Home Extension & Planning FAQs for Northern Ireland Homeowners
 

I keep my practice deliberately lean. I work from a dedicated home office, which allows me to avoid the overheads that larger firms typically pass on to clients — things like commercial office rent or mortgage costs, rates, and administrative staff. Because I don’t carry those expenses, I can offer competitive, transparent fees while still providing the same level of professional experience and detailed drawings you’d expect from a larger practice. Another benefit for homeowners is that I do not charge VAT, which many practices must add at 20% on top of their fees. With me, that additional cost simply doesn’t apply. The result is straightforward: You receive high‑quality, personal service at a fair price, without inflated overheads or VAT.

No — I do not charge VAT. Many architectural practices must add 20% VAT on top of their fees, but this does not apply to my services. This helps keep your overall project costs lower from the very beginning.

Yes. I run GT Building Design from a dedicated home office. This keeps my practice efficient and allows me to offer competitive fees without compromising on quality or service.

Yes. While I don’t provide formal cost estimates, with help from a builder we can obtain guidance on what is realistic for your budget to help you avoid unnecessary expense. I design with cost‑awareness in mind from the very beginning.

The cost depends on the size, complexity and type of extension, but I provide transparent fee proposals so you know the costs before any work begins. Most homeowners need three drawing stages: • Design proposals • Planning drawings  • Building Control drawings  Because I run a lean, specialist domestic practice, my fees are competitive compared with larger practices — and I don’t charge VAT, which keeps overall project costs lower. If you’re unsure what level of drawings you need, I can advise on feasibility and the most cost‑effective route forward.

Typically included in my fee: • Initial consultation   Understanding your goals, constraints, budget and the best approach for your home. • Measured survey of your property   Accurate on‑site measurements to form the basis of all drawings. • Existing and proposed drawings   Professionally prepared plans, elevations and sections for planning and Building Control. • Planning submissions   Preparation and management of the planning application. • Building Control drawings and specifications   Fully detailed technical drawings suitable for contractor pricing and regulatory approval. • Support throughout the approval process   I liaise with Planning & Building Control on your behalf to keep the process moving smoothly. Because I run a lean, specialist domestic practice, my fees are competitive — and I don’t charge VAT, which keeps overall project costs lower for homeowners.

A Chartered Architectural Technologist provides technically focused design expertise that ensures your project is compliant, buildable and cost‑efficient from the start. You benefit from specialist knowledge in construction, regulations and practical detailing, which helps avoid unnecessary costs and delays. Key advantages: • Technically robust design that reduces the risk of issues during construction • Strong understanding of Northern Ireland Building Regulations • Clear, accurate drawings that builders can price and build from • Practical, homeowner‑focused solutions for extensions and conversions • A regulated professional committed to standards and ongoing development This approach gives most homeowners a smoother approval process, fewer surprises and a more predictable build.

I can offer fixed fees, but many clients choose my hourly rate because it gives them flexibility and ensures they only pay for the time their project genuinely needs. It’s ideal for extensions, loft & garage conversions and internal alterations. Fixed fees are still available for clearly defined stages, but the hourly option often provides better value and avoids paying for work you may not need.

Architects and architectural technologists both design buildings. Technologists specialise in the technical and practical side of domestic design, ensuring drawings are accurate, compliant and buildable. For extensions and conversions, both professions can provide the full design and approvals service.