Most architects can charge around 10% of the cost of the total project for their planning services, with structural calculations costing extra on top of that.

As a general rule, our planning services costs are 4% of the build cost. So if you were planning a small extension costing £10,000 to build, we would charge £400. This includes all planning and building regulations drawings, structural calculations and all application forms submitted to your local council – everything you need to allow building work to begin.

You will also be given several copies of the completed plans to get quotes from builders.

If you’re not sure about how much it would cost to build your extension, loft conversion or other home improvement, I can give you an estimate on my first visit. I also work closely with selected builders and am happy to recommend them for any building work.

From our first visit to take measurements and rough sketches to the first builder starting on site, it takes on average 12 weeks.*

* For particularly complicated building work or in special cases, it may take longer.

Once the plans and planning application have been submitted to your local council, it takes around 2 weeks for them to be assessed and confirm whether or not planning permission has been granted.

If there are any problems, the plans will need to be altered and the application resubmitted.

Clear and accurate building plans ensure that the proposed changes to your home can pass building regulations as quickly as possible and obtain planning permission. Your local council will be able to clearly see what building work you intend on doing and confirm if building work can start. They show complete compliance with the latest building regulations.

Accurate building plans courtesy of our planning services also help control costs. Builders will have a clear view of what is wanting to be achieved so that when the work starts on site, it can run smoothly without any costly or upsetting delays. This will help make sure the final cost of the building work is as close to the initial estimate as possible.

High quality building plans ensure that the changes to your home are exactly how has been planned.

A badly constructed loft conversion, extension or other home improvement can result in a shoddy looking exterior that devalues your home. First impressions count, and the look of your home could mean the difference between you being able to sell your property or not.