Frequently Asked Questions

We specialise in designing residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Our team has experience in designing everything from small homes to large commercial buildings.

Our design process involves a thorough consultation with the client to understand their needs and vision for the project. We then create a concept design and work with the client to refine the design until it meets their requirements. Once the design is finalised, we prepare detailed drawings and specifications for the construction phase.

Our team is dedicated to providing personalised service and attention to detail for each project. We strive to create unique and innovative designs that meet the needs of our clients while also being environmentally responsible.

Planning permission is granted by your local authority and is designed to regulate the way our country is developed. Most developments i.e. major extensions or the erection of an out building would tend to need planning permission and it is important that you obtain these permissions before any work is started.

We can guide you through this procedure and answer any questions you may have.

We don’t want to sound washy about our answer but it is not as simple as a ‘yes you do’ or ‘no you don’t’. If for example your building is listed (English Heritage) then you will need planning permission to alter anything internally as well as externally, if you have a relative new property and wanted to build small extension then you would probably not need planning permission, you would probably be able to build under Permitted Development (see below). However if you wanted to build a major extension then you would probably need to apply for planning permission.  Not simply is it?

If you have any questions about whether you might require planning permission give us a call and we will be happy to talk you through it.

You can make certain types of minor changes to your house without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called "permitted development rights". These changes are restricted to certain ridge height, certain distance from boundary, certain eaves height etc depending on proximity to your boundary. Permitted development rights which apply to many common projects for houses do not apply to flats, maisonettes or other buildings.

If you have any questions about whether your proposed project falls within permitted development give us a call and we will be happy to talk you through it.

We will advise you on what is required by the local authority, we can prepare all the drawings, statements, supporting evidence and send off the application on your behalf working as your agent.

Your local authority should turn around any application in 8 weeks, sometimes if the application is complex the council can take longer.  Standard extensions to dwellings usually fall within the statutory 8 week time period.

 This is where we come in, we have struck up a very close rapport with competent builders and contractors we have used in the past, we would look to pass these contacts onto you to enable you to make an informed decision should you not have a builder lined up already.

You can also search on the 'Federation of Master Builders' website. 

 We would under normal circumstances ‘Go Out to Tender’, this is a process which involves a minimum of three builders. We would prepare a tender package which will comprise of the construction drawings, specification of works and any other documents to help the builders quote an accurate price for carrying out the building works. The builders will submit their quote to us as your agent and we would look over the quote and advise on the best value for money.