Get a quote

CONTACT OUR ADVISORS 0203 409 4215

Blog & News

How Long Does Planning Permission Take?

Whether you're looking to create a new home office, get your dream kitchen diner with an extension or build a summer house down at the bottom of the garden, you'll have to get planning permission. People are often put off by home improvements that require planning, thinking that it's a long and complicated process. To help guide you through, here's how long planning permission usually takes and the process that the council follow.

Do You Need Planning Permission For A Conservatory Extension?

A conservatory or extension can be a fantastically useful addition to your property. Not only can it considerably increase the usable space you have available to you, but it can also even make your property more valuable and desirable when it comes time to sell. As with any piece of construction, however, planning permission must be a consideration. If you're not filing for planning permission when you should, it can delay your project and potentially cost you, so it's important you know whether or not you need to apply before getting started.

Do I Need Building Regulations Control?

Thinking and planning a new extension or change to your home is an exciting prospect. However, it’s important to know that most types of building work you undertake on your property are likely to need building regulations approval. If you’re going to employ a builder to do the work for you, they often seek building regulations approval on your behalf. Do confirm with the builder that they will do this for you before any work commences. It’s your responsibility, and if on final inspection, the building work does not comply with building regulations, you may be served an enforcement notice. Make sure you plan ahead, so that there are no nasty surprises.

The Guide To Garage Conversions And Garage Conversion Costs

If you have a house with a garage, we bet it is full of junk and just sitting there doing nothing, right? Most people park their cars on their driveways these days, so maybe it is time to start thinking about converting your garage into a more usable space. It has been suggested that a garage conversion can increase the value of a house by 10-20% if done well. There is a lot that can be done when it comes to converting a garage. Maybe your family is expanding and you need an extra room or you want a gym attached to the house? During lockdown, a lot of people have actually turned their garages into office spaces so that they have more room to work from home.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A House?

Have you pictured your dream house in your head, but simply can't find what you're looking for on the market? If that's the case, maybe you have thought about building your own house. When people first hear this, they immediately think, 'I bet that costs a lot'! Let's talk you through how much it actually does cost to build your own home.

A Guide To Cellar Conversions

With property prices at an all-time high and many people struggling to make it onto the property ladder at all, extensions are becoming an attractive option for people that need more space but can’t afford to buy a new house. Rear extensions are popular, but if there’s no garden or outside space to build into, which, let’s face it, for most people living in London or other built-up parts of the country, there’s not, then where can you go if you can’t build outwards? Building upwards via an attic or loft conversion is the next step but again due to planning permission and other factors, this can also be hard to navigate. This could be why we’re now seeing such a sharp increase in basement conversions, or cellar conversions, depending on the name you prefer to use.

Steph Fanizza

Architectural Design & Team Manager

Tell us about your plan and we'll send you a free quote! It takes less than 60 seconds!

Step 1 of 5


Book a free video meeting