Guides
Here, we provide valuable insights and information to help you navigate the world of architectural design and construction. Whether you’re planning a home renovation, seeking design inspiration, or looking for tips on navigating the architectural process, our guides are here to assist you.
Architectural Planning Basics
Thinking about giving your home a makeover? Explore our home renovation guides to discover design trends, budgeting advice, and how to make the most of your living space.
Navigating the planning permission process can be challenging. Our guides explain the ins and outs of obtaining planning consent, lawful development certificates, and building regulation approvals.
Our Frequently Asked Questions
Explore common questions and concerns that clients often have when embarking on architectural projects. We provide informative answers to help clarify your doubts.
I'm looking at extending my house, what is the first step?
Initially, we offer a free consultation to discuss the project, we look at the feasibility of the project, including layout, external form and materials, budget, and planning issues. Please contact us, and we can discuss your project on 07811 344848.
What architectural services will I need?
Do I need planning permission?
Many domestic projects will need a form of planning permission, either a Lawful Development Application, or a Householder Planning Permission Application (8 weeks). We will submit the application on your behalf, as the agent, and work with the planning officer to progress the application, using our years of planning policy experience.
A ground floor rear extension will normally be built under permitted development rights and will bypass the 45-degree rule that many local authority planning policies adhere to, you may be able to achieve a 3m deep extension that would not be possible under ‘planning’, due to the 45-degree code. Similarly, under permitted development, it’s normal to have a full-width dormer window, contributing to a large amount of additional habitable loft space, yet under ‘planning’ you would only be able to build between a half and one-third of it. During the Initial Consultation we provide, we will be considering these types of planning issues.
What are permitted development rights?
An extension, loft conversion, garage conversion, garden walls and outbuildings, enlargements, and alterations, can be built under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 as amended.
Who Appoints the Builder?
The client is to organise tendering for the project, appoint and work with the builder to complete the build, including the builder managing the project during construction, and including the specification of fixtures, fittings and other related specifications.
Will my home insurance be affected by the building work?
The homeowner is to be aware that building work on the dwelling house may impact the home insurance, especially when the home is unoccupied during the work. Also whether the builder has liability insurance may affect a claim in the future. It is advised that the homeowner contact their insurer to discuss and potentially amend the policy.
Will I need building regulations?
Many home improvement projects will come under Building Regulations 2010 as amended and are set out in the Approved Documents.
A Building Regulation Full Plans Application is normally made, split into two stages, the first is for the plans to be checked for building regulations compliance and the project registered (5 weeks). The second is for the construction work to be inspected by a building control officer (building inspector), normally the builder will arrange site inspections.
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications/building-control-applications/building-control
Do I need to have a Party Wall Agreement?
When you want to start a building project on or near a neighbouring building, you might have to obtain a party wall agreement with your neighbour.
The Party Wall etc Act 1990 states that the homeowner has a duty, as a minimum to serve a Party Wall Notice on any adjoining owner if building work, on, to, or near, an existing party wall involves any of the following:
Support of beam (s); Insertion of DPC through the wall; Raising a wall or cutting off projections; Demolition and rebuilding; Underpinning; Insertion of lead flashings; Excavations within 3 metres of an existing structure where the new foundations will go deeper than adjoining foundations, or within 6 metres of an existing structure where the new foundations are within a 45-degree line of the adjoining foundations.
A party wall award may be required on certain projects, not just an agreement through the serving of notice, and a party wall surveyor is to be appointed by you.
What are the Construction Design Management (CDM) Regulations and how do they affect my project?
Your project will most likely incur CDM regulations. The Client, Designer, and Contractor (builder) have responsibilities under Construction Design Management (CDM) 2015 Regulations, however, clients’ responsibilities, are usually automatically discharged by the builder on domestic projects, unless otherwise stated. It is the Builders’ responsibility to discharge their duties under CDM 2015 Regulations & current Health & Safety Laws.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/domestic-clients.htm
How do I go about getting quotes from builders?
The starting point for requesting quotes from builders is firstly to do some background homework on the builder and request an estimate from the builders using the planning drawings. This will give the opportunity to view them and see if you’ll get on with them, their time scales, their approximate pricing structure, and what experience they have. Then you can produce a full set of technical plans and specifications.
The tender process, gaining quotes from builders, and being able to compare them can be difficult therefore providing sufficient information to the builder will help to make the quote more accurate. Many builders will provide a breakdown of their quote, many using estimating software to provide itemised costs, which make it easier to have omittances and additions to the contract.