Every home renovation goes through the same ten steps.

It starts with a conversation about what you have in mind. A few photos of the house and a rough idea are plenty. Then comes a meeting at the house, or a video call if that’s easier.

You decide

A visit to the house, or a video call

How long

One call, then one meeting

Your architect

Listens first, then says honestly what looks possible

At Norman Park: A Tudor-style family house in Bromley, with dated rooms, small windows and an old garage at the back. The family wanted space and light, and to stay put.

The architect checks the planning history of the street and the council’s rules. A measured survey then records the house exactly as it is, so every drawing starts from real dimensions.

You decide

Your brief: what you need, your budget and the feel you like

How long

About 3 to 4 weeks

Your architect

Turns the survey into accurate drawings of the house today

At Norman Park: April 2023: every room, wall and roof measured. The drawings showed a house with good bones and a back that turned away from a long garden.

Different ways the house could work are sketched first. The strongest are then shown as plans and 3D views, so you can see the space before choosing.

You decide

Your favourite option, and what to change

How long

About 4 weeks

Your architect

Draws the options and talks you through each one

At Norman Park: May to June 2023: a first concept, then four ways to shape the back of the house. The family chose a pitched gable with a wide window under it.

The architect prepares the drawings and sends them to the council. They check the application first, then usually decide within 8 to 12 weeks. Many lofts and rear extensions are “permitted development” and need no application.

Building regulations and detailed design can start while the council decides, so no weeks are lost.

You decide

Sign off the drawings before they go in

How long

About 8 to 12 weeks, if it’s needed

Your architect

Deals with the council for you, start to finish

At Norman Park: Sent to Bromley Council on 31 July 2023 and approved on 26 September, in under nine weeks. A smaller second application, for glazing in the front gable, was approved that December.

Planning permission or permitted development? The difference explained →

Technical drawings and the structural engineer’s calculations go to Building Control, and an inspector visits during the build. Neighbours who share a wall also need formal notice under the Party Wall Act.

You decide

Very little. Each form is explained as it comes up

How long

Runs alongside planning

Your architect

Coordinates the engineer, Building Control and the neighbours’ notices

At Norman Park: The building regulations package was submitted in February 2024 and approved in March.

Floors, walls, joinery, lighting, heating and sockets are set out in a written specification, so every builder prices exactly the same house.

You decide

Finishes, lighting and the details that make it yours

How long

Alongside planning

Your architect

Writes the specification and draws the details

At Norman Park: A full specification went to the builders in February 2024, so every price covered the same house, down to the roof junctions.

Mood boards, materials, colours and fittings, with the kitchen planned alongside. Everything can be sourced and ordered for you.

You decide

The look you love

How long

At your pace

Your architect

Uses trade accounts that typically save clients 5 to 15%

At Norman Park: Finishes were chosen with the family from October 2023: dark joinery, pale oak and warm stone, carried through the kitchen, the stair and the bathrooms.

Each builder prices the full set of drawings and the specification, so you compare like with like. The prices are then compared with you, and the building contract is set up.

You decide

Which builder you choose

How long

About 4 to 6 weeks

Your architect

Runs the process and explains the differences between the prices

At Norman Park: Builders priced the full set of drawings in March 2024. The chosen builder started on site at the end of April.

Site visits are optional. With them, the architect checks progress, answers the builder’s questions, meets Building Control and sends you a short photo report after each visit.

You decide

Small choices as it comes together

How long

About 4 to 6 months for a single-storey extension

Your architect

Optional visits twice a month to keep the build on track

At Norman Park: Building ran from spring 2024. The new roof and the gable went up that autumn, with site visits and photo reports along the way.

How long a house extension takes in London →

Final inspections and sign-off, then it’s yours to enjoy.

You decide

Any final touches before sign-off

How long

Final inspections, then it’s yours

Your architect

Still a call away if you need anything

At Norman Park: A two-storey rear, a loft with a wide gable window and an open ground floor that runs into the garden. The family moved home in autumn 2025, and in 2026 it was named a winner at the UK Property Awards.