Architectural design and planning in Chelmsford

Covering Chelmsford

Our coverage around Chelmsford (CM1, CM99) also includes Billericay, Witham and Maldon.

Homes in the East of England

Across the East of England, newer estates often have integral garages and room for rear extensions, while older towns have Victorian terraces and conservation areas that shape what can be built.

What do you get with architectural design and planning?

Architectural design and planning covers everything before building starts: a measured survey of the house, design options, planning or permitted development drawings, the application itself, building regulations drawings and structural calculations. We offer it on its own or as part of a design-and-build project.

Measured survey of the existing house
Design options and 3D views
Structural engineer’s calculations

How much should I budget for architectural design and planning?

Use these ranges to budget for architectural design and planning; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.

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

What approvals does architectural design and planning need in England?

English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.

We confirm whether your project is permitted development, needs prior approval or needs a householder application, and prepare the right submission. A lawful development certificate is the best proof that permitted development work is lawful.

What should Chelmsford homeowners check first?

Pre-application advice from the council can help on sensitive sites.
Conservation areas and listed buildings need extra design care and supporting statements.

From first call to completion

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
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.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

Your questions answered

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.

Can you visit a house in Chelmsford to quote?

Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.

Other towns nearby

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