When September arrives, many homeowners ask the same question: “Have I missed my chance to start a home extension this year?” At Go Plans, we work with clients across the UK on both small residential projects and larger house extensions, and the good news is: it’s not too late. In fact, September is the perfect moment to begin planning.
The key is understanding what can be achieved before Christmas, and which projects need more time but can still be organised over the autumn and winter months, ready to break ground in the spring.
If you’re looking to enjoy extra space during the festive season, you’ll be pleased to know that some smaller-scale projects can be designed, approved, and built before the year is out. These usually don’t require lengthy planning applications and can often be signed off quickly under permitted development rights or without any application.
Knocking through a wall, opening up your kitchen and dining area, or reworking an awkward floor plan can often be designed and completed in just a few weeks. These projects rarely require planning permission, and by December you could be enjoying a bright, open-plan living space perfect for hosting Christmas dinner.
If you have an underused garage, converting it into a home office, playroom, or snug is one of the quickest ways to add usable space. With straightforward drawings and minimal permissions, this is a project that could be completed in time for Christmas.
Garden rooms or bespoke outdoor offices are another popular option. With proper planning and design support from our team, you could have your own warm, insulated workspace set up before the end of the year.
While most loft conversions are too complex to complete before the holidays, some simpler projects—such as boarding out your loft for storage or creating a basic bedroom space under permitted development rights—can be realistic. If no major dormer or structural alterations are needed, and you begin the process now, completion before Christmas may be possible.
If your home has a gap that allows for a tiny side-return or single-storey infill extension, these can sometimes be carried out under permitted development and built in just a few months. With the right planning and a quick start, you might enjoy the extra space by the festive season.
Larger home extensions take longer. Even if you start in September, it’s unlikely you’ll have them built and finished by Christmas. However, starting now means you’ll use the winter months productively—getting all permissions, drawings, and contractor schedules lined up. That way, when the ground thaws and builders’ diaries open up early spring, you’re first in line.
A spacious open-plan kitchen-diner is one of the most popular extension types in the UK. These projects require architectural drawings, planning permission (in many cases), and building regulations approval. By starting in September, you’ll have everything approved by the time spring arrives, ready for construction.
Adding an extra bedroom, office, or ensuite in your loft is a fantastic way to increase your property value. However, more complex conversions—especially those involving dormers, bathrooms, or structural changes—will not be ready before Christmas. By starting now, you’ll be perfectly placed to begin work in early spring and secure a builder for a reasonable price.
More complex extensions, particularly those adding multiple bedrooms or bathrooms, will require full planning applications and careful design work. Starting in September means you can navigate planning over the winter months, saving valuable time and avoiding delays in spring.
At Go Plans, we provide both online and on-site architectural services, tailored to your project and your property. From the first consultation to the final approval, we make the process simple and stress-free.
We’ll guide you through:
So, is it too late to start planning a home extension in September? Absolutely not. Smaller projects—such as garage conversions, internal layout changes, garden rooms, simpler loft conversions, or very small infill extensions—can be completed in time for Christmas if you get started right away. Larger projects—like kitchen extensions, complex loft conversions, and two-storey builds—are better planned now, so you can use the autumn and winter months to prepare and be ready for a spring start.
By working with a professional residential architect like Go Plans, you’ll stay ahead of the curve and ensure your dream project is completed smoothly, on time, and within budget.
👉 Start planning your home extension today with Go Plans
At Go Plans, we believe that your dream home shouldn’t come with nightmare costs or endless delays. We’ve rebuilt the process from the ground up to deliver high-quality extension plans at half the price and in half the time.
How do we do it? Simple. We combine expert design, smart digital workflows, and honest communication — all focused on saving you time and money from start to finish without compromising on quality.
We don’t believe in wasting your time or charging you just to have a conversation. That’s why we offer a free online consultation to kick things off.
Once you decide to move forward, we’ll book a site visit within a week to carry out the architectural and engineering survey and capture all necessary information and details for your project.
Most delays and rising costs in home projects happen because of disorganisation, miscommunication or slow-moving teams. At Go Plans, we’ve tackled all of that.
Here’s how we keep things moving:
By using efficient communication tools and assignint to every project a dedicated account manager, we make sure you always know exactly where your project stands and what comes next.
You won’t be left chasing updates or wondering who to talk to. From planning permission to design approval, your dedicated account manager is there to guide you at every stage.
Need to clarify something quickly? We’re just a message away.
Need advice about the next step? We’re already on it.
You’re never in the dark.
We don’t just hand over a set of drawings and wish you luck.
