Extension plans and drawings in Essex
We prepare extension plans and drawings for homes across Essex, on their own or as the first stage of a full design and build project.
- Guide priceFrom £1,250 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Towns covered21
- Site visitFree, no obligation
Towns in Essex
What is included
- Two or three layout options to compare
- Structural calculations from an engineer (full pack)
- 3D views to check the look and the light (full pack)
- Planning drawings: existing and proposed plans and elevations, site and location plans
- Measured survey of the house and garden
- Building regulations drawings and specification
Planning rules that apply in Essex
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.
Homes in conservation areas, national parks, National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), the Broads and World Heritage Sites have tighter rules, so we always check the property's status and planning history before design starts.
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).
Working in Essex
Towns we cover in Essex include Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Colchester, Chelmsford, Harlow, Grays, Braintree, Brentwood. Across the East of England many houses sit on generous plots, and single-storey and wraparound extensions are a natural fit.
What it costs in Essex
Fees below are our Essex guide (×1.06, the East of England factor), including VAT. Council and building control fees are extra.
| Option | What it covers | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Measured survey and planning drawings | £1,250 – £2,350 |
| Standard | Planning drawings plus building regulations drawings | £2,300 – £4,050 |
| Premium | Full pack with structural calculations and 3D visuals | £3,600 – £5,850 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
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
It starts with a visit to your house to measure, check access and talk through ideas and budget.
Design and approvals
Once the layout is agreed, we deal with the council: planning permission or written confirmation that none is needed, plus building control.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Common questions in Essex
Do I need building regulations approval in Essex?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
How long does this take for a Essex home?
2–6 weeks for drawings, depending on the council and the complexity of the project.
Do you cover all of Essex?
Yes, across the whole of Essex. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
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.
Can I use your drawings with another builder?
Yes. Once paid for, the drawings are yours to use for your project.
Book a free site visit in Essex
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.