Plan Ahead Drawing Services

01/05/2026

Size isn't everything!

Sometimes the modest extensions on smaller properties make the most impact on living conditions.

This is a recently completed single storey rear extension on a semi-detached bungalow which enlarged the small kitchen as well as adding a utility area and wc.

A flat roof with perimeter pitch was used in order to match the existing eaves height and allow a Certificate Of Lawfulness application to confirm Permitted Development.

A standard flat roof, higher than the eaves of the bungalow, would need a more expensive Householder Planning Application as well as costly bat surveys to satisfy Wokingham Borough Council.

The client is delighted with the result and spends much more time enjoying the kitchen now.

08/01/2024

Are you looking to add an extension to your property or perhaps convert your garage or loft in 2024? Then take a look at some of the homes I have transformed for my clients.

As an Architectural Designer, I help people to unlock the full potential of their living environment. I aim to provide a design to enhance and improve your property whilst delivering on your practical requirements.

Having undertaken many local projects since 2003, I provide a friendly, personalised service focusing on individual needs and budget constraints.

Covering all aspects of the planning and building control process, drawings are produced and local authority submissions are carried out on your behalf.

Please contact me for a free initial consultation visit to discuss your project and visit my website for further inspiration.

https://www.plan-ahead-drawing-services.co.uk/

19/12/2023

19/12/2023

A recent project which was a little unusual.

The brief was to provide an extension to a former stable house built in the 1800s which now provides self contained annexe accommodation to the main dwelling.

The site is within the Ewelme Conservation Area which sits within the South Chilterns Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty. There are also several listed buildings in the vicinity so it was essential to create an extension which was sympathetic to the existing annexe and contribute positively to the surrounding area.

The general appearance of the extension is in the style of a barn building as typically found in rural settings with the vaulted glazing to the rear elevation forming a contemporary contrast.

External materials include a red facing brick plinth with the walls above plinth level finished with horizontal timber cladding with a black stain, a grey slate tile roof to match the existing annexe with conservation style roof lights finish the look.

Due to the slope of the site and the age of the brickwork it was decided to leave the existing buttressing work in place and design the entrance into the extension around that. In fact the new extension has added additional lateral support to the rear of the annexe!

The planning and building control submissions were progressed without any issues on behalf of the client and they are delighted with the result.

The photos show the evolution of the extension from the original annexe to the completed project.

19/09/2023

I visited an old client in Reading last week who is looking to undertake some further work and I took the opportunity to take some photographs of the previous project.

The dwelling had a typical older style kitchen arrangement which was shut off from the rest of the ground floor layout. Kitchens used to be seen as a work area which should be hidden from the main living area, how times have changed!

The client wanted to open it up into a nice sociable family / entertaining area and I think the pictures show that this was achieved.

By converting the rear half of the attached double garage and removing three walls using steel beams, the kitchen was opened up into the garage conversion as well as the existing dining room and snug.

Although this project was all internal alterations and a conversion, it still needed householder planning permission as a previous planning permission for a loft conversion had a condition that the garage must remain as parking unless agreed in writing by planning.

90% of garage conversions can be carried out under Permitted Development without planning permission but never just assume this is the case as it could come back to bite you!

I do enjoy my job and I love making improvements to my client's properties which in turn improves their living conditions and general well being.

If you are looking to do something similar please get in touch for a free initial consultation.

10/08/2023

Do you need an extra bedroom or a family room but do not have the space or the budget for an extension?

If you are lucky enough to have a single or even a double garage then you have the potential to unlock valuable extra living space.

Most garage conversions benefit from Permitted Development rights providing you only convert within the existing size of the garage.

The attached photographs took it one stage further and, with planning permission, converted one of two integral garages at the property by forming a matching bay window and extending the single storey roof across to blend in seamlessly with the existing dwelling.

The result was an improvement to the front facade whilst gaining an extra habitable room and without any significant loss of garden amenity. The other major benefit is the cost, at less than half of a comparable sized single storey extension!

Please contact me for a free, no obligation, initial consultation.

Plan Ahead Drawing Services
Mobile: 07940 828650
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.plan-ahead-drawing-services.co.uk

12/07/2023

I have just been sent this video showing one of my recent projects.

An amazing rear single storey extension of 12 metres wide x 4 metres deep providing an impressive open plan kitchen, dining and family living area.

The build included brick plinth work and stone sills to match the existing dwelling as well as a 5 metre folding door set and two roof lights.

The flat roof was softened using a small wraparound pitched roof with bonnet hips to match the main roof.

I’m very pleased with how this project turned out and I will be visiting soon to get some finished photos for the website gallery.

If you would like to extend and improve your home then please get in touch.

20/12/2022

A recently completed project in Reading taking open plan living to the max!
Comprising a two storey side extension and a single storey rear extension and featuring corner folding doors to the kitchen area and a large roof lantern and further doors to the dining area. All in the popular grey powder coated aluminium frames.
It took a little longer than hoped to gain planning permission due to the presence of bats at the dwelling and needing to meet the requirements of the Local Authority ecology department…but well worth the wait!

12/04/2021

Its been a while since I posted so attached are some pictures of a recently completed project in Tilehurst.

The project included a two storey side extension with the front roof slope extending down to blend in to the existing porch canopy roof. In addition, a single storey rear extension with a flat top pitched roof was provided.

This one certainly has the wow factor when it comes to the large open plan kitchen area at the rear of the property!

As well as folding doors to the rear, it also has a large rectangular roof lantern as well as full length fixed pane windows to the side elevation. These maximise the garden views across the raised patio.

A new master bedroom suite was provided to the first floor with a pitched dormer window to the roof over the new garage.

Very pleased with the end result on this one.