Through our Project Management and Quote Appraisal service, we help you:
We act on your behalf to make sure you get the best value and avoid common pitfalls that can derail a build. Our team knows what to look for, and what to avoid so you can move forward with confidence.
Because we’ve removed the bloated overheads, outdated processes, and unnecessary delays found in traditional architecture services.
Here’s how Go Plans delivers faster and more affordable home extensions:
✅ No unnecessary overheads – We don’t run a high-street practice or charge by the hour.
✅ Efficient workflows – From your free online consultation to your site visit, we fast-track every step so you’re never stuck waiting for weeks between updates.
✅ Clear, upfront pricing – Our fixed-fee quotes mean you know exactly what you’re paying for.
✅ Dedicated account manager – One point of contact keeps everything on track and keeps you informed. Whether it’s by email, call, or WhatsApp, you’re always in the loop.
✅ A full in-house team – From concept design to structural engineering and building regulations, everything is handled by our own experts. No need to involve third-party consultants. This keeps your project flowing smoothly and reduces both sky-rocketing costs, endless delays and misunderstandings between teams.
✅ End-to-end service – Go Plans can take you from the initial idea all the way to getting the keys to your finished extension. We’re with you at every stage, from plans to planning, from contractors to completion.
✅ Contractor quote appraisal & negotiation – We help you get the best deal from vetted builders — negotiating on your behalf, flagging red flags, and protecting you from overpaying or falling into hidden-cost traps.
Whether you’re planning a rear extension, side return, loft conversion, or full refurb — we’ll help you get it done better, faster, and more affordably.
If you’re ready to move forward with your extension or full house refurbishment, Go Plans is ready to make it happen — on time, on budget, and without the usual hassle.
When planning a home extension, loft conversion, or house renovation, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right architectural service — especially if you’re searching for an affordable architect in the UK, or comparing options for architects for house extensions.
In the UK, most homeowners face a tricky choice between two extremes:
At Go Plans, we sit confidently in the middle — offering a well-balanced, cost-effective architecture service that blends the speed and convenience of digital tools with the reliability and care of personal support.
These days, more people are searching for online architects in the UK or asking, “Do I need an architect for my extension?” But the experience can vary wildly depending on who you choose.
Over the past few years, many UK homeowners have tried digital-first architecture platforms that promise fixed pricing and fast drawings. But many of those same clients end up frustrated — struggling with poor communication, lack of transparency, or quick designs that don’t reflect their vision.
Others turn to old-school architecture firms, only to be hit with unclear pricing, high hourly rates, and slow turnaround times.
Go Plans offers a smarter, more human alternative — built for modern homeowners who want a smoother, more collaborative experience without inflated costs or corporate red tape.
Our prices are clear and fixed, so you know exactly what you’re paying for from day one.
Even though we offer more personal, hands-on support than many online services, we still keep our fees affordable — thanks to our lean, experienced team that focuses on what really matters.
While we deliver most of our services online for convenience and speed, our surveyor always visits the property at the start of the project. This ensures accuracy in measurements and a solid foundation for your design.
We’re proud to offer flexible working styles. If you prefer a face-to-face design meeting with your architect — or if your project would benefit from on-site collaboration — we’re happy to offer that. But in most cases, our fully online approach works seamlessly. The choice is always yours.
From concept to completion, you’ll work with one architectural designer and one account manager who stay with your project every step of the way. You won’t be handed from department to department or feel like a number in a queue.
Our structural engineering and building regulations drawings are done entirely in-house — so you benefit from fast turnaround times, close coordination, and fewer delays or miscommunications.
We can introduce you to trusted local builders so you can choose the best fit for your home renovation. We also connect you with other key professionals like party wall surveyors, tree consultants, soil and drainage experts, and more.
Go Plans is ideal for people who:
“Go Plans made our lives so much less stressful during the early stages of our single storey wraparound extension. They did all of the architectural plans, structural engineering/building regulation plans for our contractors and also dealt with building control matters. Meeting with their team in person and via Zoom was stress free, flexible and really put us at ease. They were also competitively priced. Would recommend and use them again on a build in future.”
— Matt A
“We had a fantastic experience working with Shilan on the architect’s side, Joe on the building controls and structural drawings side, Renata on tendering and Abigail on third party fittings. They provide such a great all encompassing service and everything is to a very high standard. Shilan’s drawings were really impressive and she was very proactive in ensuring we got planning permission promptly. We are continuing to work with Joe and he is so helpful. I highly recommend it. Reasonably priced too.”
— William John
At Go Plans, we’re redefining residential architecture in the UK — giving homeowners a better, faster, and more affordable way to bring their ideas to life.
