• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  WILL I REQUIRE PLANNING PERMISSION?

This depends on many factors.  Please read the information on our ‘do I need planning permission pages’.  If you are still unsure just give us a call or drop us an email and we will be only to pleased to advise you on what is required in your particular situation.

Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECIEVE PLANNING APPROVAL

The majority of UK local authorities aim to reach a decision within 8 weeks.  It should be noted however that more complex cases can take longer.

Q: CAN KJM SUBMIT THE PLANS ON MY BEHALF?

Absolutely, We complete an application on your behald and submit this to your local authority,  Once your plans have been submitted and the local authority fees have been paid we then act as planning agents on your behalf, liasing direct with your planning department until such time as your plans are passed.

Q: ONCE MY PLANS ARE APPROVED, HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FIND A BUILDER AND START WORK?

Unless the permission states otherwise, you have three years to start the work. After this, you will have to re-apply for planning permission.

Q: I HAVE PLANNING PERMISSION, WHAT ABOUT BUILDING REGULATIONS DRAWINGS?

The Building Regulations is a statutory instrument enforceable by law which lays down minimum standards of construction for all types of buildings.

Building regulation drawings are more detailed than planning permission drawings and carry a lot of information relating to how the works will be carried out, materials used, construction techniques etc.

All this information is to show the building control that the proposed works will be carried out to the building regulatory standards imposed.

Building regulation drawings are also known as builders works drawings as theyalso contain measurements for builders to work to as well as an outline specification.

Q: WILL I REQUIRE BUILDING REGULATIONS APPROVAL?

Generally, Building Regulations are required for all new buildings and alterations to existing buildings whether domestic, commercial or industrial.

Q: HOW DO I GO ABOUT OBTAINING BUILDERS REGULATIONS APPROVAL

There are two options for obtaining building regulations approval.  The first is by submitting a building notice. 

This form of application does not involve the passing or rejecting of plans before work can commence.

It is generally suited to small types of building work which can be considered non complex. If you decide to use this method you need to be confident that you or your builder are aware of the relevant Building Regulations and that the work will comply with the Regulations when inspected.

The second option is via a full plans application.  This is the most popular method of obtaining Building Regulations consent. It has the advantage that your plans will be checked and approved for compliance with the technical requirements of the regulations.

The Full Plans system enables your builders to price from, and work to an approved drawing which will help avoid any disagreements occurring on site during construction.

Q: WHY ARE KJM DESIGNS FEES LESS THAN ALL YOUR COMPETITORS?

Our fees are kept low because our business model is based on a continous stream of work all year round - we do not use the typical 'feast and famine' business model whereby one or two projects every month or so will keep the wolves from the door.

You will certainly not recieve a second rate service. We are professional in the extreme.  Furthermore we are contactable 7 days a week to answer any queries you have and our survey times are structured to suit a modern family with commitments - we carry out surveys in the evening and at weekends at no additional charge - does all this sound like a second rate service? More like first class if you ask us.

KJM do not have expensive offices to run with oak floors and air conditioning, we dont drive flash cars and our overheads are minimal - these savings are passed on to you.

Q: I HAVE RECEIVED A QUOTATION FROM KJM AND NOW WISH TO PURCHASE THE PLANS WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

Please telephone the office or send us an email with our quotation number (you can find this at the top of the quote). 

A payment of 30% of the total drawing package price will be payable at this stage and this covers the cost of obtaining a technical site survey of your property.

For planning only drawings, the remainder of the balance will be payable once your drawings have been completed for us to release them to you for approval.

If you have selected a combination package including planning drawings and building regs then a further payment of 30% will be required upon completion of your planning drawings and the remaining balance will be payable once your building regulation plans have been completed.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I HAVE INSTRUCTED KJM TO PRODUCE MY PLANS

We will contact you within 24 hours of receiving payment to organise a suitable time to survey your property and to take your initial payment of 30% of the total sum of your drawings.  In most instances surveys are carried out within 7 days of payment being received.  If you prefer, you can pay your first 30% in cash on the day of your survey - whatever is easiest for you.

Q: HOW LONG AFTER THE SURVEY IS CARRIED UNTIL I RECIEVE MY PLANS?

Electronic planning drawings are usually ready for approval by the customer within 5-7 days of completing our survey but they can take as long as 10-14 days during very busy periods or if your plans are particularly complex.