Thinking about extending your home? Whether it’s a larger kitchen, an extra bedroom, or just more usable space, an extension can completely transform the way you live.
But let’s face it—getting from idea to finished build can feel overwhelming.
That’s where DMS Architects comes in. We don’t just create plans—we guide you through the entire journey, from your first idea to the day you step into your new space.
Our team is here to help you navigate planning permissions, design with creativity and practicality, and ensure your extension enhances your home and your lifestyle.
Here’s how we help our clients take their home extension from concept to completion:
Step 1: Your First Conversation with DMS
Everything starts with a relaxed chat. Our initial consultations are about listening to you—what you want to achieve, what’s not working in your current space, and what your goals are. We can visit your home or chat in person or virtually, depending on what suits you best.
You’ll leave this meeting with a clearer understanding of what’s possible, any potential planning issues, and how we work. It’s also your chance to get a feel for us and ask anything—because we believe great results come from strong relationships.
Step 2: Your Brief and Our Fees
If you decide to move forward with DMS, we’ll dig deeper to create a brief that reflects your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
We’ll ask questions like:
- How do you live day to day?
- What are your must-haves and nice-to-haves?
- What’s your timeline?
- What’s your design style or preferences?
We’ll then provide a clear fee proposal, broken down by each project stage. You’ll always know what’s included, what’s not, and what to expect. Once everything’s agreed, we’ll formalise it with a client agreement so you have full clarity from the start.
Step 3: Surveying Your Home
Before we start designing, we need accurate drawings of your existing space. We’ll either carry out a measured survey ourselves or arrange one through our trusted partners, depending on the complexity.
With these measurements, we create digital floorplans of your home which form the base for all our future designs. This level of detail helps prevent mistakes later and means everything we design fits seamlessly.
Step 4: Bringing Ideas to Life
Here’s where things get exciting. Using your brief and our site analysis, we begin developing design options that balance creativity with practicality.
We’ll share sketches, layout options, and visuals to help you see how the space can come together. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to give feedback, ask questions, and refine ideas. Whether it takes one round or three, our goal is the same—to arrive at a design that feels right for you and works within your budget.
Step 5: Planning Permission (If Needed)
If your extension requires planning permission, we’ll prepare and submit everything on your behalf. We’ll:
- Create all the drawings and site plans
- Write design and access statements
- Liaise with the local authority
- Respond to any feedback from planning officers
We also advise when your project falls under Permitted Development and whether a Lawful Development Certificate is advisable for future peace of mind.
We stay in touch throughout the decision period so you always know where things stand.
Step 6: Technical Design
Once we have planning approval (or confirmation it’s not needed), we prepare detailed technical drawings. These include:
- Construction drawings builders need to price and build from
- Material specifications and build notes
- Coordination with structural elements, drainage, and electrical layouts
We also coordinate with structural engineers, party wall surveyors, and building control to ensure everything is safe, compliant, and ready to build.
Step 7: Helping You Find the Right Builder
DMS Architects helps you select a builder you can trust. We’ll:
- Prepare tender documents
- Recommend builders we know and trust
- Review quotes with you, comparing costs and quality
- Help you ask the right questions
Once you’ve chosen a builder, we can also help you finalise contracts, making sure timelines, costs, and responsibilities are clearly laid out.
Step 8: Support During Construction
This is where designs become reality—and where we continue supporting you.
During the build, DMS can stay involved to:
- Visit the site to check work is progressing as it should
- Answer questions from the builder
- Resolve any unexpected issues
- Monitor quality and ensure the design is being followed properly
We can also act as contract administrators, helping manage payments and communication with your builder so everything stays on track.
Step 9: Completion and Snagging
As the project wraps up, we’ll walk through the finished build with you, make a snagging list, and ensure everything meets the design intent. We’ll help get building control approval and provide any final drawings or documentation you need for insurance or resale.
Bonus: Ongoing Support
Our relationship doesn’t end when the builder leaves. We’re here if you need advice on finishes, lighting, or furniture, or if you’d like to plan future phases of work. We’re always happy to hear how your new space is working for you.
Final Thoughts
A home extension is a big undertaking, but with DMS Architects guiding you, it doesn’t have to be stressful. We bring clarity to each stage, balance creativity with budget, and help you make smart decisions that enhance your home for years to come.
From concept to completion, we’re here to make the process smoother, more inspiring, and tailored to your life.
Ready to get started? Let’s talk.
