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Do you need an architect for extension plans?

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Hi,

 

We are wanting a side extension on a 3 bed semi. We know what we want, garage with bedroom and ensuite upstairs. Do we have to use an architect to get plans drawn up for planning permission or is there an alternative e.g use someone who does technical drawings?

 

Thanks

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I would have thought you'd need to have drawings done to submit to the Planning Department.

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Hi,

 

We are wanting a side extension on a 3 bed semi. We know what we want, garage with bedroom and ensuite upstairs. Do we have to use an architect to get plans drawn up for planning permission or is there an alternative e.g use someone who does technical drawings?

 

Thanks

 

Try these...

 

http://www.plansforextensions.com

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Is it permitted development?

 

If so no plans or drawings are necessary. A friend of mine needed a floor plan to show the new build company that built his house 3 years prior. They own the rights to any changes for the first 10 years. He hand drew the floorplan not to scale but with measurements on. It took him 15 minutes. He needed no other plans... however I think it is unlikely that you would need no plans at all and I would get them done by an online architect. There are some great ones that are very cheap and give you full prices online, and lots of reviews. Google is your friend.

 

Obviously you can also use a local architect or get a builder to handle it all.

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Is it permitted development?

 

If so no plans or drawings are necessary. A friend of mine needed a floor plan to show the new build company that built his house 3 years prior. They own the rights to any changes for the first 10 years. He hand drew the floorplan not to scale but with measurements on. It took him 15 minutes. He needed no other plans... however I think it is unlikely that you would need no plans at all and I would get them done by an online architect. There are some great ones that are very cheap and give you full prices online, and lots of reviews. Google is your friend.

 

Obviously you can also use a local architect or get a builder to handle it all.

 

Permitted development only applies to single storey extensions.

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Hi Kwijjibo!

Pete the Architect here, a few things to clear up.

Permitted development (PD) allows you to undertake works without applying for planning permission. To ensure your design IS permitted development, we recommend our clients apply for a lawful development certificate to be certain.

Note there are other legal issues you could fall foul of such as right to light, easements, party wall act amongst others which is why most employ an architect to assist with the early designs to de-risk your project.

 

There are a LOT of rules  to PD (some not in the initial first literature), but in simple terms:

1 - You can extend single storey REAR extension up to a maximum of 3m (or up to 6m in special circumstances) if your house is connected or:

2 - You can extend single storey REAR extension up to a maximum of 4m (or up to 8m in special circumstances) if your house is DETACHED or:

3 - You can extend 2-storey REAR extension up to a maximum of 3m only.

The above is a seriously watered down guide! Employ an expert to guide you there are over 172 additional criteria you must achieve for your development to be classed as PD.

 

Architects offer consultations for 1-2 hours to discuss your ideas, sketch options and afterwards create drawings if needed. A few hundred £s spent in an evening can save you thousands in the long run.

 

To answer your question, clear drawings define exactly what you want the builder to build without confusion.

Your ideal 2-storey extension will differ from others ideal design, which can be the cause of disputes and leave you having paid for a house you do not love! Which at the end of a build is not what you want.

Couple this with a specification for finishes, light fittings, ironmongery, structural calculations, and detailed design and you have a rock solid briefing for the builder to get the house you love!

 

Lastly, whether you go PD or a planning application you will need building control approval or an approved inspector to be appointed to review your design to ensure compliance with the regulations.

If you have any further Qs feel free to discuss here or DM, happy to help - we love creating homes you love to live in!

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On 11/19/2018 at 11:12 PM, Starchitect said:

Lastly, whether you go PD or a planning application you will need building control approval or an approved inspector to be appointed to review your design to ensure compliance with the regulations.

Yes- and one needs also to obtain a Building Act Compliance Certificate, without which one will have great difficulty is proving compliance:

a. to the Local Authority themselves; or

b. to a prospective purchaser, when the property is next being sold.

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On 11/25/2018 at 6:47 PM, Jeffrey Shaw said:

Yes- and one needs also to obtain a Building Act Compliance Certificate, without which one will have great difficulty is proving compliance:

a. to the Local Authority themselves; or

b. to a prospective purchaser, when the property is next being sold.

Correct, known as the "Final Certificate" in the UK. Typically the responsibility of the builder to obtain prior to completing the job (and getting their final payment)

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