How Long Will My Project Take?
I often receive a shocked response when I tell people how long their project will take to be designed and to produce all the drawings required for planning and building regulations approvals. But, should it be that much of a surprise when you're embarking on improving your home and creating a bespoke extension that has never been designed or built before?
The Right Design Solution
The general expectation is that “We just want some plans drawn up quickly” which are frustrating words for us designers! We would love to be able to provide a fully bespoke designed home extension in 2 weeks, fully detailed and ready to be submitted for planning approval. As each project is completely different they all require a certain amount of time, accuracy and communication spending on it for the right design solution to be found for you, your family and your house.
The Design Process
For those of you who have gone through the design process, time varies depending on the complexity and size of the project. For an average modest size home extension, the design and statutory approval process can take anywhere between 6-12 months. During this time you need to ensure that the design intent has been completed properly, planning, building regulations approvals and party wall notices have been submitted. You also need to find a suitable builder who has the capacity to start your project when it’s convenient for you. Often finding a suitable builder and going through the tender process can take between 4-8 weeks.
Initial Enquiry - Design lead time 2-4 weeks.
Work Stage 1 - Measured survey and produce existing house set of drawings 1-4 weeks.
Work Stage 2 - Concept designs 1-4 weeks (working from a well thought out client brief).
Work Stage 3 - Final design and planning approval 8-12 weeks.
Work Stage 4 - Construction drawings and building regulations approval 4-8 weeks.
Work Stage 5 - Party wall act notices 2-4 weeks (depending on neighbours).
To complete work stages 1-4 on average can take up to 30 weeks depending on the size, complexity and nature of the project.
Once work stages 1-4 are completed you will still need to consider Work Stage 5 - Health and Safety Matters, Work Stage 6 - Specification of Finishes and Work Stage 7 - Tendering and appointing a builder for the works.
An Enjoyable Experience
Understanding the design process, appreciating that design and decision making does take a bit of time in order to reach the desired results. Having accurate, realistic time expectations from the beginning of your project will allow you to work more effectively by speaking to the right people at the right time.
Being aware of the above will lead to a more enjoyable experience when improving, or changing your home.
“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” – Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace.
The design process for any architectural design projects are the same, they will all follow the 8 work stages. This ensures that the design work is carried out in the correct order, allowing for a systematic approach. You can find out more about the 8 work stages here: Architectural Design Projects