Architectural design and planning in Rochester

Covering Rochester

Rochester sits 8 miles north of Maidstone, with Chatham 1 miles to the south-east and Strood 1 miles to the west.

Homes in the South East

The South East has a lot of 1930s and post-war semi-detached housing, well suited to rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions, alongside period properties in conservation areas that need a more careful design.

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
Building regulations drawings and specification
Structural engineer’s calculations

What is the guide price for architectural design and planning in Rochester?

Typical ranges for architectural design and planning. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.

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 Rochester?

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.

What should Rochester homeowners check first?

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 are the steps?

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.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

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.

Do I need a structural engineer?

For steels, new openings, lofts and extensions, yes. We arrange the calculations.

Can you visit a house in Rochester 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 in nearby towns

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