Most of the questions we are asked at a first visit are the same ones: will this need planning permission, what will building control want to see, how long will it take and what affects the cost? These guides answer them in plain English, so you can arrive at your consultation already knowing the basics. They are general information rather than advice on your property, but they explain how the rules work and where the common pitfalls are.
Planning and permitted development
Do I need planning permission for an extension?
It is the first question almost every homeowner asks us.
Permitted development explained
Permitted development rights allow certain types of building work to be carried out on houses without a full planning application.
Lawful development certificates explained
A lawful development certificate, sometimes called a certificate of lawfulness, is a formal decision from the council that a building project or use is lawful.
How long does planning permission take?
Planning is often the longest single stage of a home improvement project, and it is the one homeowners have least control over.
Planning Permission Refused: Your Options
A refusal is a decision on the application submitted, not necessarily the end of every possible design for your home.
Garage Conversion Planning Permission Explained
Converting an existing garage internally into a room for your house is often permitted development, but you need to check the property’s permissions and the changes you intend to make.
What Is a Householder Planning Application?
A householder planning application is the route commonly used for alterations and additions to an existing house where planning permission is needed.
Extensions
Wraparound and side return extensions
Side return and wraparound extensions are two of the most effective ways to transform the ground floor of a house.
What affects the cost of extension plans?
One of the first questions homeowners ask is what the drawings will cost.
Loft conversions
Hip to gable loft conversions: what is involved
Many semi-detached and detached houses have hipped roofs, where the roof slopes down on the sides as well as the front and back.
Do loft conversions and dormers need planning permission?
Many loft conversions can be built without a planning application, but plenty cannot.
Loft conversion building regulations: a homeowner's guide
Whether or not your loft conversion needs planning permission, it will almost certainly need building regulations approval.
Working with a designer
How the design and planning process works
If you have never extended a home before, the process can seem complicated.
Architectural designer or architect: which do you need?
If you have searched for an architect near me or an extension architect, you will have found architects, architectural designers, architectural technologists and plan drawing services, often offering similar things.
Party Wall Agreements Explained
Party wall procedures can be relevant to an extension or loft even when the planning position is settled.
Still have a question?
If your situation is not covered here, call Lee or send an enquiry. Every project starts with a free on-site consultation with no-obligation quotation, and we will tell you which route applies to your home. See our services or contact us.