Insights
Planning & building knowledge, from the people who draw it.
Practical guides to planning permission, building regulations, loft conversions and house extensions in London -- written by MCIAT chartered architectural technologists.
Practical guides to planning permission, building regulations, loft conversions and house extensions in London -- written by MCIAT chartered architectural technologists.
Everything you need to know about planning permission in London -- when you need it, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to get it right first time across all 33 boroughs.
Part B fire safety, Part L energy, Part M access, structural calcs -- which building regs apply to your project and how to get compliant drawings approved.
RIBA architects vs CIAT chartered technologists -- qualifications, costs, scope of work. Which professional is right for your London residential project?
When you need full planning permission and when Permitted Development rights let you build without it. Class A-E limits, Prior Approval, Lawful Development Certificates.
Complete cost breakdown for planning drawings in London -- by project type, what's included in the fee, DIY vs professional, and how to save money.
How much does a house extension cost in London? Build costs per sqm, drawing fees, hidden costs like Party Wall agreements, and borough-by-borough variations.
Standard dormer vs mansard -- planning requirements, build costs, space gained, property value added, and which London boroughs favour each type.
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Three-way comparison -- online drawing services, RIBA architects, and CIAT technologists. Costs, qualifications, scope, and when to use each for your London project.
Side return vs rear extension costs, open-plan kitchen-diner pricing, build cost per sqm, bi-fold doors, and our drawing fees for 2026.
Class A-E limits, Prior Approval, Article 4, conservation areas, measuring volume, dormer PD rules -- everything London homeowners need to know.
Resubmission, appeal, pre-app advice, redesign -- a step-by-step guide to getting your London project back on track after a refusal.
Costs, planning vs PD, structural RSJ, Party Wall, kitchen design tips, rooflights vs bi-folds -- the definitive guide for London terraced houses.
PD rules for lofts, volume limits, LDC process, when PD doesn't apply, and why building regs are still required even without planning.
RIBA vs CIAT, questions to ask, fee structures, checking credentials, red flags -- make the right hire for your residential project.
U-value requirements, SAP calculations, MVHR, Future Homes Standard -- how Part L affects your London extension or loft conversion in 2026.
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How conservation areas restrict PD, Heritage Statements, Article 4, materials, trees, demolition rules -- and 10 tips for getting approved.
Which loft type suits your property? Cost, planning route, and space comparison for London semis and terraces.
Planning routes, build cost, added value — and when going two storeys makes financial sense in London.
What London councils actually prefer, build cost difference, longevity, and when each is the right choice.
When each applies, timescales, fees, and the Article 4 complication that catches London homeowners out.
The two building regulations routes compared — and why Full Plans is almost always right for extensions.
For Victorian and Edwardian terraces — when to stop at the side return and when to go full wraparound.
Which adds more value per pound in London? Disruption, planning, cost and ROI compared with data.
Cost, space quality, and resale value compared — which makes more sense for your London property?
Garden studio or rear extension — cost, planning, and year-round usability for London remote workers.
When London pre-app adds value — and when it just wastes 8 weeks and £400. Honest assessment.
For terraces vs semis — which creates more space, which costs more, and when each applies in London.
What the 70% cost difference actually buys — and when each option is the right call for your project.
Who does what on your building project — and why you typically need both working in coordination.
Three-way comparison — cost, space, planning complexity, and which suits which London property type.
Which application type does your project need? Fees, timescales, and the borderline cases explained.
Fixed fees from £840. MCIAT chartered. council-ready drawing review across all 33 London boroughs.
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