I Need to Extend My Home - Where Do I Start?

Extending your home is often one of the biggest investments you will make after buying the property itself. Whether you need more space for a growing family, want to improve the layout of your home, or are considering a larger renovation or rebuild, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.

You may have been living in a home that you have outgrown and now need more space. You may have recently purchased a property that needs extending, renovating or even demolishing and rebuilding. Whatever the starting point, the next step may seem small, but appointing the right professional is one of the most important decisions you will make at the beginning of the process.

At MSK Design Ltd, many of our first conversations with homeowners start in the same way: they know they need more space, they may have seen something similar nearby, but they are unsure whether to speak to a builder, architect, architectural designer or planning consultant first.

Do you need planning permission? Could the works fall under permitted development? Should you speak to a builder first? What drawings are needed? How do you know whether the professional you are speaking to is the right fit?

In our experience, the best projects usually start with an honest review of the property, the client’s priorities, the planning position and the likely route through design, planning and Building Regulations. That early advice can save time, avoid abortive design work and help clients make better decisions before committing to the wrong process.

This guide explains how to start your home extension journey, what to look for when appointing an architect or design professional, and why early planning advice can make a significant difference.

Where Should I Start If I Want to Extend My Home?

The best place to start is with a clear conversation about your goals, your property and the planning constraints that may affect what can be achieved.

Before committing to drawings, builders or a planning application, you should understand what you want to achieve, whether your property can be extended, whether planning permission is required, whether permitted development rights apply, what local planning policies may affect the proposal, and whether your budget is realistic.

Many homeowners start by searching online for an architect, architectural designer, planning consultant or builder. Others rely on recommendations from friends, neighbours or local projects they have seen nearby.

These can all be useful starting points, but the most important step is finding a professional who can properly understand your brief, assess the site and explain the correct route forward.

A home extension is not just about adding floor area. It is about improving how the property works, how the spaces connect, how natural light enters the home, how the design responds to neighbouring properties, and how the proposal can move through the planning and technical stages as smoothly as possible.

How Do I Know If a Professional Is the Right Fit?

Selecting the right architect, architectural designer or design practice will usually come down to a range of factors. Experience matters, but so does communication, planning knowledge, affordability and whether you feel the person or company understands what you are trying to achieve.

When comparing professionals, you should consider the following.

Affordability

Cost will always be an important factor. A smaller or less experienced company may charge less, which can make their proposal more appealing. However, a lower fee is not always the best choice and should be reviewed carefully against the scope of service, level of experience, appointment terms and what is actually included.

A cheaper appointment may be suitable for a simple project, but for more complex extensions, renovations or planning-sensitive sites, limited advice at the start can lead to problems later.

Demonstrable Ability

You should look for evidence that the professional has experience delivering similar projects. This may include house extensions, loft conversions, remodelled homes, planning applications, new build homes or more complex residential developments.

Relevant experience gives you confidence that the person or practice understands the type of project, the likely challenges and the level of information required.

Actual Planning Experience

Planning experience is particularly important. A good understanding of the planning position from the outset can help shape the design properly, rather than treating planning as something to resolve after the drawings have been prepared.

The right professional should be able to explain whether planning permission is likely to be required, whether permitted development rights may apply, whether a Lawful Development Certificate is appropriate, and whether there are any site-specific constraints that need to be considered from the beginning.

Attentiveness

You should also consider how the professional communicates with you. Have they listened carefully to your brief? Have they understood your priorities? Were you comfortable with the level of engagement, the questions they asked and the advice they gave?

A good professional should not simply tell you what they can draw. They should take time to understand how you want to use the space, what matters to you and what outcome you are trying to achieve.

Compatibility

Even where several architects, architectural designers or companies appear to have the right experience, choosing who to appoint should still be seen as a personal decision.

Some homeowners may be drawn to the cheapest quote, while others may focus on the most experienced practice. Both cost and experience matter, but this is your home, and you should feel confident that the professional you appoint understands your requirements, communicates clearly and is someone you feel comfortable working with.

The connection you have with the person or company you appoint is important. If a designer, architect or architectural practice shows genuine enthusiasm for your project, ask them what they believe can be achieved. A good response should not simply focus on producing drawings or submitting an application. It should focus on how the space can work better for you and your family, how the property can be improved, and how the project can be guided through the right planning and technical route.

Compatibility matters. Your home is personal, and the person guiding the design should understand how you want to live, not just what can be drawn.

Comfort and confident in choice

You should feel comfortable and confident in your choice. A good architect, architectural designer or design practice should welcome questions and take time to understand what the home needs to do for you.

This is the beginning of a working relationship that may continue for several months, and sometimes much longer. The spaces being designed are not abstract rooms on a drawing. They are the places where you may live, relax, cook, raise a family, entertain guests, work from home, find privacy, and feel safe.

For that reason, the professional you appoint should understand more than the technical brief. They should understand how you want the home to function, how the spaces need to adapt, and what the project means to you personally.

Do not leave the creation of those spaces in the hands of someone you do not feel comfortable with. A professional may have experience, qualifications and a strong portfolio, but if there is no connection, limited communication or little understanding of your priorities, this can be reflected in the final outcome.

