordination and finishing.

Find out more →
Before you buy

Pre-Purchase Builder & Renovation Consultation.

£149

Get a builder’s view before you commit

Buying a property that needs work? Get an experienced builder’s practical view of renovation potential, proposed alterations, construction considerations and likely costs before you commit. The £149 consultation fee is credited against qualifying DBM building works if you appoint us for the project.

One team

THE WHOLE PROJECT.

From the first conversation to the final handover, DBM can coordinate the moving parts of your project so you have a clear point of contact and a joined-up route through design, technical information and construction.

Clear scopeDefined work, transparent quotation and agreed project requirements.
Coordinated tradesConstruction planned as one project rather than a collection of separate jobs.
One point of contactDirect communication with Joe and the DBM team throughout.
From first idea to construction

START WITH DBM DESIGN & TECHNICAL.

Not ready to build yet? Start with DBM. We can coordinate the technical side first and give you a clear route from your initial idea through to a properly defined, buildable project.

Architectural DrawingsExisting and proposed plans prepared for your project.
Structural EngineeringStructural design and calculations where required.
Planning SupportHelp with planning and permitted development requirements.
Building RegulationsTechnical information and inspections coordinated with Stroma Building Control where appropriate.
Fixed PricingClear fixed fees for our standard drawing and structural calculation services.
One team. The whole project.
  1. 01
    Discuss your ideas

    Tell us what you want to achieve and where you are in the process.

  2. 02
    Drawings & calculations

    We coordinate the architectural and structural information.

  3. 03
    Approvals

    Planning and Building Control support where required.

  4. 04
    Fixed build quotation

    Once the scope is defined, DBM can price the construction.

DBM Supplier
HOWDENS

FREE KITCHEN & BEDROOM DESIGN SERVICE.

Through DBM’s Howdens trade account, our customers can take advantage of Howdens’ free home survey and professional design service for kitchens and fitted bedrooms, including a bespoke 3D plan.

Free home surveyYour space can be measured as part of the design process.
Professional designA kitchen or fitted-bedroom layout tailored to your space, style and budget.
3D plansSee the proposed design before products are ordered.
Supplied through DBMProducts can be supplied through our Howdens trade account and installed by DBM as part of your project.
Trusted supplier

Howdens

Howdens is a trade-only supplier. Speak to DBM and we can arrange the design process through our trade account.

Ready for a build price?

ALREADY HAVE DRAWINGS?

If your architect or engineer has already prepared the project, send the information to DBM. We can review the scheme and discuss a fixed-price construction quotation.

Architectural plansStructural drawingsEngineer calculationsSpecificationsSite photos
↑
Send your project information

Name, postcode, project type, approximate budget and your drawings or specifications.

Upload project files →
Pre-construction investigation

Has your structural engineer asked for a trial hole or something to be exposed?

DBM can carry out trial holes and careful opening-up works to expose foundations, beams, joists, lintels or existing construction, then record dimensions and photographs for your architect or structural engineer.

Build with DBM: the investigation fee is credited back against qualifying associated DBM building works over £10,000.

From concept to completion

A straightforward five-step process.

Concept

Discuss the project, priorities, budget and feasibility.

Design & Technical

Coordinate drawings, structural information and technical requirements.

Pre-Construction

Agree scope, quotation, programme and Building Control requirements.

Build

Coordinate trades and construction with clear client communication.

Completion

Finishing, snagging and handover.

Planning & permitted development

HOW FAR CAN YOU EXTEND WITHOUT FULL PLANNING?

Use our September 2026 homeowner guide to understand the headline rules for rear and side extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and outbuildings in England.

Updated September 20263m / 4m

Standard rear extension allowance before the Larger Home Extension route — subject to the full PD rules and property checks.

Project cost calculator

What could your project cost?

Use our quick budgeting tool for an indicative cost range for a home extension, loft conversion or garage conversion. Adjust the size and key project options, then send the details to DBM for a fixed-price quotation.

Instant budget guide
Extension · Loft · GarageEnter your project size and options to see a realistic DBM budget range.
What our clients say

Built on trust, communication and delivery.

“Joe and team do a fantastic job, they are reliable, did everything they said they would at the price agreed and in the time they estimated. A real pleasure to work with...”
MyBuilder customer
“Great team of builders who know their trade. Highly professional and very methodical and neat and tidy approach. Lovely finish on the work with great care and attention.”
Checkatrade customer
“We had a really positive experience with Joe and the team at Design Build Manage and would highly recommend them.”
Edenbridge customer
Independently reviewed

See what customers say about DBM.

Read verified feedback and view our live profiles on Google, Checkatrade and MyBuilder.

Joe Mitchell, founder and director of DBM
About DBM

Built around one point of contact.

Joe Mitchell, founder and director of Design Build Manage Ltd, brings over 20 years of hands-on construction experience to every project. DBM is built around direct involvement, clear communication and coordinated delivery from the initial discussion through to completion.

More about DBM
Tell us about your project

Let’s build something great together.

DBM Glazing Range

KORNICHE BIFOLDS & ROOF LANTERNS.

DBM can supply and professionally install Korniche aluminium bifold doors and roof lanterns as part of your extension or renovation. Explore the latest product ranges, configurations, finishes and glazing options in the official Korniche brochures.

Supplied & installed by DBM

Korniche

Tell us the opening size and what you are looking for. DBM can help with specification, ordering and installation as part of the wider building works.