Frequently Asked Questions

Serving London and North East Surrey - Walton on Thames, Weybridge, Esher, Thames Ditton and Cobham.

What services do you provide?

We offer a full home improvement design and planning service including:

Measured surveys
Planning drawings (existing + proposed)
Planning application management
Building regulation drawings
Pre-application submissions
Structural coordination
Interior & bespoke furniture design
Lighting and Electrical layouts
Party wall support
Tender documentation for builders

This includes extensions, internal re-planning, lofts, garage conversions and garden buildings.

Do you handle the planning application for me?

Yes — we handle:

Completion of the Planning Portal application
All required drawings and design statements
Location plan purchase
Supporting documents such as Fire Safety Strategy where required (e.g. in London boroughs)

All admin and document preparation for a standard planning submission is included in the fixed fee.

(Note: local authority planning fees are separate — all applicants pay these directly via the Planning Portal.)

What is included in the fixed planning fee?

Our Stage One fixed fee includes:

Project survey and measurement
Existing and proposed plans & elevations
One client presentation
One design revision cycle
Preparation & submission of the planning application
Location/site plans
All required design documentation & questionnaires

You know the full cost upfront — no hidden extras.

What isn’t included in the planning fee?

Some items can be required depending on location, soil, flood zone etc. These are not included:

Planning authority fee (paid separately at submission)
Structural engineering calculations
Party Wall surveyor fees

Thames Water build-over application (if near drains)
Specialist reports if requested by the Planning Department (e.g. Biodiversity / Flood Risk Assessments / Fire Safety Statement

These are only commissioned if needed and we will advise you clearly in advance.

Do I need planning permission for my extension?

Not always as many extensions fall under Permitted Development Rights.
If so, homeowners sometimes secure a Lawful Development Certificate for peace of mind when selling.

We help you understand the best route before starting designs.

What is the difference between planning drawings and building regulations drawings?

Planning drawings show intent, scale, design and impact (for planning approval)
Building regulations drawings show details like structure, insulation, fire safety, drainage etc.

Planning drawings are not detailed enough for construction or quoting. We prepare tech a pack of documents for builders as a separate Stage.

Can you organise structural calculations?

Yes — we work with trusted structural engineers and can manage that coordination for you.
(Engineer fees are separate.)

What if the council asks for changes or more information?

We communicate with the case officer on your behalf.
If minor amendments are needed, we normally handle them as part of the process.

If the council requests specialist assessments (e.g., flood risk), we will coordinate but these costs are external.

How long does the process take?

Typical timeline:

Survey + design options: 2–3 weeks
Revisions + client sign-off: 1–2 weeks
Preplanning enquiry assessment and response: 3 weeks
Council decision (once submitted): 8 weeks standard target

What experience do you have?

We bring over 35 years of design and construction experience. We have been preparing drawings for planning submissions and coordinating with building professionals since 1995 and successfully completed this process for over 70 satisfied clients within London and Surrey.

While degree-qualified in Architecture, LifeSpace does not use the title 'Architect' as we are not RIBA-registered. This allows us to provide specialist, domestic-only design services at a more affordable fixed fee.

Will I always deal with the same person?

Yes.
Jayne Fisher will guide you from first ideas ➜ design ➜ submission.
No hand-overs, no communication gaps — just a personalised, responsive service.

Can I request extra revisions?

Your fixed fee includes one round of client revisions before final approval.
Additional design changes are charged hourly at £85.

We agree these costs clearly before progressing.

Can you help me get builder quotes?

Yes — if you’d like help moving forward, we can produce a Scope of Works and building regulation drawings suitable for tendering to builders.

Do you offer interior design and bespoke furniture solutions?

Yes — we can help optimise layouts, storage and lighting for space that works beautifully.
Interior and bespoke furniture design is priced at our standard hourly rate.

Does planning approval guarantee construction accuracy?

Planning drawings are not intended for exact kitchen, joinery or site positioning measurements.
Dimension-critical checks are always carried out during construction.