We offer:
Whether you’re planning a single storey extension, a loft conversion, or a full home renovation, Go Plans makes it easy to get started — with fixed pricing, fast architectural drawings, and planning and building regulation support.
If you’re looking for the sweet spot between high-end architects and modern online services, Go Plans is your perfect match.
The short answer? In most cases, yes. Building regulations are legal standards that ensure your project is safe, structurally sound, energy-efficient and accessible. Yet there’s a lot of confusion around what they are, who enforces them and how they differ from planning permission.
Let’s break it down — clearly and simply.
Building regulations are a set of technical standards that apply to most construction projects in England and Wales. These rules cover important areas such as:
These standards are enforced by either your local council’s Building Control department or by a private approved inspector. Whether you’re planning a simple rear extension or a full loft conversion, your project will likely need to comply with these regulations.
In most cases, yes. Here are the types of projects that generally do require building regulations approval:
On the other hand, smaller projects like unheated conservatories or small porches under 30m² may not require building regulations — but it’s always worth checking with a professional first.
This is one of the most common points of confusion for homeowners.
People often assume that once they’ve received “building regulations drawings,” they’re good to go. But that’s not the full picture.
Here’s what really happens:
So remember: building regulations drawings help demonstrate compliance, but they are not an automatic approval on their own.
Skipping building regulations might seem tempting to save time, but it can lead to serious issues:
It’s simply not worth the risk.
At Go Plans, we handle the entire process — so you don’t have to stress over paperwork, approvals or technical details.
We provide:
Whether you’re extending your home, converting your loft or reconfiguring your space, we’ll make sure everything is compliant, signed off, and ready for construction.
Thinking about renovating your home this year? If you want to enjoy your new space before winter sets in, now is the time to act. One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is how long renovations actually take from the first idea to the final coat of paint.
In this post, we’ll break down the full timeline of a typical renovation in England, explain the key stages, and show you how starting in spring means finishing in time for winter comfort.
Every project is unique, but here’s a realistic breakdown of how long a full renovation or extension typically takes:
👉 At GoPlans, we also offer a fast-track service for those who are under tighter deadlines where we complete your drawings at a much faster pace.
Planning your renovation in May offers several smart advantages:
✅ Better contractor availability before the summer/autumn rush
✅ Planning departments are often quicker to respond before peak holidays
✅ Spring weather helps speed up site prep and outdoor works
✅ You’ll be ready to build before colder, wetter months slow everything down
✅ Save money by purchasing fixtures, fittings, and materials now—many suppliers offer spring discounts, and early decisions help avoid expensive last-minute choices
✅ You gain time to plan carefully and avoid rushed, costly decisions during the build phase
Starting now means you’re building from a place of control—not pressure.
Here’s how your renovation journey typically unfolds with GoPlans:
We begin by understanding your vision and goals for the space. What are you trying to achieve? What’s your budget and timeline?
Our designers turn your ideas into detailed architectural plans, refining layouts and making sure your project is feasible and compliant.
Some projects can proceed under Permitted Development, but many need formal permission. We handle all paperwork and liaise with your local authority no matter what type of planning application your project requires.
Once plans are approved, we create technical drawings and structural calculations to ensure your build meets UK standards.
👉 Need this fast? Our GoPlans Fast-Track Service helps you move quicker to the next step.
This comprehensive document includes all architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and FF&F (fixtures, fittings & finishes) plans. It’s essential for obtaining accurate contractor quotes and avoiding budget surprises later.
We can assist you in gathering competitive quotes and selecting the right builder—early planning gives you access to better pricing and availability.
Now the work begins! Depending on the size and scope, construction can take several months. By starting in spring, you dramatically reduce the risk of weather delays and winter slowdowns.
Many delays in renovations come from poor preparation or unclear planning. Here’s how we help you avoid them:
Many homeowners start thinking seriously about renovations later in the year—but by that time, schedules are tighter, material costs may have risen, and the weather can introduce extra challenges. Starting earlier simply gives you more flexibility, better access to trades, and greater peace of mind as your project progresses.
At GoPlans, we help you go from vision to construction-ready with minimal friction and maximum speed if needed.
Let’s make this the year you finally complete the renovation you’ve been dreaming about.
👉 Book a Free Consultation with GoPlans Today
Planning a home extension or renovation project? Whether you’re adding a rear kitchen extension, reconfiguring internal layouts, or converting your loft, one of the most important documents in the entire process is the Construction Scope of Work (SOW).
At Go Plans, we provide professionally prepared Scope of Work (SOW) documents tailored to your project. These aren’t just checklists — they’re comprehensive, builder-ready packs designed to ensure your vision is clearly understood and accurately executed, helping to avoid unexpected costs during the build. With a detailed Scope of Work in place, your builder should be able to provide a precise quotation based on the document, meaning no surprise expenses cropping up later down the line.
