Relocating front door, where to start?

IvyFlood

Hello everyone
I hope I’m enquiring in the right place here, just looking for some advice on how to go about the following. 

We have a 3 bed 1960s semi which had a seperate garage which was joined to the house in the 80s. For some reason unknown, a large area of dead space was left at the front of the house. This area has the same roof covering but it’s open to the elements (we keep our bins under it) 

we are looking to use the space and relocate our front door and rejig some of the downstairs layout incorporating the space to install downstairs toilet/cloakroom and a small reception room/study. 

I think I require planning permission to relocate front door but I’m not sure about the rest? Assuming I’d need an architect to redesign the downstairs layout? And do architects come with recommended builders? How do you go about sourcing all these? Do you need the planning permission first?

Sorry I’m a bit clueless just looking for a step in the right direction! 

Thanks 

DevilDamo

Providing your property benefits from Permitted Development rights and is not located within an area of strict(er) control, e.g. conservation area, then the re-location or formation of a new door should not require formal Planning approval.

A designer with residential experience could help and advise you on the processes, fees and timescales. I mention the term ‘designer’ as that would cover an architectural technician, architectural technologist and architect with the latter normally being a lot more expensive for smaller minor works. Some designers may work with and know contractors so start with them first. Otherwise, you can’t beat local recommendations... for both a designer and/or contractor.

The normal order for works/approvals is Planning, Building Regulations and then construction.

grumbler

Is a 'designer' really needed for such a simple job? Can't it be just a contractor?

IvyFlood

grumbler said:

Is a 'designer' really needed for such a simple job? Can't it be just a contractor?

I think so as moving the front door would require a complete re-design of most of the downstairs layout and we're talking structural walls. Its an extremly odd layout at the moment and really difficult to imagine what it could look like.

IvyFlood

DevilDamo said:

Providing your property benefits from Permitted Development rights and is not located within an area of strict(er) control, e.g. conservation area, then the re-location or formation of a new door should not require formal Planning approval.

A designer with residential experience could help and advise you on the processes, fees and timescales. I mention the term ‘designer’ as that would cover an architectural technician, architectural technologist and architect with the latter normally being a lot more expensive for smaller minor works. Some designers may work with and know contractors so start with them first. Otherwise, you can’t beat local recommendations... for both a designer and/or contractor.

The normal order for works/approvals is Planning, Building Regulations and then construction.

Thanks Devil, thats good to know. There has just been a bungalo up the road extended with a dorma roof so I may go and enquire there! As far as I know, I dont think we are in a conservation area, I think the houses we back on to are, but not us - I'll have to check my conveyancing documents from when we bought the place!

grumbler

IvyFlood said:

grumbler said:

Is a 'designer' really needed for such a simple job? Can't it be just a contractor?

I think so as moving the front door would require a complete re-design of most of the downstairs layout and we're talking structural walls. Its an extremly odd layout at the moment and really difficult to imagine what it could look like.

Well, it's your money - if you really need an architect to do the plans.

Lintels (doors and windows) in structural walls are commonplace that, I think, any  decent contractor can make without an architect.