Plans Made Easy Blog for Home Improvement Tips

A modern UK homeowner reviews planning permission drawings cost estimates at a kitchen table, with floor plans, elevation sketches, and a laptop showing a planning application—highlighting the process and considerations around planning permission drawings cost.

Planning Permission Drawings Cost: Typical Prices, What’s Included & What to Expect

December 1, 2025 No Comments

Wondering how much planning permission drawings cost for your extension, loft conversion or garage conversion? This guide explains typical UK prices, what’s included in drawing fees, how planning and Building Regulations drawings differ, and how to budget, compare quotes and avoid paying twice for unnecessary extra work from architects, technicians and online services.

Modern UK hallway with timber staircase showing Building Regulations Stairs compliance — featuring safe handrail height, clear headroom, and minimalist white balustrades in soft natural lighting

Building Regulations Stairs Requirements Explained in Plain English

November 30, 2025 No Comments

Building Regulations for stairs in UK homes fall mainly under Part K, covering rise, going, pitch, headroom and handrails. This clear, homeowner-friendly guide explains the essential rules, common pitfalls and what Building Control will check. Ideal for anyone installing or altering a staircase and wanting to avoid approval delays.

Visual concept of a UK semi-detached home with a proposed rear extension highlighted in blueprint overlay, used for illustrating planning permission for extension applications.

Planning Permission for Extension: A Complete Step-By-Step UK Guide

November 29, 2025 No Comments

Planning permission for an extension can feel confusing, especially with different rules for rear, side and two-storey builds. This guide explains exactly when you need permission, how Permitted Development works, application requirements, council timelines and common pitfalls. Ideal for UK homeowners planning a safe, compliant extension without delays or costly mistakes.

A UK building control officer conducting a structural site inspection of a modern home extension, checking foundations, insulation, and steelwork—ideal visual for answering building control questions on compliance and construction standards.

Building Control Questions Explained — What Inspectors Really Look For

November 28, 2025 No Comments

Building Control questions can feel daunting, but most inspections follow a clear pattern. This guide explains the questions inspectors typically ask, what they look for at each stage, and how to prepare so your project stays compliant. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, pass inspections smoothly, and keep your home improvement on track.

used to illustrate how long does it take to replace a kitchen image of a modern UK family kitchen mid-renovation, showing new cabinetry being installed and old units removed

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Kitchen? Full Step by Step Breakdown

November 27, 2025 No Comments

Replacing a kitchen in the UK usually takes 7–14 days, depending on worktops, electrics, flooring and how well deliveries are coordinated. This guide breaks down every stage — removal, first fix, installation, finishing and compliance — so you know exactly what to expect before work starts and how to avoid the delays that catch many homeowners out.

Modern UK architect's workspace featuring a detailed house drawing plan with floor layouts, elevations, site plan, and technical notes on a clean desk, viewed under soft natural lighting for a professional and homeowner-friendly aesthetic.

House Drawing Plan: Complete Guide for UK Planning Permission

November 25, 2025 No Comments

A House Drawing Plan is essential for planning permission, building regulations, and a smooth construction process. This guide explains exactly what drawings you need, how they must be prepared, UK standards, common mistakes, and what councils look for. Learn how professional plans speed up approvals and avoid costly delays on your extension or renovation project.

Modern garden buildings office with wooden exterior, large glass sliding doors, and minimalist interior workspace surrounded by lush greenery.

The Ultimate Garden Buildings Office Guide — Planning Permission, Costs & Best Designs

November 24, 2025 No Comments

A garden buildings office can often be built under permitted development, but size, height, boundaries and use all matter. This guide explains planning rules, building regulations, costs, timelines and key design choices so you can create a warm, durable workspace that meets UK council requirements and avoids common homeowner pitfalls.

UK homeowner reviewing building plans beside a partially constructed garden room with timber and brick walls, highlighting tools and clean foundation—ideal visual for articles discussing the cost of building an outbuilding.

How Much Does It Cost to Build an Outbuilding? UK Guide

November 23, 2025 No Comments

The cost of building an outbuilding in the UK typically ranges from £5,000 to £25,000, depending on size, materials and specification. Simple timber structures start at lower budgets, while brick or fully insulated garden rooms cost more. This guide breaks down real-world price ranges, planning considerations and what’s usually included so you can budget confidently.

Qualified electrician inspecting a modern UK domestic fuse board, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations Part P electrical safety standards in a well-lit home interior.

What Is Building Regulations Part P? UK Rules Explained Simply

November 22, 2025 No Comments

Building Regulations Part P sets the safety standards for electrical work in homes across England. It explains when work must be notified, what counts as notifiable, and the certificates you must keep to stay compliant. This clear guide helps homeowners understand the rules, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure their electrical installations are safe and legally approved.

Modern UK suburban brick home with loft conversion, blueprint overlay lines, and title text “Planning Permission 10 Year Rule” – illustrating lawful development in British residential architecture.

Planning Permission 10 Year Rule: The Complete UK Homeowner’s Guide

November 21, 2025 No Comments

The Planning Permission 10 Year Rule explains when unauthorised building works or changes of use can become lawful through the passage of time. This guide breaks down the new 10-year enforcement period in England, how it differs from the old 4-year rule, what evidence you need, and how to secure your position with a Lawful Development Certificate.

Modern UK family home interior mid-renovation, showing one side completed with fresh plaster and clean lines, and the other under construction with exposed joists and tools, highlighting the process of home renovations.

5 Unseen Challenges in Home Renovations

November 19, 2025 No Comments

Home renovations can transform how you live, but many projects run into hidden challenges — from structural surprises and outdated wiring to planning permission triggers and unexpected building regulations. This guide explains the issues most homeowners don’t spot early enough, helping you plan smarter, avoid delays and keep your renovation compliant from day one.

Professional architectural drawings for house extensions laid out on a modern UK workspace desk, featuring detailed floor plans, proposed elevations, a site location plan, and drafting tools like a pencil, ruler, and triangle set square.

Drawings for House Extensions: What You Need Before You Apply for Planning

November 18, 2025 No Comments

Drawings for house extensions are essential for Planning Permission and Building Regulations approval. This guide explains the exact plans you need, how they’re prepared, typical costs, and how to avoid delays or council invalidations. Ideal for UK homeowners planning single-storey, double-storey, or rear extensions.