​

 

So, you are thinking of building a new extension altering or building a new home?

 

It’s an exciting prospect and can be overwhelming when you don’t know where to start. It is very important though that you enter the process well informed.

 

To help you we have compiled this very basic outline summary.

 

There are four stages to the process:

 

1. Scope and Design

2. Planning

3. Building Regulations

4. Building Works

 

Eulinea Ltd has a lot of experience at producing high quality functional design solutions for both individual and corporate clients within London and the Home Counties, and are well placed to assist you through your project. 

 

 

 

Scope and Design 

 

We meet with you to fully understand your needs and aspirations.

 

Is what you are proposing reasonable and affordable, and what are the planning implications? 

 

We discuss the challenges you have with the current layout or function of your home, how you envisage using the space, your budget and key priorities e.g. an additional bedroom, bathroom or a light filled open-plan family space leading onto the garden. On a new build home, what are your aspirations, have you considered alternatives, will it be feasible as a replacement building, depending on where it is situated and the site specific planning constraints etc. This information will inform on the best way forward to design ideas that:

 

1) Solve your current challenges

2) Address your priorities within your budget

3) Meet your aspirations

 

 

 

Planning

 

Once you have decided on the design within your budget, the next stage is to get Planning Approval.

We can give you general planning and development advice whether it is a relatively modest extension or a larger residential development.

Once a planning application has been submitted, it can take up to 10/12 weeks until the determination of the application, depending on council staff resources and workloads.

We can advise on the best course of action in order to get your plans approved, depending on what type of consent you need from the Local Authority. 

 

 

Building Regulations

 

Once you have received planning consent, there is a need to produce more detailed construction stage drawings that describe and explain how the building is to be built. These drawings are submitted to the local authority or an independent building inspector who will check that the building works comply with the current Building Regulations.

 

Building Inspectors don’t assess what your house looks like, they want to check it’s safe for you to inhabit. 

A Building Regulations application usually takes approximately 3-6 weeks but in some cases it can take longer, depending on other consultants that are very often needed (such as Structural Engineers and Party Wall Surveyors).

 

We can advise you on the roles and expense of commissioning these professionals, together with any other expenses you are likely to incur prior to commencement on site.

 

 

 

Building Works

 

The drawings and specification produced for Building Regulations approval are also used to obtain tender prices from contractors. In many ways they are the key documents in the process as they ensure what is to be built is fully agreed and on paper from the outset.

 

Our involvement from this stage onwards varies, depending on the complexity of the project or your requirements. We can assist with the selection of contractors, monitor and oversee the project on your behalf until completion or take more of a distant role offering advice as and when needed.

 

 

Important things to consider

 

1. You may require a party wall agreement with your neighbour, if you are building close to your property boundary.

 

2. If you have large native trees on or close to your property these may be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’s) which means they will not be able to be removed to make way for an extension, alteration or new build without obtaining permission from the local authority.

 

3. Is your property freehold or leasehold? If you don’t own the lease you will need to check with the leaseholder before embarking upon your project.

 

4. Does your property have easements, covenants or rights of way that may restrict your project? This information should be on the deeds to your property or in the Land Registry document.

 

5. In some cases, your property may require an asbestos survey before works can take place.

 

6. You may need permission from the utility company before embarking upon your project if you have shared drains or other services on your property.

 

7. Planning and building regulations approval last for 3 years. Permissions will expire and you will have to make you applications again if you don’t start work within the 3-year deadline.

 

8. If your property is listed, within a Conservation Area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty you are more restricted with what you can do and are more likely to need planning permission.

 

For a free initial consultation please ring 07830153345 to discuss your project.