FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A little clarity before you begin.
No two homes, or projects, are exactly the same. But there are some questions homeowners ask time and again.
Here you'll find straightforward guidance on planning, design, costs and what to expect when working with design.HINDOVER.
PLANNING & APPROVALS
01
Do I need planning permission for my project?
It depends on your property, its location and the work you’re proposing.
Some projects can be carried out under Permitted Development Rights, but these come with specific rules around size, height, location and design. Properties in Conservation Areas, the South Downs National Park or with previous planning restrictions may have additional constraints.
Even where planning permission isn’t required, I generally recommend obtaining a Certificate of Lawful Development to provide formal confirmation that the proposed work is lawful.
The earlier we understand the planning position, the easier it is to make informed design decisions and avoid problems later.
02
Do I need Building Regulations approval?
In many cases, yes, even if planning permission isn’t required.
Planning and Building Regulations are separate processes. Planning considers matters such as appearance, scale, neighbouring properties and local policy, while Building Regulations cover how your project is constructed and performs.
This can include structure, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, drainage, accessibility and moisture control.
As your project develops, I can help coordinate the design information and specialist input needed to move from planning into the technical stages.
YOUR CONSULTATION
03
What happens during the Initial Design & Planning Consultation?
We begin by talking about your home, how you live in it now and what you hope to achieve.
Together, we explore the property, considering design opportunities, planning constraints, family needs, budget and potential retrofit improvements.
By the end of the consultation, you should have a clearer understanding of what may be achievable and the most appropriate next steps. You’ll also receive a written summary following the meeting.
04
Why is the Initial Design & Planning Consultation a paid service?
Because it is professional advice, rather than a sales meeting.
The consultation draws on more than 30 years of residential design experience to help you understand what is realistically achievable before committing significant time and money.
The advice has value whether you choose to continue with design.HINDOVER or decide not to proceed further.
05
What happens after the Initial Design & Planning Consultation?
There is no obligation to continue.
Some homeowners leave with the clarity they need, while others progress into survey and design work. If you continue, the next stage will usually involve an accurate survey of the property followed by initial design proposals.
Ideas can then be developed and tested against planning, budget, technical constraints and your longer-term needs before progressing further.
06
Is the consultation fee refundable if I decide not to proceed?
No. The £295 fee covers the professional time, expertise and advice provided during the consultation.
The purpose is to help you make a better-informed decision, even if that decision is to delay, change or reduce the scope of your project.
07
What if I appoint design.HINDOVER afterwards?
If you decide to continue with further design work, your £295 consultation fee is credited in full against your next appointment.
This means the consultation can work either as a valuable standalone service or as the first stage of your wider design journey.
YOUR PROJECT
08
Why shouldn't I just go directly to a builder?
Builders play an essential role in any successful project, but their expertise is primarily in construction and delivery.
My role begins earlier: understanding what problem you're actually trying to solve, exploring whether an extension is the right answer and considering layout, planning, light, comfort, future needs and budget.
Bringing design thinking and construction knowledge together early can lead to better decisions before significant time and money are committed.
09
How much will my project cost?
Every project is different and a reliable construction cost can't be established until the design and scope have been properly explored.
Size, materials, structural requirements, site constraints, specification and retrofit improvements can all affect the final cost.
Where appropriate, I recommend involving an experienced builder early so that ideas can be tested against realistic budget expectations before progressing too far.
10
How long does the process take?
Every project is different, but most homeowners underestimate how much time is involved.
Early survey and design work often takes around four to six weeks. If planning permission is required, further time is needed for validation and determination, followed by technical design, Building Regulations and consultant coordination.
For many residential projects, a realistic expectation from the first conversation to construction is around 12 months.