How we can help:
Private homeowners and landlords
Project Management & Design for Extensions, Loft Conversions, and other Home Improvement Projects
We can support your home renovation/improvement projects from start to finish, including planning applications, building control submissions, and varying degrees of project management, according to your needs. Whether you’re adding an extension, converting your loft, installing dormer windows, replacing existing windows, or upgrading your home with external wall insulation, we’ll guide you through every step.
To make the process as straightforward and effective as possible, we follow the RIBA Plan of Work – for more information about what this looks like in practice, read our short guide to the RIBA process.
Listed Building Consent (LBC) and Conservation areas
If your property is listed, or located in a conservation area, any alterations – even minor ones – may require Listed Building Consent (in addition to any necessary planning consents), or might need planning consent for projects that would otherwise seem insignificant. We understand the complexities of heritage restrictions in both scenarios, and work closely with local planning departments to prepare and submit detailed applications that respect the character of your building while meeting your needs. From sympathetic design proposals to navigating conservation policies, we’ll help you make informed decisions and aim to avoid costly and distressing delays.
Build-over Agreements
If your project involves work either near or over a public sewer, you’ll likely need a Build Over Agreement from your water authority. If this is applicable, it’s always best to engage with your local water company at the earliest stage possible. We can prepare technical drawings, liaise with the relevant utility company, and ensure that your proposal meets their requirements. This helps protect your property and the wider infrastructure, while keeping your project moving forward without unexpected setbacks.
Dropped Kerb Applications
Dropped kerb applications are required if you’re installing off-street parking. Where a new pavement crossover outside your property requires the kerb to be lowered, you’ll need a separate permission from your local council (potentially on top of any planning consent). We manage the application process, including site assessments, drawings, and coordination with highway departments. We’ll review your local authorities’ requirements – as these can differ depending on your location – and ensure that your proposal meets your local safety and accessibility standards, helping you gain approval efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.
Building Surveying and
Defects Analysis
We provide professional building surveys to identify building defects, damp, subsidence, and other problems that could affect your property’s safety or value. If you’re responsible for maintaining your home and have a concern, get in touch with us for expert advice. Our reports are tailored to your needs, and give you the confidence to make informed decisions. We also offer tailored advice on remedial works, and can assist with coordinating contractors if needed.
Traditional buildings (typically those built pre-1919) come with their own challenges, often over and above merely being in a conservation area or being listed buildings. We understand these technical challenges can and provide you with the professional advice you need.
Measured and topographical surveys
If you’re already working with an architect who’s asked you to have a measured or topographical survey done to get them started, we can help! We use 3D laser scanning on all of our projects, which maps your property as a detailed 3D model of ‘point cloud’ data. This can prove invaluable to your contractors – we automatically pick up all visible information at the start of the project, saving them needing to return to the site later for any additional measurements or queries.
Retrofit design and sustainability
Sustainability and energy efficiency are key to our approach. Our team is trained in specialist design principles for large-scale insulation retrofitting projects, and can bring that expertise to domestic settings to benefit and add value to your project. If you’re interested in making your home more energy-efficient (and reducing your energy bills!), we can provide what in the industry is called a ‘whole-house’ approach, focusing on providing tailored retrofitting solutions.
Plan your project today
We work on projects of various sizes, and collaborate with industry experts where needed to deliver a tailor service.
To discuss your project and see how ARJ Surveying & Design can support you, contact us today!
