Extension plans and drawings in Dorchester
Need extension plans and drawings in Dorchester? We survey the house, prepare what the council needs and deal with the officers until a decision is made.
- Guide price in DorchesterFrom £1,200 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale2–6 weeks for drawings
- Postcode districtsDT1
Planning rules that apply in Dorchester
In England the main routes are permitted development (ideally confirmed with a lawful development certificate, £274), larger home extension prior approval (£249, 42 days) and a householder planning application (£548, normally 8 weeks), with council fees as set from 1 April 2026.
Before any drawing is finalised we check whether the house is listed, in a conservation area or subject to an Article 4 direction.
Building over or within 3 m of a public sewer needs the water company's consent, usually through a build-over agreement, before the foundations go in.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Extensions in and around Dorchester
Our survey diary covers Dorchester, including DT1. We also work in nearby Weymouth (7 miles), Bridport (15 miles), Poole (20 miles), Wimborne Minster (22 miles).
For homes towards Somerset, Yeovil is around 18 miles away. In the South West, local stone, render and brick vary from town to town, so matching materials is a big part of designing an extension that looks right.
What we take care of
- Two or three layout options to compare
- 3D views to check the look and the light (full pack)
- Planning drawings: existing and proposed plans and elevations, site and location plans
- Building regulations drawings and specification
What it costs in Dorchester
Guide fees for Dorchester including VAT, using our South West England factor of ×1.02. Council and building control charges are not included.
| Option | What it covers | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Measured survey and planning drawings | £1,200 – £2,250 |
| Standard | Planning drawings plus building regulations drawings | £2,200 – £3,900 |
| Premium | Full pack with structural calculations and 3D visuals | £3,450 – £5,650 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
How the project works
Site visits are free and there is no obligation. Where drawings are needed, the design stage is priced in writing before it starts.
Free site visit
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
Design and approvals
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
Fixed written price
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
Build and sign-off
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Questions answered
Will my neighbours in Dorchester be involved?
If a planning application or prior approval is needed, the council notifies neighbours. If the work is on or near a shared boundary, party wall notices may also be needed.
Who do I contract with in Dorchester?
Your contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd, which designs and manages the project and the build teams who carry it out.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Dorchester, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
How much do extension plans cost?
Our design packs range from about £1,200 to £5,650 including VAT, from planning drawings only to a full pack with building regulations drawings, structural calculations and 3D views. Council fees are separate.
Do I need an architect?
Not necessarily. For most extensions an experienced designer or architectural technologist is enough. For listed buildings or complex sites an architect’s input can help.
Book a free site visit in Dorchester
We will measure up, check the planning position and give you honest guide figures.
- Free, no-obligation site visit
- Planning route checked before you spend on drawings
- Written price once the design is agreed
- Building control sign-off at the end
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6341 or .
Book a free site visit
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.