Covering Forres
Our coverage around Forres (IV36) also includes Nairn (10 miles to the west) and Elgin.
Because Moray covers a wide area, we confirm availability after the first call and include any travel costs in the written quote rather than adding them later.
Homes in Moray
Housing in Scotland includes tenements in the cities, sandstone villas, inter-war and post-war semis and a large number of bungalows, which often suit dormer and upward extensions.
What is included in architectural design and planning in Forres?
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.
- Building warrant application and completion certificate
- Measured survey of the existing house
- Submission and liaison with the planning officer
How much should I budget for architectural design and planning?
Guide prices for architectural design and planning, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.
| 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 |
Do you need permission for architectural design and planning in Forres?
In Scotland the key step is the building warrant, which must be granted before work begins. Planning permission is decided separately by the council, and work on shared walls is handled under your title deeds rather than a party wall act.
We prepare planning applications where needed and the building warrant application, which must be approved before work starts in Scotland.
What can affect architectural design and planning?
- Planning and building regulations are separate approvals; most projects need building regulations even when planning is not needed.
- Pre-application advice from the council can help on sensitive sites.
What happens after I enquire?
- 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.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
What people ask before starting
How much do extension plans cost?
Typically £3,000 to £7,000 including VAT from measured survey to building regulations drawings, plus council fees.
How long does planning take?
Councils aim to decide householder applications within eight weeks of validation.
Do you work in Forres?
Yes. Forres is within our coverage for architectural design and planning, along with nearby Nairn and Elgin.
Also covering
- Architectural design and planning in Nairn
- Architectural design and planning in Elgin
- Architectural design and planning in Lossiemouth
- Architectural design and planning in Inverness
Learn more about architectural design and planning, or see every project we cover in Forres.

