You don’t need to have your whole project planned out in minute detail, just having a vague idea of what you want to achieve is a great place to start.
If you’re embarking on a new build, think about the plot of land and how you want your property to sit. How big do you need your new home? Is there a particular view you’d like to face? Do you have a rough layout in mind?
If you’re looking to renovate or remodel, what is your overall aim? Where do you need the extra space? Are you expanding your kitchen, living area, bedrooms? Or do you want to create a completely separate area like an orangery?
Have a good think, and be sure to have your Pinterest boards or inspiration pictures at the ready! We’ll go through absolutely everything during your initial enquiry, and don’t worry I don’t expect you to know it all!
Being based in the North West, the majority of my work is completed in/around Cheshire. I’m proud of NJG’s reputation, and have created hundreds of beautiful spaces in the area. I also collaborate with a number of developers, who often take projects further afield.
I tend to run all of my projects on a fixed-fee basis. From assessing the project, I can do a fairly accurate calculation on time spent measuring, drawing up, and producing the drawings. Just get in touch and we can go from there!
There are many factors, and it is virtually impossible for your contractor to give an accurate price without drawings. However, you can use online tools such as to give you a bit of an insight such as Extension Cost Calculator | Homebuilding or Build Cost Calculator: Accurately Estimate Your Project Cost | Homebuilding
How exciting! First things first, we need to know if you have green belt land or where your site sits within the Council’s local plan – just send over your postcode and I can work that out for you. We’ll then discuss the possibilities for your new build, as well as being mindful of any limitations – has your plot of land got potential? There is plenty to consider in terms of highways, overlooking, pattern and scale of development, trees, environmental considerations or sustainability. I can often make an initial assessment on that first phonecall or meeting.
There is documentation within each planning department that gives guidance to try and give a consistent approach. However, each property will offer its own opportunities and restrictions. Just get in touch and I can review!
The Planning Department are looking at the aesthetics of the scheme. They assess whether the development will accord with local and national policies and whether it would cause unacceptable harm, for example, to neighbours’ view or light or to the character on the street scene.
Building Control are looking at how it is built to ensure it is of a decent standard and also complies with important considerations such as means of escape in case of fire, or ensuring suitability of structural changes etc.
In all honesty, I don’t have an “NJG style”, but I think that’s why I love my job! One day I can be all glass and steel and the next oak and sandstone! No two projects are the same, much like no two clients are the same. I understand that each house needs to have it’s own personality and charm.