Prefer to browse? Here is the full reference — the drawings and stages each common London home project usually involves, and the services most relevant to each.
House extension
A typical house extension moves through feasibility and design, then planning (where needed), then the technical drawings a builder prices and builds from.
Drawings & stages usually involved
- 1.Measured survey — Accurate existing drawings as the reliable base for design.
- 2.Feasibility & concept design — Test options against the brief, budget and planning context.
- 3.Planning drawings — Where planning permission is needed (often, in prime London).
- 4.Building regulations drawings — Technical detail for building control and construction.
- 5.Structural engineer coordination — For beams, foundations and new openings.
- 6.Tender package — So contractors price the same scope on a consistent basis.
Relevant services:House Extension Architects, Planning Applications, Building Regulations Drawings
Loft conversion
A loft conversion needs design that works for head height and stairs, often a planning application, and technical drawings that resolve structure, fire and insulation.
Drawings & stages usually involved
- 1.Measured survey — Confirm head height, roof form and what the property allows.
- 2.Feasibility & design — Dormer, mansard or rooflight options for usable space.
- 3.Planning drawings — Frequently required, especially in conservation areas.
- 4.Building regulations drawings — Stairs, fire escape, structure and insulation.
- 5.Structural engineer coordination — New loft structure requires engineering.
Relevant services:Loft Conversion Architects, Building Regulations Drawings, Technical Design & Tender Documentation
Basement
Basements are the most demanding projects, with significant engineering, waterproofing, party wall and (in some boroughs) Basement Impact Assessment requirements.
Drawings & stages usually involved
- 1.Feasibility — Ground, neighbours, borough basement policy and what is realistic.
- 2.Planning drawings — Navigating the relevant borough’s basement policy.
- 3.Structural & waterproofing design — Specialist, coordinated with the architecture.
- 4.Basement Impact Assessment — Often required by the borough; coordinated with specialists.
- 5.Building regulations drawings — Reflecting structure, waterproofing and fire escape.
- 6.Party wall information — For the appointed party wall surveyors.
Relevant services:Basement Architects, Building Regulations Drawings, Technical Design & Tender Documentation
Whole-house refurbishment
A refurbishment is best coordinated as one project, combining reconfiguration with any extension and the technical information for construction.
Drawings & stages usually involved
- 1.Measured survey — Accurate base for reorganising the whole plan.
- 2.Concept & detailed design — Layout, light, circulation and interior architecture.
- 3.Planning / listed building consent — Where external change or listing requires it.
- 4.Building regulations drawings — For the structural, services and fabric works.
- 5.Tender package — Coordinated information for fair, comparable pricing.
Relevant services:House Refurbishment Architects, Interior Architecture, Technical Design & Tender Documentation
Flat reconfiguration
A flat project usually needs freeholder consent (a Licence to Alter) supported by drawings, alongside building regulations information.
Drawings & stages usually involved
- 1.Lease review & survey — Identify the works likely to need freeholder consent.
- 2.Reconfiguration design — Rework the layout for light, storage and flow.
- 3.Licence to Alter drawings — For the freeholder and managing agent to assess.
- 4.Building regulations drawings — For structural, acoustic and fire matters.
- 5.Structural engineer coordination — For any openings between rooms.
Relevant services:Flat Refurbishment Architects, Building Regulations Drawings, Planning Applications
Internal alterations
Internal alterations to an unlisted house often need building regulations rather than planning, but listed buildings and flats can require consent.
Drawings & stages usually involved
- 1.Measured survey — Accurate existing drawings of the affected areas.
- 2.Design — Reorganising space, openings and circulation.
- 3.Consents where needed — Listed building consent or a Licence to Alter where applicable.
- 4.Building regulations drawings — For structural openings and compliance.
- 5.Structural engineer coordination — For removing or opening up walls.
Relevant services:Interior Architecture, Building Regulations Drawings, Full-Service Interior Design