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.
With property prices in London remaining high, many homeowners are looking to maximise their existing space rather than relocating. One popular solution is a loft conversion — a project that not only adds valuable living space but can also significantly increase your property’s value. However, embarking on such a project requires careful consideration of planning permissions, design choices, finding the right architect and builder and the potential return on investment.
A loft conversion can transform unused attic space into a functional area that suits your lifestyle. Whether you need an extra bedroom, a home office, or a playroom, this type of extension can add significant value — often increasing your home’s worth by up to 20%.
Real Example: One of our recent clients in Barnet turned their unused loft into a stylish master bedroom with an en-suite, increasing their property value by approximately £80,000 while costing around £50,000. The key to success? Thoughtful planning in advance, compliance with regulations, and a design that met both their needs and potential future buyers’ expectations.
In many cases, loft conversions fall under ‘permitted development’ rights, meaning formal planning permission isn’t required. However, it’s crucial to ensure compliance with specific conditions:
To avoid complications, we always recommend applying for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) from your local council. This certificate is not mandatory but can prove that your property falls under ‘permitted development’ rights and help avoid legal issues when selling your home.
When planning your loft conversion, consider the following:
A well-planned loft conversion can be one of the most profitable home improvements. Here’s how to maximise your ROI:
Loft conversions are a cost-effective way to expand your living space and increase your property’s value. Whether you’re planning for your growing family or looking to maximise your investment, our team is here to guide you from planning to completion.
Contact us today for a free consultation!
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