The Process

Before you start thinking about door handles and feature walls, there are a few things you need to consider. This will help speed up the process and ensure things run more smoothly.

 

1. Plan, plan… then plan some more

Knowing exactly what you want from the start will pay dividends in the end. We know from experience that it will save you valuable time, money and unnecessary stress.

 

2. Know your budget

Ideally, you'll have a good idea of what you'd like to create when you contact us, (see step 1) and the earlier in the process you get in touch, the better.

We’re not one of those companies who price jobs depending on how busy we are - we simply need a clear idea of what you’re after so we can give you an estimate before you get too involved in the planning process.

Of course, for a final quote, we’ll need full plans and proper information.

 

3. An architect

Sure, you can draw up and submit your own plans but there's a reason architects spend years in training and a small fortune on computer software! We are happy to recommend our most trusted architects in Kent.

 

4. Pre-planning advice

Most councils offer a pre-planning advice service. This can vary in price from free to around £500 per hour but don't panic! Chances are, if you’re looking for an extension or alteration, it should be free and you may not need it at all - your architect should also have a pretty good idea of what you can and can't do.

 

5. Understand your options

Generally speaking, there are two routes when it comes to getting permission to alter or extend your home – full planning permission or permitted development rights.

Full planning permission: The council needs to see and approve all plans before building work can start.

Permitted development rights: Brought in to speed up the planning process, permitted development means extensions and alterations that meet certain conditions don't need to go through the full planning process.

For example, in some areas, you could extend the ground floor of your house by up to three metres into your back garden.

You still need to notify the council - and they still need to grant permission - but, they won't write to your neighbours (see step 6) and it can be a much quicker process.

You’ll likely still need building regulation approval and the planning department will also need to check all work is compliant as it progresses.

 

6. Applying for permission

Once your plans have been drawn up they’ll be sent to the local council where a planning officer will make sure you’re not trying to build a block of flats in your back garden!

Once he, or she, is somewhere near happy, letters will be sent to your neighbours, and notices put up near your property. This will give people the opportunity to raise any concerns they may have.

This sounds scary but don't be put off! The council won't throw out your application just because a neighbour doesn’t like the look of it (sour grapes).

After 10-12 weeks, and assuming there are no valid objections, the planners will recommend permission is granted and the plans will be accepted or rejected by the local planning committee – a group made up of town councillors and local authority staff.

 

7. Almost there…

Once you’ve been granted permission you’ll need to get building regulation approval to make sure the plans meet current safety standards.

 

8. Congratulations, you're ready to go!

Assuming you haven't contacted me on Friday afternoon hoping to agree a price by Monday and start work on Tuesday (see step 2), we will be ready to get stuck in.