Question 1

How much does architectural design for a house extension cost?

Accepted Answer

Hampshire Build offers three fixed-fee design packages. The Essential package is £1,350 + VAT and covers planning drawings and application submission. The Pre-Build package is £1,950 + VAT and adds building regulations drawings and structural calculations. The Premium package is £2,950 + VAT and includes everything in Pre-Build plus contractor vetting, tender management, schedule of works, and building contract administration. There are no hidden charges and fees are agreed upfront.

Question 2

Do I need planning permission for a house extension?

Accepted Answer

Many single-storey rear extensions can be built under Permitted Development rights without a full planning application, subject to size limits and location constraints. However, properties in conservation areas, listed buildings, flats, and some Article 4 zones always require planning permission. Two-storey extensions and side extensions over a certain size also typically require permission. Hampshire Build assesses permitted development eligibility as part of every initial consultation.

Question 3

How long does planning permission take in Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

Most local authorities in Hampshire, Surrey, and Hertfordshire determine householder planning applications within the statutory 8-week period. More complex or sensitive applications can take up to 13 weeks. Hampshire Build has a 98% planning approval rate and prepares every application to minimise the risk of delays or requests for amendments.

Question 4

What is included in a fixed-fee extension design package?

Accepted Answer

All Hampshire Build packages include a free feasibility consultation, an on-site measured survey, design development, planning drawings, and planning application management. The Pre-Build package adds building regulations drawings and structural engineer calculations. The Premium package further includes contractor vetting, competitive tendering, a detailed schedule of works, and building contract administration. All packages come with a fixed fee agreed upfront — no hourly rates, no surprises.

Question 5

Do I need building regulations approval for a house extension?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Building regulations approval is required for virtually all structural extensions, loft conversions, and garage conversions, regardless of whether planning permission is also needed. Building regulations drawings set out the technical specification — structure, insulation, fire safety, drainage — that contractors must work to. Hampshire Build's Pre-Build and Premium packages include full building regulations drawings and submission as standard.

Question 6

How much does a loft conversion cost to design?

Accepted Answer

Hampshire Build's architectural design fees for a loft conversion start from £1,350 + VAT for the Essential package (planning only) or £1,950 + VAT for the Pre-Build package which includes building regulations drawings. Construction costs for loft conversions typically range from £35,000 to £65,000 depending on size, type (Velux, dormer, hip-to-gable, or mansard), and specification. The Pre-Build package gives contractors everything they need to provide accurate, comparable quotes.

Question 7

Do I need an architect for a house extension or loft conversion?

Accepted Answer

You are not legally required to use a registered architect, but you do need professionally prepared architectural drawings for both planning applications and building regulations approval. Hampshire Build is an architectural design practice with over 15 years of specialist experience in residential extensions and loft conversions across Hampshire, Surrey, and Hertfordshire. All drawings are produced to planning authority and building control standards.

Question 8

What areas does Hampshire Build cover?

Accepted Answer

Hampshire Build serves clients across Hampshire, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, and surrounding counties. Our team handles all planning applications and building regulations submissions with local authorities across these areas, including Winchester, Basingstoke, Southampton, Guildford, St Albans, and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

Question 9

How do I get started with Hampshire Build?

Accepted Answer

The first step is a free, no-obligation design consultation. We discuss your project, assess feasibility, confirm permitted development eligibility, and recommend the most appropriate package for your needs. There is no charge for the initial consultation and no obligation to proceed. You can book by calling us or completing the enquiry form on our website.

Question 10

What is the difference between planning permission and building regulations?

Accepted Answer

Planning permission is granted by the local planning authority and controls whether a development is acceptable in principle — its size, appearance, and impact on the surrounding area. Building regulations approval is a separate process that confirms the technical construction meets safety and performance standards, including structure, insulation, fire safety, drainage, and ventilation. Both are typically required for extensions and loft conversions. Hampshire Build manages both processes as part of our design packages.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Planning & Process

Do I need planning permission for my extension?

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

What's included in your complimentary feasibility assessment?

What's the difference between your packages?

Costs & Pricing

Are your prices really fixed with no hidden costs?

How much does a typical extension cost to build in Hampshire?

Do I need to pay everything upfront?

What if my extension needs structural engineering?

Design & Technical

Can you design extensions that match my existing house?

Do you handle Building Regulations applications?

What if my neighbours object to my extension?

Can you work with my builder's requirements?