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FAQ

Planning, building regs, cost, process — most common questions.

Planning questions

Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?Usually no — most loft conversions qualify as Permitted Development if under 40m... Do I need planning permission for a single-storey rear extension?Standard PD limits: 3m deep (attached) or 4m (detached), under 4m high. Conserva... Do I need planning permission for a side-return extension?Side returns are PD up to half the width of the original house, single-storey, h... How much does planning permission cost in London?Council fee £206 (householder, 2026) + drawings from £840. Total typical: £1,500... How long does planning permission take?8 weeks statutory determination from validation. Plus 1-2 weeks validation. Plus... What if my planning application is refused?Three options: amend and re-submit (free for 12 months), appeal to Planning Insp... What is a Lawful Development Certificate?An LDC is formal council confirmation that your proposal qualifies as Permitted ... Can I extend if my home is listed?Yes, but you need Listed Building Consent alongside planning permission. Heritag... What is Article 4?A local council direction removing specific Permitted Development rights. Most c... Can I extend in a conservation area?Yes, but with restricted PD rights. Heritage Statement required. Materials must ...

Building-Regs questions

Do I need building regulations even if I have planning?Yes. Planning and building regs are separate. PD removes the planning requiremen... How much do building regulations cost?Council LABC: £400-£900 plans + inspection for a typical extension. Approved Ins... LABC vs Approved Inspector — which?LABC is council-based, slightly cheaper, sometimes slower. Approved Inspector is... What is Part L?Part L of the Building Regulations covers thermal performance and energy efficie... What is Part B?Part B covers fire safety. Loft conversions require fire-protected escape route,...

Cost questions

How much does a loft conversion cost in London?Drawings: from £1,225 fixed. Build: £45,000-£75,000 dormer, £65,000-£95,000 hip-... How much does a rear extension cost in London?Drawings: from £1,225 fixed. Build: £35,000-£60,000 single-storey, £75,000-£130,... How much does a mansard roof cost?Drawings: from £1,575 fixed. Build: £78,000-£110,000 single mansard, £120,000-£1... How much does a basement extension cost?Drawings: from £4,500. Build: £90,000-£150,000 single-storey, £220,000-£380,000 ... What's not included in a fixed-fee drawing quote?Council fees (£103-£206). Building regs fees (£400-£900). Structural engineer (£...

Process questions

What happens at the free site survey?We measure the property accurately, photograph existing conditions, check Articl... How quickly can you start?Site survey usually within 5 working days. Drawings to you 2-3 weeks after surve... Do I need a separate structural engineer?Almost always yes for extensions. We coordinate with a partner structural engine... Do I need a Party Wall agreement?If you're building near or against a neighbour's wall, yes. Surveyors typically ... Can you handle the whole project?Drawings + planning + building regs: yes. Build contracting: no — we recommend y...