Should I Choose the Cheapest Quote?

Cost is important, but the cheapest quote is not always the best choice.

Lower fees may reflect a limited service, less experience, less design time, fewer meetings, limited planning advice or no support after the initial drawings are prepared.

Some companies are set up to provide a more standardised, cost-effective service. For straightforward projects, this may be entirely appropriate, particularly where the client is looking for a basic drawing package or a limited scope of advice.

However, this type of service may not always provide the level of design exploration, planning strategy or personal engagement that some homeowners need. If your project requires careful thought, a more tailored design response, or a clearer route through planning and technical design, it is important to appoint a professional who has the time, experience and interest to properly understand your brief.

At MSK Design, we believe the appointment should feel considered and personal. Your home is not just another drawing package, and the advice you receive at the beginning of the process can have a significant impact on the quality of the final outcome.

When comparing quotes, check whether the proposal includes a clear project brief, defined scope of works, planning advice, design development, measured survey requirements, planning application drawings, supporting documents, consultant coordination, Building Regulations drawings, construction information, site support, contract administration, exclusions, limitations, payment terms and appointment terms.

If two quotes are very different, they may not be offering the same level of service.

A cheaper appointment may be suitable for a very simple project, but where the design, planning route or construction requirements are more involved, a limited service can lead to problems later. The cost of poor advice, unclear drawings or an unsuitable planning strategy can be far greater than the difference between two professional fee proposals.

What Should a Service and Fee Proposal Include?

A good architect, architectural designer or design practice should not issue a meaningful fee proposal without first taking time to understand your needs, the property and the likely scope of work. In many cases, this may involve an initial discussion, review of the site, review of planning constraints and, where appropriate, a site visit before the service and fee proposal is finalised.

How a company responds to your initial enquiry can also tell you a lot. A busy practice may not always be able to respond immediately, but they should manage your expectations and let you know when they can properly review your enquiry. Being busy is not necessarily a negative sign; it may indicate that the practice is in demand. However, a good professional should still communicate clearly, respond within a reasonable timeframe and avoid leaving you in limbo for weeks without any update.

Clarity before commencing works

A professional should not commence work without first setting out what their service will address. A clear service and fee proposal protects both the client and the professional by confirming the brief, the scope of service, the fee structure and the basis of appointment.

As a minimum, a good service and fee proposal should usually include the following.

A Clear Brief

The proposal should summarise the client’s brief. At the early stage, this may be an initial brief that is still subject to exploration, design development and further discovery as the project progresses.

A Summary of Discussions to Date

The proposal should record any important discussions, advice or concerns raised before appointment. This may include planning matters, viability, design expectations, budget considerations, site constraints or any other issues that may affect the project.

A Defined Scope of Works

The proposal should clearly explain the services being provided. This may include measured survey review, feasibility, concept design, planning advice, planning drawings, submission management, Building Regulations drawings, consultant coordination, tender information or construction-stage support.

A Financial Breakdown

The proposal should explain how fees are calculated and what they relate to. For fixed-fee appointments, this should normally include a breakdown of costs against each stage or service.

For some projects, particularly complex schemes or projects requiring a high degree of design exploration, services may be better suited to an hourly-rate appointment. At MSK Design, where we propose services on an hourly-rate basis, we would typically supplement this with an anticipated programme of works so the client understands the expected time allocation for each work stage.

Payment Terms

The proposal should include a payment schedule for fixed-fee work or, where services are charged hourly, a clear explanation of how payment drawdowns or invoicing will be managed.

Copyright and Use of Documents

The proposal should confirm ownership and permitted use of drawings, documents and design information prepared on behalf of the client. This is important because architectural drawings and design documents are professional work products and should be used only in accordance with the appointment terms.

External Consultants and Statutory Costs

The proposal should identify any external consultants likely to be required, such as structural engineers, planning consultants, energy assessors, drainage consultants, party wall surveyors or other specialists. Where possible, it should also provide an indication of likely consultant costs.

It should also identify statutory costs where known, such as planning application fees, Building Control fees, planning portal charges or other submission costs. These may not always be confirmed at the outset, but they should be flagged where relevant.

Limitations and Client Responsibilities

The proposal should explain any limitations in the service. For example, this may include information the client is expected to provide, existing drawings or survey information being relied upon, named consultants to be appointed separately, or services that are specifically excluded.

Follow-On Services

Not every appointment includes a full service from concept to completion. Where a full managed service is not being provided, the proposal should explain what further services may be required later to take the project through Building Regulations, tender, contractor appointment, construction and completion.

This helps the client understand not only the immediate appointment, but also what may be needed next.

Appointment Form and Terms

Finally, a good proposal should include, or be accompanied by, an appointment form and terms and conditions. This should be reviewed and signed before work commences so that both parties understand the basis of the appointment.

Be Careful With “100% Planning Success” Claims

Some companies promote very high planning approval rates or “100% success” claims.

This can sound reassuring, but it should be treated carefully.

