Loft Extension timeline / order of work - HELP

Doozergirl

kenzie123 said:

FreeBear said:

kenzie123 said: How do we know if a builder is following the correct regulations and procedures?

Do we need planning permission for either job? Who at the council should we speak to, there doesn’t seem to be a contact or phone number on our council website.

You may need planning permission, so the first port of call would be the council's planning department. They may want to charge an initial consultation fee, but it would be money well spent.

If a builder tells you you don't need planning permission or Building Control involvement, you know you have a cowboy. Building Control (and building regulation compliance) is essential, not optional. Oh, and if you find a builder that says he can start in three months, find someone else. Good ones will be booked up for six months or more.

Thank you for posting this. 

There is a telephone service option on our council's website which allows an appointment to be set up for discussion. There is an option to provide planning drawings but they says it's our choice to do so.

Would you advise getting drawings done first to save time, as there is a cost (£165 + VAT for 20 min call) to each phone consultation?

We don't have drawings currently but we are wary of getting them done, paying an architect only to be told by the council that our plans are not possible.

If you aren't in a listed building or in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty then it's likely that your loft conversion would fall under something called Permitted Development. Permitted Development Rights are set by national government and they allow most of us to extend without having to apply for permission.   If you're employing a competent designer then they will immediately know the answer to this.  

Guide here for you: 
https://interactive.planningportal.co.uk/mini-guide/loft-conversion/0