FAQs
Questions worth asking before you call.
Cost, planning, process, and the practical stuff — answered plainly, so the free call can go straight to your project instead of the basics.
How much do architects cost?
There's no industry standard — architects charge as a lump sum, a percentage of build cost, or a mix. The right structure depends on your project's size and complexity; we'll walk you through ours on the free call.
How much does a house extension cost?
It depends on scale, specification, and site conditions — but it's almost always the first question every client asks, and fair enough. We give a realistic range once we understand your brief, backed by our cost calculator.
Why do builders' quotes vary so dramatically?
Overheads, specialisation, and experience all shift the number — two contractors pricing the identical drawings can land far apart. Part of our job at tender stage is making sure you're comparing like for like, not just picking the lowest number.
What increases the cost of a build? / How can I reduce the cost of building work?
Both come down to the same handful of levers — spec level, site access, structural complexity, and how many changes get made once work is underway. We flag cost-driving decisions before they're locked in, not after.
What is the Party Wall Act?
UK law covering shared walls between neighbouring properties — if your work could affect one, your neighbour has to be formally notified before it starts.
Can my neighbours stop me building my extension?
They can object, but an objection only carries weight if it's based on a valid planning reason — not simply not liking it. We help you understand which objections are worth taking seriously.
Permitted development vs. listed building consent — what's the difference?
Some work can go ahead without planning approval under permitted development rights; listed buildings and conservation areas narrow that considerably. We check which category your property falls into before we design anything.
What are "rights to light"?
A legal principle protecting a property's existing access to natural light — relevant if your build could shade a neighbouring window.
I have a tree with a preservation order — does that affect me?
Yes, potentially significantly — protected trees restrict what you can do nearby without separate consent. Worth flagging to us early, not after a design is drawn.
Bats or newts on site — what does that mean for building?
Both are legally protected species. If either is present, specific surveys and mitigation steps are required before work can proceed — this needs identifying at survey stage, not discovered mid-build.
What is Greenbelt, and how does it affect development?
Land protected from development to preserve open space around towns and cities. Building on or near Greenbelt land carries much tighter planning restrictions.
Living in a floodplain — what are the implications?
It affects what you can build and how, and may require additional flood-risk assessments as part of your planning application.
How long does a building project take?
From first design meeting to move-back-in, it depends on scope, planning complexity, and contractor availability — but it's rarely fast, and we'll give you a realistic stage-by-stage timeline rather than an optimistic one.
Can I live in my house during building work?
Often yes, depending on the scale of the works and which parts of the house are affected — we talk through what's realistic for your specific project.
Should I phase my building work?
Phasing can help spread cost and disruption, but it has trade-offs too — we're upfront about both sides before you commit to a phased approach.
What's the difference between building regulation drawings and detailed design drawings?
Building regs drawings satisfy legal safety requirements; detailed design drawings go much further — specifying finishes, fittings, and every practical decision a contractor needs to price and build from.
What other consultants might I need?
Structural engineers, planning consultants, interior designers — depending on your project's complexity, we bring in the right specialists and coordinate their input into our drawings.
Why do you charge for an initial consultation?
A proper first meeting takes real preparation and follow-up, not just a chat over coffee — the fee reflects the time that goes into giving you a genuinely useful first conversation.
What could go wrong on a building project — and how do you avoid it?
Budget creep, poor contractor coordination, and design decisions made too late are the most common culprits. Our process is built specifically to catch these before they become expensive.
Who are you a good fit for — and who aren't you?
We're upfront about this because it saves everyone time: we work best with clients who want a considered, collaborative design process, not a fastest-and-cheapest job.
Can I build the same extension my neighbour built?
Not automatically — approval depends on your specific site, property type, and current planning policy, not precedent alone.
How do I introduce more natural light into a build or renovation?
Rooflights, orientation, and glazing placement all play a role — this is something we actively design for, not an afterthought once the layout's fixed.
What are the drawbacks of using an architect?
Cost and time upfront, mainly — we're honest that it's not the right call for every project, particularly very small or simple ones.