WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?
We provide a design and drawing service. No project is too small and our work ranges from the smallest of internal alterations to large complex double storey wrap around extensions. We also design single plot New Builds. Our remit is to gain the relevant paperwork/permissions from your local authority prior to you starting work, including Planning and Building Warrant approvals. Typically we provide 2D drawings of your proposals that will have the appropriate level of detail depending on the stage of works. We can also create 3D visualisations/sketches of your project for an additional fee.
HOW MUCH WILL IT ALL COST?
How much it costs depends on the type, scale and timeframe of your project and we tailor our fee specifically to your project. However, to give you an indication of fees, we have set up a Pricing Breakdown which we hope you find useful. Your local authority require a fee for any submission they receive. For Planning applications, home owners will pay £300 to submit the application. Building Warrant applications relate to a 'sliding scale of fees', simply put, the more expensive your estimated build costs are, the more expensive the fee is. The fees start at £150 for a £5,000 build cost and increase from there.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Our lead time is typically between 2-4 weeks from when initial contact has been made to submitting the application. Both Building Warrant and Planning application can take up to 8 weeks before your local authority responds with any comments/feedback.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
In essence, we offer a 4 stage process; Initial Consultation, Feasibility Study, Planning Submission and Building Warrant submission. Once you have the relevant paperwork you are free to start the onsite works, and this is where our formal agreement ends. However, you can contact us anytime for advice during the build. More detail information regarding this process can be found here.
DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?
Simply put, Planning are concerned with how things look from the outside. So if you are doing work that changes the external appearance then it is likely you will require planning permission. However, some works will fall under 'Permitted Development Rights' which means you do not require Planning permission. If this is the case for your project, we would recommend submitting a 'Certificate of Lawfulness' which is a legal document illustrating that your local authority are aware of the project and are happy for you to proceed.
DO I NEED A BUILDING WARRANT?
Building Control are only interested in how your project is built, i.e. how it is constructed. What materials are you using? What insulation is specified? What do the foundations look like? Does it comply with fire regulations? etc. Whether or not your renovations require a warrant depends on the nature of the work. Cosmetic (painting and decorating) work does not require a Building Warrant but almost all other types of work do. Please check this before commencing any work as it is unlawful to do so without a Building Warrant. If in doubt, ask!
DO I NEED A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER?
A structural Engineer is only required for Building Warrant applications. So, if you are submitting a Building Warrant application and you are doing any kind of structural work, then yes, you will require the services of a Structural Engineer. This could range from extensions, attic conversions or even removing an internal or external loadbearing wall.
WHO ELSE IS INVOLVED?
For most homeowner's renovation projects, our services and a Structural Engineer will suffice. However, for new builds (depending on the specifics and location) you may also be required to gain additional certification from other professionals. More information on this can be discussed specifically in relation to your project.
DO YOU MANAGE THE ONSITE WORKS?
No, this is not a service we provide. However, we do work closely with contractors and other professionals, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have during the construction process and you can contact us at any time.
Still got question? We are here to help.
I would highly recommend Ecko Design. Bobby was highly professional, understood the project requirements and was able to provide expert advice. He smoothly managed the end to end process of my building warrant application including scope, design, application submission, to obtaining approval. He made the process worry free! Bobby was always on hand to answer any queries, was patient with all my questions and was very approachable. I would definitely use Ecko Design again!
Louise
Contacted Bobby with regard to a planning application in respect of a summer house and decking. He visited our premises very soon after the initial contact, and was very professional and approachable. He prepared drawings with layouts and measurements and submitted these to, and liaised with, the council on our behalf. Kept in touch with us about the progress of the application regularly and contacted us immediately when the application was approved. 10/10 would definitely recommend.
James & Alison Walker
Professional, approachable and work delivered quickly, communication was great throughout. Kept informed continuously, and any questions we had, we had answers back straightaway. The drawings and work was done on a very good standard. We would give 10/10! The price is reasonable. We would recommend to anyone.
Garage conversion
Very responsive and proactive. Good detailed work by Ecko Design.
Houzz User
Bobby worked with us on a kitchen-diner renovation project. After a site visit, he provided plans and successfully submitted them to the Council on our behalf. He was polite, professional and the costs were very reasonable. We wouldn’t hesitate in recommending him and will definitely call on him again in future for any other projects.
Alison C
I would highly recommend Ecko Design. Bobby was highly professional, understood the project requirements and was able to provide expert advice. He smoothly managed the end to end process of my building warrant application including scope, design, application submission, to obtaining approval. He made the process worry free! Bobby was always on hand to answer any queries, was patient with all my questions and was very approachable. I would definitely use Ecko Design again!
Louise
Contacted Bobby with regard to a planning application in respect of a summer house and decking. He visited our premises very soon after the initial contact, and was very professional and approachable. He prepared drawings with layouts and measurements and submitted these to, and liaised with, the council on our behalf. Kept in touch with us about the progress of the application regularly and contacted us immediately when the application was approved. 10/10 would definitely recommend.
James & Alison Walker
Professional, approachable and work delivered quickly, communication was great throughout. Kept informed continuously, and any questions we had, we had answers back straightaway. The drawings and work was done on a very good standard. We would give 10/10! The price is reasonable. We would recommend to anyone.
Garage conversion
Very responsive and proactive. Good detailed work by Ecko Design.
Houzz User
Bobby worked with us on a kitchen-diner renovation project. After a site visit, he provided plans and successfully submitted them to the Council on our behalf. He was polite, professional and the costs were very reasonable. We wouldn’t hesitate in recommending him and will definitely call on him again in future for any other projects.
Alison C
I would highly recommend Ecko Design. Bobby was highly professional, understood the project requirements and was able to provide expert advice. He smoothly managed the end to end process of my building warrant application including scope, design, application submission, to obtaining approval. He made the process worry free! Bobby was always on hand to answer any queries, was patient with all my questions and was very approachable. I would definitely use Ecko Design again!
Louise