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Planning Process

Planning an extension, loft conversion or any proposal can be a daunting exercise.

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It's difficult to know where to begin!

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Here you will find all the key step by step stages of the design and planning process to give you a head start.

STAGE 1: Contact and Free Consultation

Once you’ve made contact with us for any query you have we’ll arrange to come and view the site and listen to your ideas. Once we understand what you require we can start to advise the options available to you regarding the space you’re looking to create. We’ll also answer any questions or concerns that you may have and outline the fees for designing the project.

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STAGE 2: Full Survey

Now that you’re comfortable and confident your ideas can become a reality, we need to start with a full measurement survey. The survey can take a few hours so will be done at a time that suits you. The measurements taken will be to mm precision, allowing us to draw the most accurate set of floor plans and elevations. We’ll also be planning for the building regulations at this stage which include preparation of site, drainage and waste disposal, ventilation and fire safety to name only a few.

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STAGE 3: Initial Plans Drawn

At this stage you’ll be presented with some initial drawings that may include a number of different options or versions of the project to view. Together we can use this opportunity to finalise the design. This is a key stage of the process and isn’t rushed - You can easily make changes to floor plans, materials and design whilst everything in still on paper. Once building starts, changes get expensive. So we won’t move on until you’re completely happy that the designs are taking the right shape and feel.

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STAGE 4: Detailed Plans Completed

Once you are completely satisfied you’ll be presented with a hard copy of the final detailed plans, along with a digital copy if you wish. They will outline the existing floor plans and elevations and the proposed floor plans and elevations. They will now be ready to submit to the local authorities for approval.

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STAGE 5: Submission To Local Authorities

We’ll deal with the submission process and the ongoing communication with your local authorities, giving you a stress-free experience. We’ll liaise with you at every step of the way keeping you completely up to date. We will use this time to prepare the building regulations and, if you wish, prepare a Tender Pack in readiness for build quotes from construction companies.

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STAGE 6: Building Regulations 

The Building Regulations are minimum standards for design, construction and alterations to virtually every building. The Building Regulations also contain a list of requirements (referred to as Schedule 1) that are designed to ensure minimum standards for health, safety, welfare, convenience, energy efficiency, sustainability and to prevent misuse, abuse or contamination of water supplies. We’ll supply you with a detailed plan around materials and measurements to ensure your project meets these criteria.

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We can also use these, along with your detailed drawings, to get accurate quotes from potential builders and tradesmen, as they’ll know exactly what materials will be used and will be able to itemise the cost for every stage of the build.

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STAGE 7: Commencement of Work

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