FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A little clarity before you start.
The questions homeowners ask about design, drawings, planning and the route to a build.
Do I need planning permission for an extension?
Some extensions can fall within permitted development rights, subject to limits and conditions. Others need a planning application. Your property, previous alterations and local restrictions all matter, so we assess the route for the actual proposal.
Are planning drawings the same as building-control drawings?
No. Planning drawings explain the proposal’s form, layout and appearance. Building-control drawings develop the technical information needed to demonstrate compliance with the relevant building regulations. Your project may need both.
Can you help me make better use of the space I already have?
Yes. We look at layout, connections between rooms, natural light, storage and circulation before assuming that a bigger extension is the best answer.
Do I have to use HOME for the build?
You can enquire about a drawing package in its own right. If you would also like HOME to discuss construction, we can explore that separately once the scope is clear. Your appointment confirms the agreed services.
How much do the drawing packages cost?
We quote against the size, complexity, existing information and services you need. Your written proposal sets out the drawing stages, revisions, submission support and anything priced separately.
Are structural calculations included?
Structural requirements depend on the work proposed. We identify the calculations and coordination needed and clearly state whether they are included in your quote or separately priced.
Is the calculator a fixed quotation?
No. It is an early build-budget guide using your selections and current calculator assumptions. Drawings, surveys and a defined specification are needed for a reliable construction quotation. Professional fees and abnormal works are excluded from the calculator.
Can good design increase my property’s value?
Good design can improve usability and buyer appeal. We consider value alongside the cost of delivering the work, but any actual uplift depends on the property and the market. We do not promise a financial return.
How long will planning and drawing work take?
The design programme depends on the brief, survey information, decisions and revisions. Application timing also depends on validation, consultees and the authority. We discuss a realistic programme for your project rather than promise a universal deadline.
What should I send with my enquiry?
A brief description, project postcode, your priorities, approximate budget and any existing drawings are useful starting points. You can include a link to plans or photos in the enquiry; the team can arrange a suitable way to share files.
Planning guidance relates to England. Read the official sources in our planning advice section.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Make more of the space you call home.
Tell us what you want to change. We’ll help define the right drawing package. You can appoint HOME for drawings independently of our building services.