Architectural design and planning in Houghton-le-Spring

Covering Houghton-le-Spring

Houghton-le-Spring is about 11 miles south-east of Newcastle upon Tyne. We also cover Chester-le-Street (5 miles to the west), Washington and Seaham.

Homes in the North East

In the North East, terraces, semis and bungalows all offer room to extend, with stone-built villages and conservation areas in parts of County Durham and Northumberland.

What does architectural design and planning involve?

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
Submission and liaison with the planning officer

How much should I budget for architectural design and planning?

Indicative costs for architectural design and planning. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.

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 Houghton-le-Spring

In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it applies.

We confirm whether your project is permitted development, needs prior approval or needs a householder application, and prepare the right submission.

What can change the price or programme?

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.

What are the steps?

Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

Your questions answered

Can I use your drawings with another builder?

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

What is a lawful development certificate?

A certificate from the council confirming that work is permitted development, which is useful when you sell.

Can you visit a house in Houghton-le-Spring 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.

Architectural design and planning near Houghton-le-Spring

Learn more about architectural design and planning, or see every project we cover in Houghton-le-Spring.