Extensions (H): Project Stages
Phase 1: Feasibility Study and Obtain Pre - Application Advice
a
If you are happy to proceed to instruct us, the next stage will be for CAAD Ltd to obtain an Ordance Survey (OS) map in .DWG format (which is compatible with our software). This is so we can make basic site checks such as existing layout, site size and proximity to your neighbours. This map will be obtained through UK Planning Maps (which are Planning Application Compliant) and reproduced using our company OS Licence Number.
b
We can then arrange to undertake a dimensional survey. Two members of our team will undertake a site visit to measure your house, which will enable us to produce scaled drawings. The survey can be booked in for a day of your choosing, at least 1 hour should be allowed for measurement checks on site.
c
Once we have an accurate set of 'Existing Drawings' we will be able to undertake a Phase 1 Scheme Design. We will discuss the proposals in more detail with you, prepare sketches and draft drawings. We will also make project feasibility checks, which will include estimate construction costs and check whether Planning Permission is required. Once you're happy with the design, we can proceed to either Phase 2, or jump straight to Phase 3 if your proposal does not require Planning Permission.
Phase 2: Design and Planning Application
d
Now the design of the extension is finalised, we can proceed to prepare the drawings for a Planning Application. If Planning is not required, you can skip forward to Phase 3 now. Whilst preparing the Planning Drawings we will ensure that the drawings comply with the LPA's design policies. The LPA will also require specific information to be shown on the drawings, such as explanatory annotation, dimensions, materials, and any other site specific details. For example, if you're building near a protected tree, we will need to show foundation details and how the tree will be protected during construction.
e
The Planning Application can now be submitted. We will be your 'Agent' for the Application, which means we will prepare the forms on your behalf, submit and manage the application. You (or a person of your choosing) will be the Applicant. You do not have to own the land to be the Applicant, but we will need to serve a 'Notice 1' to the official owner. The drawings will be publicly available to view online, so we recommend you tell your neighbours that a Planning Application is being submitted. Once the Application is submitted, we will instruct you on how to make the relevant fee, which will need to be paid directly to the Planning Portal - not to us.
We are Accredited Agents with Havant Borough Council, so they will aim to decide the Application within 6 weeks. Any other Local Authority will aim to decide the Application in 8 weeks. Once Planning Permission has been obtained, we can proceed to Phase 3.
Phase 3: Detailed Design and Construction Drawings
f
Now that Planning Permission has been obtained, we can prepare the construction drawings and help you choose a builder. We have a long list of builders we can recommend to you if you do not know anyone in the local area. To begin with, we will complete a 'draft' set of construction drawings. This will include all the details that your builder will need to price the works, as well as the relevant information for the Building Inspector. The Building Inspector will check that the structure complies with all the current Building Regulations.
g
The Building Regulations have been de-regulated, which means you do not have to use the Local Authority for Building Inspections anymore (unless you choose to). We will send the draft construction drawings out to three Building Inspectors for their quotations. Once received, we/you can make a decision as to who you would like to proceed with. Once the Building Inspector has been instructed, they will undertake a 'Plan Check' where they check our construction drawings. If they require any further information - they will ask us for it. If they are happy with the drawings we have submitted, they will issue a 'Plan Approval'. At this stage, these will become the finalised construction drawings.
Please note: If you choose to use a private Building Inspector instead of the Local Authority, then you must ensure the Application is submitted 5 working days before construction works begin on site. We usually take care of this on your behalf, but it is your responsibility to let us know when construction works will begin on site. If construction works have been started without an Application, the Application can then only be submitted to the Local Authority.
You can now proceed with your builders to construct the extension! We aren't usually involved throughout the construction phase, so we would love you to keep us updated with progress/completion photographs.