Many potential home buyers seek advice on the properties they are viewing. They want to find out if renovating or extending is possible and if so, what costs they may incur. It is not uncommon for architects to charge for this service, however at Home Tales we feel our free, no obligation consultation stage should be open to everyone. So, what do you do if you want to extend a home you’re buying? Let’s talk through the process and answer some frequently asked questions.

When you book a consultation with us, we ask for the address of the property to be renovated and if you own the home (it is not an issue if you do not). We use the address provided to view the property online and research it’s history to guide the consultation process. We’ll be able to check previous planning applications both at the address and in neighbouring homes, we’ll also be able to understand more about the local council it falls under and be aware of any potential issues such as conservation areas that could affect a design. We understand when buying a property many people are interested in its long term potential and the feasibility of extending or renovating. Our team are always happy to provide a free quote detailing planning and design costs, as well as a build estimate to help you understand what the project may involve.

Will an architect view a property I’m purchasing? Our team work with individuals at all stages of pre-purchase and tailor to your needs. After your initial chat with our experts, they’ll suggest the best way to proceed and can check in with you at different stages when required. We understand purchasing a home can be a long and sometimes stressful process, we’ll be on hand to offer guidance when needed however we do always understand that timeframes can and often do change.

What happens if you don’t think my plans are feasible? Our team are always transparent on what we believe can be achieved, sometimes this may be due to the property, or issues we foresee with planning or budget constraints. Our designers will always be able to suggest amendments or alternative options that could better suit a property. Within our free, detailed quote our team can lay forward various options and can discuss with you the best ways to maximise value.

What if we change our minds on a property or a sale falls through? We’ve worked with clients over long periods who have had consultations for numerous properties, we’re always more than happy to book you in again and start the process for a different address. We can refer to your previous consultations to help us understand the home you are looking to achieve and do pride ourselves on the strong relationships we form with homeowners. (Our reviews offer great insight into working with us, click to read.)

Do I need to build before moving into the home? This is entirely dependent on your situation and the scope of works. Some of our clients choose to start work before moving in, whilst others are not in a position to do so. Not all buyers are able to proceed with work immediately after buying, however our team are able to offer timescale solutions that work for both your living and financial situation. We always make renovation timeframes clear, for example you must allow 8 weeks for a planning decision and that you have up to 3 years to start building once granted.

If you are in the process of purchasing a home and want to know more about it’s potential to be extended or renovated, you can call us on 02070432378 or email us at hello@hometales.co.uk. You can also book a free consultation to speak with a design and planning expert directly via our online diary here.