Do we do jobs that small?
Yes, we do anything from small single storey rear extensions and loft conversions through to large extensions and complete re-models of existing houses.
Can we talk you through the process?
Yes. We will meet with you at your house to discuss what you want to achieve and talk you through any potential issues that may arise as well as the statutory processes that you need to go through. Following that meeting we will produce a fee quote. If appointed, the next stage is a full measured survey of the house which will be drawn up in 3D. Once the survey is complete, we will produce 2-3 different schemes for discussion, these will be issued to you and a meeting arranged to discuss the schemes either face to face, over the phone or via Teams. We will then produce a final drawing ready for submission to the Council for planning.
Will we need planning?
This depends on the size and location of the job. Some domestic extensions are classified as permitted development, meaning that planning is not required. Once we have seen the site and discussed the brief, we can let you know if your job will be classed as PD.
What is the planning process?
Once an application is submitted you will receive an email from the Planning Portal requesting payment of the planning fee. When this is paid the Portal will transfer the application to the local Council and the planners have target of 8 weeks in which to make a decision. During this time, they will consult with statutory consultees such as the highway authority and with your neighbours. If they have any comments or concerns in most cases, they will contact us to discuss this (NB. This is not the case with all Councils!) If the planners request any changes, we will discuss this with you and either make the change or negotiate with the planners to try and reach a compromise. If the planners cannot reach a decision within 8 weeks they may request an extension of time. We cannot guarantee a planning approval but we will try our best to get a positive decision.
Will we manage the planning process?
Yes, our fee includes submitting the planning application and managing the process. We will be the first point of contact with the planner and will liaise with them directly as required. Our original fee quote includes minor amendments to the scheme during the planning process. Major changes will attract an additional fee which will be discussed with you if required.
When will I have drawings to give to the builder?
Some builders will give an approximate quote based on the planning drawings but most will require detailed (building regulation) drawings. We can do these but we recommend not starting them until planning permission has been granted to avoid any abortive work should the planners request changes.
What is the timescale?
Approx. 1 week to provide the quote.
2-3 weeks to draw up the survey.
2-3 weeks to draw up the schemes.
Following a meeting to discuss the schemes, 1-3 weeks to make the amendments and finalise the drawings (dependent on the required changes).
8 weeks for a planning decision.
Following planning approval, 4-5 weeks for the building regs package (this includes gaining quotes from consultants such as structural engineers).
Do we do the structural design?
No, but we have a number of local structural engineers who we work with and can obtain competitive quotations for the work once a design has been finalised.
Will we run the job on site?
We can do this but it is not usually necessary/cost effective for smaller extension jobs as a good builder can project manage the work themselves. We can provide a list of local builders who may be interested in quoting for the work.