Design Costs
for Householder Developments

Most professional property developers are familiar with the planning and construction process and can appreciate the amount of work and potential costs involved. We appreciate that for most people extending their home is a large undertaking fraught with potential problems and expense and that it may be the first time that they have been involved with the planning and construction process. For this reason at the start, and as the project develops, we are completely clear about what will be required and the cost. We aim to ensure that there are no surprises or ‘hidden’ extra costs.

Where there are elements that cannot be costed, for example structural design and calculations (which may depend on the final design), we can provide contact details of Structural Engineers who can provide fee estimates for necessary design work.

Beware of very low quotes – they may be just ‘Sketch’ views for planning purposes and not have the detail needed for construction and most good builders will not be able to tender for the project.

The following list gives a basic idea as to the design and administration costs that go towards gaining Planning and Building regulations applications / approval :-

Planning Meeting

For some projects a telephone conversation is sufficient for us to be able to provide a price quotation for the design work and planning application. Often a longer ‘on site’ meeting may be required to discuss the options available and the planning process itself. This will also allow us to give a better idea as to the fee structure for the required work.

Permitted Development

Sometimes a project can be completed under Permitted Development Rights, however we would still advise producing a full design and submitting that for a Certificate of Lawful Development. The cost of this starts at £300 plus Local Authority administration charges.

Planning Applications

Full drawings comprising existing and proposed floor plans, elevations and sections, submitting the application and any amendments called for by planners with prices from £500 plus Local Authority application charges.

Local Authority Planning Application Fees

Currently £150 plus Ordinance survey map charges for Householder Applications (extensions and alterations).

Building Regulations

Following planning approval we would always advise preparing and submitting a Building Regulations Full Plans Application. This is where we agree all the technical aspects of the works with Building Control in advance of you starting the works themselves and ideally before you go to tender. The cost of this including changes called for by Building Control starts at £500 plus Local Authority application charges.

Part ‘L’ of the Building Regulations has just been extensively revised to further increase the efficiency and thermal performance of new and extended buildings. Please be aware that the this will increase the build cost slightly due to the requirement for a high performance building envelope (walls, floors, roof) and high-efficiency fixtures and fittings (boilers etc.) and ensure that any quotations provided by Building Contractors include for this increase in specification.

Structural Calculations

If the final design includes major changes to the main structural elements or modifications to existing foundations then you may need structural calculations. The cost of these calculations will vary with the size and design of the works, but will invariably be in the region of £150 – £500.

All charges are invoiced following each work stage – you are not committed to stages that are not reached.