It depends on the size and location of your extension. Many single-storey rear extensions fall under Permitted Development Rights if they don't exceed 3 metres (for attached houses) or 4 metres (for detached houses) from the original rear wall. However, you'll likely need planning permission if you're extending towards the front, building upwards, or your property is in a conservation area or is a listed building. We always check your specific situation during our initial feasibility stage to avoid costly mistakes.

Planning permission is about whether you can build, focusing on how your project affects the surrounding area, neighbours, and local environment. Building regulations ensure your project is built safely and properly, covering structural integrity, fire safety, insulation, and accessibility. Most projects need both approvals, and we manage both applications as part of our service.

Standard planning applications typically take 8 weeks from submission, though this can extend to 13 weeks for more complex projects. In our experience across Cardiff, Barry, and Penarth, the actual timeline often depends on the quality of the application and how well it addresses local planning policies. We work closely with local planning authorities to streamline this process and often get decisions within the standard timeframe.

Yes, your neighbours will be notified as part of the planning consultation process and have 21 days to comment. While their objections don't automatically mean refusal, planning officers do consider them, especially regarding overlooking, loss of light, or impact on privacy. We design projects with neighbourly considerations in mind from the start, which significantly reduces objections.

Usually yes, if you're not extending the building's footprint and it falls under Permitted Development. However, you'll still need Building Regulations approval for the conversion work itself. We also consider practical matters like where you'll park your car afterwards and whether losing garage storage makes sense for your lifestyle.

Our architect fees for a full service typically range from 7% to 10% of your total build cost, depending on the project's complexity and scope. For a typical single-storey extension project (around 30-40 square metres) in South Wales with a build cost of £60,000-£90,000, this usually means fees of £4,200-£9,000 for complete service from initial design through to construction completion. Larger or more complex projects like two-storey extensions or whole-house renovations may have fees at the lower end of the percentage range. We provide a detailed fee proposal after understanding your specific project during our initial consultation.

For a good quality extension in South Wales, expect to pay between £2,000-£3,000 per square metre, though this varies significantly based on specification. A basic rear extension might be closer to £1,800/sqm, while a high-spec contemporary design with large glazing, underfloor heating, and premium finishes could reach £3,500/sqm or more. Location matters too – projects in Cardiff or Penarth may cost slightly more than rural areas due to access and contractor availability.

Not necessarily. While you get exactly what you want with a new build, construction costs typically range from £2,000-£3,500 per square metre, plus you need to factor in land costs, professional fees (architect, structural engineer, planning consultant), and utilities connections. In the current South Wales market, this often works out more expensive than buying existing property, unless you already own land or find a plot at a good price. However, new builds offer superior energy efficiency, lower running costs, and zero maintenance issues for years.

Beyond the obvious construction and professional fees, budget for: unforeseen structural issues (very common in older Welsh properties - we often discover hidden damp or structural problems once work starts), party wall agreements if you're semi-detached or terraced, temporary accommodation if you need to move out, storage for furniture, increased utility bills during construction, and landscaping repairs. We generally advise clients to hold back 10-15% contingency for the unexpected.

Absolutely. During our feasibility stage, we provide realistic cost projections and discuss whether your investment makes financial sense. For example, if you're planning to spend £150,000 on an extension but it won't add equivalent value to your property, we'll be honest about that. Sometimes moving house or scaling back the project makes more economic sense, and we'll tell you that upfront.

For a typical extension project, expect 9-15 months total: 1-2 months for design development, 2-3 months for planning permission, 1-2 months for Building Regulations and contractor procurement, and 3-6 months for construction. Larger projects like new builds take longer (18-24 months typically). Complex planning situations or listed building consent can add several months. We keep you informed throughout and provide realistic timelines from the start.

For most extensions, you can usually stay in your home, though expect disruption, noise, and dust. Your kitchen might be temporarily unusable if we're extending it. For whole-house renovations, roof work, or projects affecting multiple rooms, moving out temporarily often makes more sense for your sanity and allows contractors to work more efficiently, potentially saving time and money. We help you understand the practical realities early on.

Our full service includes: initial feasibility studies and site surveys, concept design development with 3D visualisations, detailed planning drawings and submission, Building Regulations drawings and submission, specification of materials and finishes, assistance with contractor selection, and contract administration during construction including site inspections. We can also provide partial services if you only need help with specific stages, and we're upfront about what each option includes.

We're happy to work with your chosen builder if they're competent and reliable. However, we also maintain relationships with several trusted contractors across South Wales who we know deliver quality work on time and budget. We can provide recommendations and help you obtain competitive quotes. Our experience shows that using contractors we've successfully worked with before often leads to smoother projects.

Yes, 3D modelling and visualisation are core parts of our design process. They help you properly understand your new space before construction starts, which is especially important for spatial relationships, ceiling heights, and how natural light will work. These visualisations are also valuable for planning applications, helping planning officers and neighbours understand your proposals.

Passivhaus is a rigorous energy efficiency standard that creates homes with extremely low heating and cooling needs – typically reducing energy bills by 75-90%. Our team includes Passivhaus certified designers, and we've successfully delivered Passivhaus projects in South Wales. While construction costs are roughly 8-12% higher than standard builds, the investment pays back through minimal running costs and exceptional comfort. It's particularly worth considering for new builds or extensive renovations where you're already making significant investment.

