Planning building work can feel exciting, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming at the beginning.
You might have an idea in your head, a few inspirational photos saved, or a property that you know has potential, but you may not be sure what actually needs to happen before the work can begin.
Do you need drawings? Do you need planning permission? When does Building Control get involved? And at what point should you speak to a builder?
At South Devon Construction, we work with homeowners across South Devon, Newton Abbot, Dartmoor, Totnes, Ashburton, Exeter and the surrounding areas on a wide range of projects, including extensions, renovations, conversions, new builds and structural work.
Every project is different, but there are usually a few key steps that happen before the building work itself begins.
1. Start With the Idea
Most building projects begin with a simple idea.
You might want to create more space for your family, open up a kitchen and dining area, convert an unused garage, add a loft room, renovate an older property or make better use of the space you already have.
At this early stage, you do not need to have every detail worked out. It is more important to understand what you want the finished space to do for you.
For example:
- Do you need more living space?
- Do you want to add value to the property?
- Are you trying to make the home work better for your family?
- Are you planning to modernise an older or dated property?
- Do you need to repair or improve something that has come up in a survey?
This is where early advice can be really helpful. A good builder can help you understand whether your idea is realistic, what might be involved, and what areas may need further professional input.
2. Understand What Is Possible
Before any work starts, it is important to look at what is actually possible within the property.
This may include looking at the existing structure, access, drainage, ground levels, roof space, load-bearing walls, damp issues, services, or the general condition of the building.
For example, if you are planning an open-plan kitchen, there may be structural work involved. If you are planning an extension, the ground conditions and access may affect the project. If you are renovating an older building, the materials and existing structure need to be treated carefully.
This is especially important in South Devon, where many properties are older, characterful, or built using traditional materials. A modern approach is not always suitable for every home.
South Devon Construction also works on heritage and listed buildings through our sister company, Quoin & Oak Construction, which specialises in sympathetic restoration using traditional materials, careful planning and appropriate construction methods to preserve the character and integrity of older properties.
3. Drawings and Design
For many larger projects, you will need some form of drawings before accurate pricing or construction can begin.
This might involve an architect, architectural designer, structural engineer, or other specialist depending on the type of work.
Drawings help show what is being built, how the new layout will work, and what details need to be considered. They are also often needed for planning applications, Building Control approval and accurate estimates.
For smaller jobs, detailed architectural drawings may not always be necessary. For larger projects such as extensions, conversions, new builds and structural alterations, they are usually an important part of the process.
Having clear drawings helps everyone work from the same plan, reducing confusion and making it easier to price the job properly.
4. Planning Permission or Permitted Development
Not every project needs planning permission, but some do.
Some home improvements may fall under permitted development, while others will need a formal planning application. This depends on the type of property, the size and position of the work, previous changes to the building, and whether the property is listed or located in a conservation area.
It is always worth checking this properly before work begins.
Planning can affect extensions, conversions, outbuildings, changes to the external appearance of a property, and work to listed or protected buildings.
If your project does need planning permission, it is better to know early so it can be built into the timescale.
5. Building Control
Building Control is separate from planning permission.
While planning looks at whether the proposed work is acceptable in planning terms, Building Control looks at whether the work meets building regulations.
This can include things like structure, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, drainage, foundations, electrics and general safety.
For projects such as extensions, loft conversions, structural alterations, new builds and some major renovations, Building Control will usually need to be involved.
At South Devon Construction, we can act as Principal Contractors on larger projects, coordinating with architects, Building Control and multiple trades to help the work run properly from start to finish.
6. Structural Calculations
If your project involves removing a load-bearing wall, installing steels, altering the roof structure, creating large openings or changing the way the building is supported, you may need a structural engineer.
Structural calculations help make sure the work is safe, suitable and compliant with Building Control requirements.
This is a key part of many renovation, extension and conversion projects. It is not just about making a space look good; it is about making sure the building remains strong, stable and safe.
You can find out more about this type of work on our Structural Work page.
7. Getting a Clear Estimate
Once the scope of work is clearer, it becomes much easier to prepare a proper estimate.
The more detail available, the more accurate the estimate can be. This might include drawings, structural information, specifications, site details, access information and any known issues with the property.
A vague idea can only produce a vague estimate. A clear scope of works allows for better planning, more accurate costing and fewer surprises later on.
Steve, the owner of South Devon Construction, has more than 25 years of experience in the building trade, as well as a Level 3 Diploma in Quantity Surveying and Cost Estimation and a Level 7 Diploma in Construction Management. This means we bring both practical site experience and professional project knowledge to the costing and management of each job.
8. Choosing the Right Team
Once the plans, approvals and costs are understood, the next step is choosing the right team for the work.
Building work is not just about the finished result. It is also about communication, organisation, trust and making sure the project is managed properly.
For smaller projects, this may mean a hands-on team carrying out general building work. For larger projects, it may involve coordinating multiple trades, suppliers, architects, engineers and Building Control.
At South Devon Construction, we offer a tailor-made approach depending on the project. Whether you are planning a smaller general building job or a larger extension, conversion, renovation or new build, we can help guide the process and carry out the work with care.
9. Preparing for Work to Begin
Before work starts on site, there may also be a few practical things to organise.
This can include access, parking, skips, scaffolding, materials, temporary services which we organize on your behalf, and making sure everyone understands the plan.
A well-prepared project is usually a smoother project.
Of course, building work can still uncover unexpected things, especially in older properties. However, the more preparation that happens at the beginning, the easier it is to manage the project properly if anything changes along the way.
Thinking About a Building Project in South Devon?
If you are at the early stage of planning a building project, you do not need to have everything figured out before getting in touch.
Whether you are considering an extension, renovation, conversion, structural alteration, new build, roofing work, groundworks or general building work, we can help you understand what may be involved and what steps might need to happen next.
South Devon Construction is based in Newton Abbot and works across South Devon, Dartmoor, Plymouth, Ivybridge, Dartington, Totnes, Ashburton, Exeter and the surrounding areas.
If you have a project in mind, please get in touch to discuss your plans.
You can also explore our full range of services here:
South Devon Construction Services