👉Check out our interactive flipbook example here to explore what a full SOW looks like.
A Scope of Work is a detailed document that defines exactly what building work is being undertaken, who’s responsible for what, how it will be done, and to what specification. It typically includes:
🏘️ Architectural drawings (existing and proposed)
🏗️ Structural engineering specifications
💡 Mechanical & Electrical layouts (M&E)
🧱 Fixtures, fittings, finishes
📏 Building regulations compliance
⚙️ Material and construction method specs
📋 Health & Safety notes and CDM guidance
🚿 Plumbing & drainage plans
🪵 Timber, steel, and foundation details
Without a clear and complete Scope of Work, your project is open to interpretation — and that’s where miscommunication, delays, and spiraling costs creep in.
Here’s why a proper SOW saves the day:
✅ Aligns homeowners, builders & trades from day one
✅ Accurate pricing: Contractors know exactly what’s needed
✅ Smooth planning approvals and building regulation compliance
✅ Minimises risk of unexpected changes mid-build
✅ Ensures quality and finish match your expectations
Here’s what makes our SOW documents different:
We include all necessary architectural plans — from existing layouts to the proposed extension or renovation works — drawn to scale and clearly annotated.
Detailed specifications covering insulation, foundations, floor build-ups, wall constructions, damp-proofing, fire safety and structural load paths.
Steel and timber beam specs, padstone sizes, foundation assumptions — all designed and signed off by certified engineers.
From radiator positions and light switches to hot water and extract ventilation — it’s all laid out for your builder and M&E trades.
Details like soundproofing, switchable privacy glass, bathroom fittings, flooring, radiators, doors and handles, and storage solutions are all included.
We’ve created this interactive flipbook so you can see a live example of what your custom Scope of Work would look like. It’s a fantastic resource whether you’re:
Our SOW documents are designed to be used on-site. They’re formatted to be clear for your builder and comprehensive enough for building control officers and party wall surveyors.
And because they’re fully digital, they’re easy to share, print, or reference during site visits.
And Why Go Plans Makes It Easier Than Ever?
Renovating your home or planning a house extension is one of the most rewarding ways to improve both your living space and property value. However, it can also be a daunting process—especially if you’ve never done this before.
Whether you’re converting a loft, planning a rear or side return extension, or reconfiguring internal spaces, working with the right architect can make or break your project. In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect when working with a residential architect in London—and why Go Plans offers a uniquely streamlined and affordable solution that stands out in the market.
A qualified residential architect is far more than a designer. They’re your creative partner, technical advisor, and project guide. Their role spans across:
But here’s the issue: with most traditional architectural firms, you’ll often need to hire multiple consultants for each step, including planning, structural calculations, building control, and contractor liaison.
That’s where Go Plans changes the game.
Go Plans is a concept-to-completion residential architecture firm serving homeowners across England. We provide all the essential services under one roof—saving you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.
Unlike most traditional architecture studios that focus solely on planning drawings, Go Plans delivers every step of your renovation journey, from initial design ideas through to construction support.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Our service offering covers everything you’ll need to complete your home renovation or extension:
Transparent Pricing & Fixed Packages
Traditional architects often charge a percentage of the total construction cost—typically 7–12%—and the final price can escalate quickly. Go Plans offers fixed-price packages that clearly outline what you get, with no hidden extras.
Based in London but operating across England, we’re fully equipped to offer online architectural services alongside traditional on-site visits. This hybrid model means faster turnarounds, lower costs, and flexible scheduling—ideal for busy homeowners.
Whether you’re in Camden, Croydon, Haringey, Richmond or Birmingham, Go Plans can support your project with the same level of expertise and attention to detail.
Our clients regularly comment on how easy we make the process. From planning permission hurdles to confusing building regulations, we take care of it all—so you can focus on the exciting parts of your renovation.
“Go Plans made our lives so much less stressful during the early stages of our single-storey wraparound extension. They did all of the architectural plans, structural engineering/building regulation plans for our contractors and also dealt with building control matters.”
— Happy Go Plans Client, via Trustpilot
If you’re still in the early research stage, here are some important things to ask or check when comparing architectural services:
At Go Plans, we tick every one of these boxes—and more.
Working with a residential architect should feel empowering, not overwhelming. You should expect:
With Go Plans, you get all this plus affordability, convenience, and a team who truly understands what homeowners need.
Whether it’s a modern kitchen extension, a loft conversion, or a full-scale home renovation—we’ll help bring your vision to life, one step at a time. Get in touch today to discuss your project or request a free online quote.
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