There are many approaches depending on your budget and priorities: high-performance insulation beyond Building Regulations minimums, triple-glazed windows, heat pumps instead of gas boilers, solar panels, sustainable materials like timber frame construction, natural insulation materials, rainwater harvesting, and maximising natural daylight to reduce electrical lighting. We discuss sustainability from day one and help you prioritise measures that give the best balance of environmental benefit and cost-effectiveness.

Air source heat pumps are increasingly popular and work brilliantly with underfloor heating in extensions, qualifying for government grants through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (currently £7,500 towards installation). They're especially cost-effective in well-insulated new builds or renovations. Traditional gas boilers are cheaper to install but face an uncertain future with the government's net-zero commitments. We help you understand the full lifecycle costs and benefits of different systems.

Significantly. Strategic window placement for passive solar gain, proper insulation, airtightness, and efficient heating systems can reduce energy consumption by 50-75% compared to older properties. For example, a well-designed Passivhaus-standard home might cost just £200-300 annually to heat, compared to £1,500-2,000 for an average older property in South Wales. With rising energy costs, investing in energy efficiency makes both environmental and financial sense.

Yes, increasingly so. Properties with higher Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings typically achieve better sale prices and sell faster. Buyers are becoming more aware of running costs, especially with recent energy price increases. Features like solar panels, heat pumps, and excellent insulation are now selling points. Additionally, future regulations may make it harder to sell properties with poor energy performance, so investing in efficiency now protects your property's future value.

Loft conversions typically require structural alterations (new floor joists, roof reinforcement), a staircase (which takes up space on the floor below), dormers or rooflights for headroom and light, insulation meeting current regulations, fire safety measures including fire-resistant doors and escape windows, and Building Regulations approval. Planning permission may be needed if you're adding significant volume through dormers or if you're in a conservation area. Costs typically range from £35,000-£60,000 depending on complexity and finish quality.

Absolutely. Whole-house remodelling is often more cost-effective than moving and gives you exactly what you need. This might involve reconfiguring room layouts, opening up spaces, improving flow between rooms, updating kitchens and bathrooms, improving energy efficiency, and refreshing the overall aesthetic. We take a holistic approach, considering how you actually live in your home and creating spaces that work for your lifestyle.

Generally, single-storey rear extensions offer the best value, particularly if they fall under Permitted Development (saving planning fees and time). Loft conversions can be cost-effective if you have suitable roof space and headroom. Two-storey extensions cost more per square metre but give you more space for your money than building two separate single-storey additions. The "best" solution depends on your site, your needs, and your budget – which is exactly what we assess during feasibility studies.

We design the spatial layout, locations of windows and doors, and specify finishes like tiles and sanitary ware styles. For detailed kitchen cabinetry design, we typically work with specialist kitchen designers or your chosen kitchen supplier, ensuring their designs integrate perfectly with our architectural plans. This gives you access to specialists while maintaining overall design coherence. We coordinate everything so you get a seamless final result.

Yes, we have experience working with listed buildings and historic properties across South Wales. These projects require extra sensitivity, detailed applications showing heritage impact, and often more negotiation with conservation officers. Work to listed buildings almost always requires Listed Building Consent in addition to any planning permission needed. These projects take longer and often cost more, but we're practiced at navigating these complexities while respecting your building's historic character.

Design is collaborative, and we expect to refine proposals based on your feedback. Our process includes multiple review points where we present ideas, listen to your response, and adjust accordingly. If fundamental direction changes are needed, we work through them together. We don't consider design complete until you're genuinely excited about the proposals. That said, we'll also provide professional advice if we believe certain approaches won't work practically or will cause problems later.

We provide cost guidance throughout the design process, flagging expensive design choices before they become fixed decisions. We help you specify materials appropriately – spending money where it matters and being economical where it doesn't show. Before going to construction, we help you obtain competitive quotes from builders, review their breakdowns, and identify any concerns. During construction, we monitor variations and costs, approving changes only with your agreement.

Unexpected issues are relatively common, especially in older properties – hidden structural defects, unforeseen ground conditions, or services in awkward locations. When problems arise, we assess them quickly, provide options for resolution, and help you understand cost and program implications. Our construction inspection service means we catch and resolve issues early before they become major problems. This is where having an architect administering the contract really proves its value.

We provide architectural interior design focusing on spatial planning, lighting design, material palettes, and overall aesthetic direction. For detailed furniture selection, soft furnishings, and styling, we can recommend interior designers we've worked with successfully. Some clients prefer us to provide the full service; others want to make their own interior choices. We're flexible and work however suits you best.

We're a small, dedicated team based in Barry, which means you get personal attention throughout your project, not handed off to junior staff. Our Passivhaus certification and sustainability focus means we genuinely understand low-energy design, not just paying lip service to it. We're transparent about costs and processes from the start – no surprises. We work across South Wales extensively, so we understand local planning authorities, contractors, and site conditions. Most importantly, we're passionate about creating buildings that enhance your life through thoughtful design and functionality, not just impressive photographs.