Questions & Answers Do I need planning permission? Not necessarily. The Plan Maker recommends that you visit the Planning Portal Website. This Website gives homeowners an overview of all planning considerations and is essential reading for anyone planning changes to their property. (See Useful Links box on the left menu). We can provide further advice if you are still unsure. You can use the tools and information on this site to find out about planning in your area and what development you may perform around your house. How much will it cost? All initial discussions are free. Subsequent service prices for plan generation will fluctuate depending on the scale and complexity of the proposed development. Typically, generation of plans for a straightforward ground floor extension will be from £300 upward, but will obviously be more for more complicated and double storey extensions and conversions. The Plan Maker will produce a personalised quote once the project has been agreed and defined. Are council planning fees included? No. The homeowner should expect to pay separate fees for items such as the Planning Application, Building Regulations, Structural Surveys and Calculations, and any necessary Party Wall Notice Fees. If you would like the Plan Maker to submit your plans for approval, then all such fees will be payable at time of submission of the drawings to your Local Authority. How long will it take? Initial work by The Plan Maker to generate your plans will take on average 2-3 weeks to generate the first outline and from agreement on that a further 2-3 weeks to finalise your plans, all, of course subject to revisions and required changes. Additionally, most local authorities suggest a minimum of 8-10 weeks for planning permission cycle. The Plan Maker cannot influence this official part of the planning process in any way. Is The Plan Maker an architect? No. The Plan Maker is a fully City & Guilds qualified CAD Technician with a wealth of experience of the construction industry. Where can I find more information? The Plan Maker has created a set of Useful Links and recommends that you visit all of these links to help inform your decision process, before embarking on what can be a very expensive exercise.