A common question that is asked when extending a home is: do I need an architect to apply for planning permission? If you are making home improvements this year, there are pros and cons to employing professional help whilst trying to optimise your budget for the project.
You want the very best value for your renovations however for the element of planning permission, it might not be a service you need an architect’s guidance for. In this guide we will look at the process of planning permission and whether you should seek assistance in navigating this process during your extension journey. We speak to the experts at KSR Architects, a leading firm of architects in London for over 35 years.
First Things First, Do I Need Planning Permission?
If you are making drastic changes to the structure of your property, it is essential to check whether you require planning permission before beginning any work. It is a common misconception that because the project is taking place under your own roof, home improvements such as loft conversions will not require planning permission.
Whilst it is common for this type of work to fall under permitted development, don’t get caught out by not checking! There are situations where you need approval before any renovations are carried out, such as if your home is a listed building, or is in a conservation area.
Can I Get Planning Permission Without an Architect?
For many people who need to submit for planning permission, architect fees might not be an option that is affordable amongst the other project costs. Furthermore, hiring an architect will not automatically guarantee approval of your work. The simple answer is you do not need an architect to gain planning permission for your project and it is possible to submit the plans yourself to your local authority.
It is also possible to organise an application meeting with your local housing planning department which could be beneficial to get ahead of any issues with your proposed plans and make the necessary alterations before formally submitting your application. Another option is seeking the advice of a planning consultant who can advise if a design is acceptable under your local planning requirements.
The Benefits Of Professional Help
Although there isn’t a legal requirement to employ an architect when applying for planning permission on your home, you might find it helps to have some additional guidance in the process.
If it is your first time embarking on a home extension project, it could be useful to seek the professional help of an architect as the language, paperwork and legal requirements can sometimes be a little complicated to understand. In this case, hiring someone who has experience of the approval process could be useful as they can help tweak some elements to get your plans approved.
When it comes to applying, there are other benefits to paying an architect who can assist your application. Having an architect’s drawings can really assist an application for an extension and the associated building regulations. The more detail you can provide in this way, the increased likelihood you are to have your plans approved.
With all extension projects, it is always recommended to shop around and get quotes from different professionals in your area. You might have spent a good number of years saving for your home improvement, therefore you will want to make sure you are paying a competitive price for the work. It pays to do your research and build your knowledge to keep your costs down.
Managing Your Project
Taking on a renovation project can be extremely time and energy consuming. There are multiple elements to juggle but there are certainly ways you can manage and do it yourself. Ultimately, this is your project and in the planning stage of the work, take careful consideration of whether hiring an architect is viable and how cost-effective it would be versus putting together the plans yourself.
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