In recent years, we have been involved in the design and preparation of drawings for numerous new build houses for both private clients and property developers. We will develop your ideas from initial concepts, through sketch design into drawings for planning, building regulations and construction issue. Specification, costing and project management services may also be of interest.

There has never been a better time to extend your home – the combination of the stagnant housing market, extremely low interest rates, the reduction in VAT and builders being extremely competitive, make it an ideal time to improve your property.

House extensions can provide invaluable additional floor space and provide a significant increase in standard of living and general well-being. A well designed and carefully considered extension will inevitably add value and potentially make it easier to sell your house, should you wish to do so.

We can help you assess your options; develop your ideas and provide advice accordingly on planning, construction and other technical issues.

This is sometimes the preferred solution, where the existing roof construction is suitable or when extending outwards in not an option. Converting your loft space can often be the most cost-effective and least disturbing way of gaining additional living space.

We can give initial advice on suitability for conversion and whether planning permission is required.

We have the experience, technical knowledge and sympathetic approach to conservation required to deal with barn conversion schemes. Further information on past schemes can be provided upon request.

Where buildings have become outdated or obsolete, it may be a cost-effective option to carry out refurbishment work. We can carry out feasibility studies, produce existing floor plans and be part of the design process required to provide functionality and efficient use of space available. Drawings can be developed as necessary for planning, building regulations and other statutory approvals.

We have considerable refurbishment experience in schools and other educational premises.

In accordance with ‘The Disability Discrimination Act’ and DDA Regulations we can carry out surveys and produce drawings for physical alterations to buildings. For example, the provision of accessible toilet facilities and access ramps will often require detailed drawings and accurate specifications in order to ensure full compliance.

Initially, we will want to know your ideas. In basic terms, what do you want building and what is your approximate cost budget. We understand that initial thoughts are often a little vague and undefined and we will endeavour to develop the brief and assist you in the early design development process.

Obviously, many factors including; size, construction type, complexity of design and quality of materials will affect build costs – we will be able to provide budget cost advice and suggest options for design solutions.

We will then be able to develop sketch designs, give technical construction advice and also provide preliminary planning guidance.

Planning Permission is fundamental to any development, because without it you cannot legally build unless you are building within the ‘permitted development’ rights.

If considered necessary, we will contact the planning department and make initial enquiries about the proposed scheme. This will often provide valuable advice regarding size and visual appearance likely to be approved. In particular instances, the planners may strongly advice against a development – in which case, the scheme feasibility will need to be reviewed.

On the basis that obtaining planning permission is likely, the scheme design will be developed and a planning application submitted. Planning decisions typically take between 2 - 4 months depending on scheme complexity, site location and relevant policies.

In most ‘well-considered’ cases, the Local Planning Authority will grant planning permission subject to compliance with specified conditions.

When planning permission is refused, there is an opportunity to appeal to the Secretary of State for the Environment – this can take up to 6 months and may or may not change the outcome.

Building Regulations approval is also necessary prior to the commencement of construction work. This application is often submitted once planning permission has been granted, although it can be done at the same time if timescales are tight (and if planning permission is very likely).

The Building Regulations set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health for people in or about those buildings. They also include requirements to ensure that fuel and power is conserved and facilities are provided for people, including those with disabilities, to access and move around inside buildings.

Detailed drawings (indicating floor plans, elevations and cross-sections) and construction notes are required to ensure that the proposed scheme meets (or exceeds) the requirements stated within the Approved Documents of the Building Regulations.

Subject to a comprehensive and technically accurate set of documents being submitted, Building Regulations Approval is likely.

An application may be refused if inadequate and/or inaccurate information has been submitted and an amended application will be required.

When both Planning Permission and Building Regulations approval have been obtained, building work can legally commence (subject to any other statutory approvals, if relevant).

Should you require further services beyond this stage, please refer to the Project Management section for more information.