A high approval rate may simply mean that the company only submits very safe, limited or low-risk schemes. That approach may be suitable for some homeowners, but it may not maximise the potential of your property or respond fully to your brief.

A good planning strategy is not about making unrealistic promises. It is about understanding what you want to achieve, what planning policy allows, what design opportunities exist, what risks need to be managed, whether a stronger scheme can be justified, whether a fallback position exists, whether pre-application advice is worthwhile, and whether the scheme should be phased or submitted in a particular way.

Planning success should be measured by whether the approved scheme properly meets the client’s needs, not just whether an application was approved.

At MSK Design, we believe it is better to give clear, realistic advice than to make exaggerated claims. Where there are planning risks, these should be explained. Where there are opportunities, they should be explored properly.

Why Early Planning Advice Matters

Planning should be considered at the start, not after the design is finished.

Early planning advice can help identify whether planning permission is required, whether permitted development rights apply, whether a Lawful Development Certificate is appropriate, whether the property is in a conservation area, whether previous planning permissions affect the site, whether planning conditions restrict future works, whether neighbours may be affected, whether the proposal is likely to be supported, and whether a pre-application submission would help.

For house extensions, loft conversions, flat conversions and new build projects, the planning route can have a major impact on the design, cost and timescale.

Understanding this early can prevent wasted design work and reduce the risk of refusal or delay.

It can also help shape a better design. Planning constraints should not simply be seen as obstacles. When considered properly, they can help guide the scale, form, layout and appearance of the proposal so that the final design is more responsive and better justified.

What Questions Should I Ask Before Appointing Someone?

Before appointing a professional, you should ask:

Have you worked on similar projects? Do you understand this local authority? What planning route do you recommend? What is included in your fee? What is excluded? What happens after planning approval? Do I need Building Regulations drawings? Will other consultants be required? Who will actually work on my project? How will communication be managed? What are the likely risks? What information do you need from me?

The answers will help you understand whether the professional is experienced, organised and suitable for your project.

A good professional should be able to explain the process in a way that feels clear and practical. If the advice feels vague, rushed or overly sales-focused, it may be worth pausing before committing.

What Happens After I Appoint an Architect or Designer?

Once you appoint the right professional, the project will usually begin with a review of your brief, the property and the planning context.

The typical process may include a measured survey, feasibility review, concept design, planning strategy, design development, planning application or Lawful Development Certificate, Building Regulations drawings, structural coordination, tender information, contractor pricing and construction support.

Not every project needs every stage, but you should understand the full route before you start.

A good professional will explain not only the immediate next step, but also what may be needed later.

Our role is not simply to prepare a set of drawings. We help clients understand what is realistically achievable, how the planning route should be approached, and what information will be needed as the project moves from concept design through to approval and delivery.

For homeowners who are at the very beginning of the process, this early guidance is often the most valuable part of the appointment.

Is MSK Design the Right Fit for My Project?

MSK Design Ltd is a planning-led architectural design practice based in High Barnet, working across Barnet, Enfield, North London and surrounding areas.

We help homeowners, developers and property owners with house extensions, loft conversions, residential remodelling, new build homes, flat conversions, residential developments, mixed-use schemes, planning applications, Lawful Development Certificates, Building Regulations drawings, technical design, tender and construction support.

Our approach combines design, planning strategy and technical awareness from the beginning of the project.

We are particularly suited to clients who want more than a basic drawing package and are looking for clear advice, a thoughtful design approach and a realistic route from concept to approval and delivery.

Every project is different, but the starting point is usually the same: understanding the property, the client’s brief, the planning position and the most appropriate route forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I start if I want to extend my home?

Start by speaking to an experienced architectural designer, architect or planning professional who can review your property, understand your brief and advise whether the project is likely to require planning permission, permitted development or another planning route.

Do I need planning permission for a home extension?

Not always. Some home extensions can be carried out under permitted development rights, but this depends on the property, the size and position of the extension, previous alterations, planning conditions and whether the site is affected by restrictions such as conservation area controls.

Should I speak to a builder or architect first?

For most projects, it is better to speak to an architect or architectural designer first. They can help define the brief, review planning constraints, prepare drawings and establish what approvals may be required before a builder prices the work.

What should I check before appointing an architect or designer?

You should check their experience, previous work, understanding of planning, scope of service, fees, appointment terms and whether they can support the project beyond the initial planning stage if required.

Why do architectural fees vary so much?

Fees vary because different professionals offer different levels of service. A lower fee may only include basic drawings, while a more detailed appointment may include planning strategy, design development, consultant coordination, Building Regulations drawings, tender support and construction-stage advice.

What should be included in a service and fee proposal?

A service and fee proposal should clearly set out the project brief, scope of services, work stages, fees, payment terms, likely timescales, exclusions, consultant requirements, statutory costs and appointment terms.

Ready to Start Your Home Extension?

If you are thinking about extending, remodelling or redeveloping your home, early advice can help you understand what is possible before you commit to the wrong route.

MSK Design Ltd can help review your property, develop the brief, assess the planning position and prepare a clear strategy for moving your project forward.

Contact MSK Design Ltd to discuss your project and decide whether we are the right fit for you.