Common questions at the planning stage
Planning drawings are not construction-ready documents, but they usually contain enough information to provide a structured budget estimate.
At this stage, pricing is presented as a considered range rather than a fixed quotation. A firm quotation requires structural calculations, Building Regulations detail and confirmed specification.
The best projects don’t start with a number – they start with clarity about scope, expectations and outcome.
Planning approval confirms your proposal is acceptable in principle — not that it is ready to build.
The project then moves from visual intent to technical definition. Typical next steps include:
- Structural calculations and engineering design
- Building Regulations drawings and compliance detail
- Drainage and services coordination
- Detailed specification development
- Accurate pricing and programme scheduling
Only once these elements align does the project become build-ready.
Before construction can start, the project moves through technical preparation:
- Structural calculations (3–4 weeks)
- Building Regulations drawings (2–4 weeks)
- Final pricing and scheduling (2–4 weeks)
In most cases, construction begins approximately 8–12 weeks after planning approval, depending on complexity.
Preparation prevents disruption. Structured sequencing ensures the build phase begins with clarity rather than assumption.
- Scale and structural complexity
- Specification level and finishes
- Site access and logistics
- Services, drainage and regulatory requirements
…and influenced by your own aspirations for how the space should perform and feel.
At early stages, pricing is provided as a considered range. As structural design, specification and regulatory detail develop, that range narrows into a formal quotation.
Through measured assessment and review, clarity replaces assumption — before construction begins.
Planning drawings are not construction-ready documents, but they usually contain enough information to provide a structured budget estimate.
At this stage, pricing is presented as a considered range rather than a fixed quotation. A firm quotation requires structural calculations, Building Regulations detail and confirmed specification.
The best projects don’t start with a number – they start with clarity about scope, expectations and outcome.
Planning approval confirms your proposal is acceptable in principle — not that it is ready to build.
The project then moves from visual intent to technical definition. Typical next steps include:
- Structural calculations and engineering design
- Building Regulations drawings and compliance detail
- Drainage and services coordination
- Detailed specification development
- Accurate pricing and programme scheduling
Only once these elements align does the project become build-ready.
Before construction can start, the project moves through technical preparation:
- Structural calculations (3–4 weeks)
- Building Regulations drawings (2–4 weeks)
- Final pricing and scheduling (2–4 weeks)
In most cases, construction begins approximately 8–12 weeks after planning approval, depending on complexity.
Preparation prevents disruption. Structured sequencing ensures the build phase begins with clarity rather than assumption.
- Scale and structural complexity
- Specification level and finishes
- Site access and logistics
- Services, drainage and regulatory requirements
…and influenced by your own aspirations for how the space should perform and feel.
At early stages, pricing is provided as a considered range. As structural design, specification and regulatory detail develop, that range narrows into a formal quotation.
Through measured assessment and review, clarity replaces assumption — before construction begins.
Common questions about loft conversions
A simple loft conversion with Velux windows can cost as little £30,000 – whereas a complete high-end rebuild of the upper storey of a house may cost £130,000.
The construction phase will provide a watertight superstructure with finished roofing, glazing and staircase built to regulations and signed off by the building inspector.
Duration depends on complexity. A discrete conversion with Velux windows typically takes between 6-8 weeks, a dormer 8-10 weeks and a new build between 12-16 weeks.
Common questions about extensions
Whether you will need planning permission for your home extension will depend on the height, length, materials and site restrictions. We can help you to understand what planning permission you might need once we get an understanding of your requirements. You might find it useful to see our article on planning your extension.
Whether you will need planning permission for your home extension will depend on the height, length, materials and site restrictions. We can help you to understand what planning permission you might need once we get an understanding of your requirements. You might find it useful to see our article on planning your extension.
When extending your home, you should expect a timeline of at least 16 to 18 weeks from start to finish. If your project is more complex, such as if you are building a second storey, this will take additional time. You can check out our article for more information on how long it takes for an extension to be built.