Room-by-Room (UK) Ltd is an architectural and planning consultancy providing design, planning and technical services for residential, retail and commercial developments. We have successfully partnered with private clients, developers and businesses for over 25 years, supporting projects from early feasibility through planning and Building Regulations approval with clear, practical advice and a coordinated approach.
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2 customer reviews
kevin
Planning Consultancy
Very helpful and knowledgeable
Phil
Planning Consultancy
Very helpful with all advice given.
Highly recommend
Leonie Philpot
I contacted a few companies to request technical drawings to support my planning application for installation of a window or sun tunnel within my windowless stairwell. I was repeatedly knocked back due to the fact that this was considered a 'job too small'. Thankfully, Andrew May at Room-by-Room responded to my plea for assistance. Andrew promptly came to talk about both options and advised me on how to navigate the correct procedure to gain planning consent at my lease hold residence. Andrew provided the specific drawings required, liaised with the planning office on my behalf and also recommended a reputable local roofing firm to complete the job. Steady progress was made through to consent for the installation and Andrew communicated with me well throughout the process. The resulting sun tunnel surpasses all of my expectations! I'm so pleased to have received Andrew's service, without which, I'd probably still be standing at the first hurdle! More...
Reviewed on Houzz
Sarah Allen
Fantastic service, Andy really is a true professional, passionate and goes above and beyond to understand your project fully. He takes you through each step in a way 'I could understand', he provides solutions which save time and money, I highly recommend Room-by-Room and have done to friends and family already. Excellent :-) More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
How can someone tell if their Garage is suitable for conversion?
Most garages can be converted under permitted development but it is worth checking before starting such a project.
Q. Is your property Listed or in a Conservation Area or has no Permitted Development?
A. If you answered yes then planning permission is required.
Run us through the different stages of the Garage conversion process - what's involved?
Q. Is your property Listed or in a Conservation Area or has no Permitted Development?
A. If you answered yes then planning permission is required.
The conversion may require planning approval.
The conversion may require building regulations approval.
Always work from approved drawings.
How can someone tell if their loft is suitable for conversion?
Q. Is your property Listed or in a Conservation Area or has no Permitted Development?
A. If you answered yes then planning permission is required.
Q. What if the house was piled or underpinned?
A. The foundations will need to be checked prior to any design work taking place.
Q. What is the height from floor to under side of the ridge?
A. If you answered less than 2.4m after the conversion the room height may only be 2m.
Q. How much to build a dormer loft conversion to be a master bedroom with en-suite?
A. On average £60,000 - £100,000 depending on the size and specification.
Run us through the different stages in the loft conversion process - what’s involved?
Q. Is your property Listed or in a Conservation Area or has no Permitted Development?
A. If you answered yes then planning permission is required.
1. Check foundations of the existing property are sufficient to support the additional loads associated with the proposed loft conversion.
2. Check existing lintels over doors, windows and any structural openings especially knock throughs are designed to support the additional loads of a loft conversion.
3. Measured and photographic survey
4. Planning Permission
5. Building regulations
6. Party Wall Act 1996
7. Produce lighting, heating , switches and sockets layout drawings.
8. Confirm the fixed price quote based on approved drawings and the specification
9. Confirm the date to put up the scaffolding and start the build
10. Start the building work
What do you love most about your job?
On a design and build project we completed recently the client wanted a garden room that was well designed, could be repurposed as an annex in the future, looked stunning and did not go over estimate.
I am a passionate designer and this project allowed me to provide the client with fully costed design options for his approval during the architectural design process. During the construction the client upgraded internal finishes and we installed electric underfloor heating throughout.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I wanted a more diverse working life. Meeting and engaging with the client, listening to there aspirations and providing fully costed alternative design options to create collaborative solutions.
Why should our clients choose you?
Room-by-Room (UK) Ltd was formed in 1999 so you already know that we are a well established company. Our knowledge and experience of architecture, design and construction is hard to match. Having worked mainly but not exclusively within the south east of England, London and the northern home counties we are able to draw on our past work experiences to deliver a high quality service to our clients.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
We provide a free no obligation initial design meeting at your property to discuss your proposals in context. There are so many variables that need to be considered when providing advice and therefore we would prefer to do this in person.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
We followed the government guidance during the pandemic to the letter and wear masks when requested to do so by clients. We will not attend a meeting if we have the symptoms or have tested positive.
Planning
We provide professional planning advice for residential, retail and commercial developments, supporting proposals from initial feasibility through to determination. Our services include advising on planning policy and site constraints, preparing and submitting planning applications, coordinating supporting technical information, liaising with local planning authorities and statutory consultees, and managing applications through negotiation, amendment, approval and the discharge of planning conditions where required.
Architecture Landscaping
We provide architectural hard and soft landscaping services to support approved developments, including the design and coordination of external works such as paving, steps, retaining structures, boundary treatments, lighting, drainage interfaces and external levels. Our soft landscaping proposals address planting layouts, species selection, soil preparation and long-term establishment, with due regard to site context, biodiversity, existing trees and planning conditions, ensuring external spaces are practical, compliant and well integrated with the architecture.
Planning drawings
We provide a comprehensive planning service from initial feasibility through to determination, including site appraisals, planning-risk assessments, permitted development reviews, pre-application advice and the preparation and submission of full planning applications. Our role includes the production of planning statements and supporting documentation, coordination of technical consultants, liaison with local planning authorities and statutory consultees, and the management of applications through determination, including negotiations, amendments and the discharge of planning conditions.
Building Regulations
For all planning-approved developments, we prepare detailed Building Regulations drawing packages suitable for submission to Approved Inspectors or Local Authority Building Control. Packages typically include fully coordinated plans, sections and construction details addressing Parts A, B, C, E, F, L and M of the Building Regulations, covering structural layouts, foundation and floor build-ups, fire strategy principles, means of escape, compartmentation, drainage design, ventilation, thermal performance, condensation risk and accessibility. We coordinate structural engineering design, respond to Building Control queries and progress applications through to technical approval.
Planning Consultant
We have provided planning consultancy services for a range of commercial developments, including planning applications for new external air-conditioning and mechanical plant on live sites. Our experience also includes advising developers on low- and zero-carbon energy solutions, securing consent for solar PV installations and air- and ground-source heat pump systems, with due consideration of planning policy, noise, visual impact and neighbouring amenity.
Planning Advisory Services
In addition, we advise on a wide range of planning matters including feasibility and planning-risk appraisals, permitted development assessments, pre-application submissions, and the preparation of planning and supporting statements. Our services also cover arboricultural considerations, including works to trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders and advice on the implications of conservation area designation on tree management, alongside coordination of technical reports such as noise, transport, flood risk and energy assessments, and the subsequent discharge of planning conditions.
