Architectural design and planning in Belfast

Covering Belfast

Our coverage around Belfast (BT1, BT2, BT3) also includes Newtownabbey, Holywood and Lisburn.

Homes in County Antrim

Northern Ireland has a high proportion of detached houses and bungalows outside the cities, which often suit side extensions, rear extensions and upward extensions.

What is architectural design and planning?

Designing and building under one roof means the drawings are priced as they are drawn, so there are fewer surprises when the quote arrives. If you only need drawings and a planning application, we can do that and you are free to use any builder.

Measured survey of the existing house
Building regulations drawings and specification
Structural engineer’s calculations

What will architectural design and planning cost?

What architectural design and planning typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.

Architectural design and planning	Guide price incl. VAT
Measured survey and existing drawings	£500 to £1,200
Planning drawings and application	£1,200 to £3,000
Building regulations drawings and specification	£1,000 to £2,500
Structural calculations	£500 to £2,000

Planning and building rules in Belfast

Northern Ireland projects need planning clearance and building control approval from the local council. We prepare the applications and agree any work near neighbouring property directly with the neighbours.

We prepare planning applications to the council and building control submissions for Northern Ireland projects.

What should Belfast homeowners check first?

Planning and building regulations are separate approvals; most projects need building regulations even when planning is not needed.
Conservation areas and listed buildings need extra design care and supporting statements.

From first call to completion

Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

Architectural design and planning: common questions

How much do extension plans cost?

Typically £3,000 to £7,000 including VAT from measured survey to building regulations drawings, plus council fees.

Can I use your drawings with another builder?

Yes. If you buy drawings on their own, they are yours to use.

Who deals with the council for a project in Belfast?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Also covering

Learn more about architectural design and planning, or see every project we cover in Belfast.