HomeFrequently Asked Questions
03 — HELP & TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS.
Everything you need to know about preparing architectural drawing packages, council planning permissions, building control regulations, turnaround times, and deliverable file formats.
UK Local Authority Standards
Turnaround & Pricing
DWG & PDF File Deliverables
Showing 29 of 29 answered questions
Yes. We prepare full architectural planning drawing packages formatted specifically to UK local planning authority validation requirements. This includes existing and proposed floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans, and site location/block maps.
Yes. We create comprehensive technical drawing packages compliant with UK Building Regulations Approved Documents (Parts A through P). Our packages include construction cross-sections, insulation specifications, structural beam layout markup, drainage, and fire safety details for Building Control approval.
To provide an exact fixed-fee quote and begin drawing, we typically require: existing drawings or hand-measured dimensions, site photos, a summary of your requirements (e.g. extension size or room layout goals), and your property address/postcode.
Yes. We frequently act as a subcontracted CAD and 3D visualisation studio for UK architectural practices, property developers, structural engineers, and interior designers requiring high-precision drafting support.
Yes. We produce high-resolution exterior and interior 3D CGI visualisations using industry-standard 3D modelling and rendering engines. These are ideal for planning presentations, developer sales marketing, and homeowner design decisions.
Standard residential planning packages (extensions, loft conversions) are typically delivered within 5 to 7 working days following initial brief confirmation. Building regulations technical sets take 7 to 10 working days depending on complexity.
All our fixed-fee quotes include minor design tweaks and layout adjustments prior to final submission. We ensure you are completely satisfied with the proposed plans before finalising your file deliverables.
Final deliverables are supplied as scaled, print-ready PDF packages (A1/A3 standard scale), along with native AutoCAD DWG or Revit RVT source files if requested in your scope.
Many rear extensions, loft conversions and garage conversions can be built under Permitted Development, but limits apply and rights are removed for flats, many conservation areas and some estates. We check your property and planning history before drawing and advise whether you need full planning permission, prior approval or a Lawful Development Certificate.
Every project is quoted as a fixed fee based on its size, complexity and the drawings required (planning only, Building Regulations, or both). Send your address, photos and a short description of the work and we will reply with an itemised fixed-fee quote within 24 hours — no hourly billing and no hidden extras.
Most extensions, loft conversions and wall removals need structural calculations from a qualified structural engineer, and work on or near a shared boundary usually needs notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. These are separate professional appointments; our drawings provide the information both need.
Planning decisions are made by the local authority, so no designer can guarantee approval. If an application is refused, we review the officer’s reasons with you and can prepare amended drawings for a resubmission or appeal, quoted separately as a fixed fee.
Many hip-to-gable and rear dormer lofts fall under Permitted Development, subject to volume limits (typically 40m³ for terraced and 50m³ for semi-detached or detached houses) and other conditions. Flats, conservation areas and houses with PD rights removed need full planning permission. We check your property and advise which route applies, and can prepare a Lawful Development Certificate application.
Yes. Every habitable loft conversion needs Building Regulations approval, covering structure, fire safety and escape, stairs, insulation and ventilation. We prepare the Building Regulations drawings and specification notes; structural calculations are provided by your structural engineer.
If you live in a terraced or semi-detached house, work to the shared wall (such as inserting steel beams) usually requires notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This is handled by a Party Wall Surveyor; our drawings provide the information they need.
Many single-storey rear extensions fall under Permitted Development — typically up to 3m deep on attached houses and 4m on detached houses, or up to 6m / 8m under the prior approval scheme. Double-storey and side extensions, flats and properties in conservation areas usually need full planning permission. We confirm the right route for your property before drawing.
Usually yes. Steel beams, new openings and foundations need structural calculations from a qualified structural engineer. Our drawings are prepared to coordinate with your engineer’s design.
If the planning officer requests minor amendments or extra notes during validation, we update the drawings free of charge. Larger design changes requested after determination are quoted separately.
Most integral garage conversions are Permitted Development, but some estates have PD rights removed by planning condition, and conversions that change the outside appearance significantly may need permission. We check your planning history and advise before drawing.
Yes. Converting a garage into a habitable room needs Building Regulations approval for the infilled opening, floor, wall and roof insulation, ventilation, damp-proofing and fire safety. Our drawings include the specification notes Building Control will expect.
A new dwelling needs full planning permission. Alongside the drawings, councils often ask for a Design & Access Statement, a topographical survey and supporting reports. We prepare the drawing package and advise on the supporting documents your council requires.
Yes. We can add photorealistic 3D CGI renders to the drawing package — useful for planning presentations, funding and off-plan marketing.
Internal changes to a house usually do not need planning permission. Listed buildings need Listed Building Consent, and flats may need freeholder consent. We advise on what applies to your property.
Removing a load-bearing wall needs Building Regulations approval and structural calculations from a structural engineer. Moving kitchens and bathrooms may also involve drainage, ventilation and electrical regulations. Our drawings document the changes clearly for Building Control and your builder.
A small HMO for 3–6 unrelated occupants (use class C4) can often be created under Permitted Development, unless the council has an Article 4 Direction removing that right. Large HMOs with 7 or more occupants are sui generis and always need planning permission. We check your area before drawing.
Yes. We prepare layouts showing room sizes, shared amenities and fire safety measures in the format most councils request for mandatory and additional HMO licensing. Requirements vary by council, so we review your local standards first.
Floor plans and elevations (PDF, DWG, Revit or SketchUp), plus any material or finish preferences and site photos. If you only have sketches, we can build the 3D model from them.
Yes. Our CGIs are used in planning presentations, sales brochures, property portals and off-plan marketing. Files are supplied at high resolution for print and web.
You receive draft views to comment on camera angles, materials and lighting before the final renders are produced. Minor adjustments are included in the fixed fee.
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