If you're considering making a change to your home such as a house extension or loft conversion, there's a high probability that you'll need to get planning permission before work commences.

Finesse offer a complete planning service, including managing all the planning and paperwork that comes with applying for permission.

On this page, we offer some insight into the various stages of the process to give you some insight into the steps involved.

Planning Applications

The first part of any job. Planners can say no to a job, building control can not. This is a very important stage.

  1. Contact Finesse, we provide quotes for the work.
  2. We pass the quote on to our architect, they measure up the job.
  3. The architect draws up a planning drawing.
  4. Client & Finesse signs off planning drawing.
  5. Plans are submitted to (council planners) planning permission where it passes or fails. This is typically over an 8 week period during which the public can object.
  6. Plans are then passed to building control (different department, e.g. Fife council, building officer (not planning officer)) with more detailed drawings from our architect.
  7. More details included in this stage: materials, concrete type, is there steel, foundations, specification of bricks etc.
  8. This plan is stamped, approved, and passed to the building team.
  9. A start date is arranged with the client.
  10. Ground is cleared, we can mark out the foundations and start digging.
  11. The public can go online, see plans and object/complain. Committee meeting required. Appeals must be on technical grounds.
  12. Email or complete a form for more information. Rather than phone. 100% of all calls go to our manned answering service.

Planning

Planning regulations vary from area to area and it's down to the individual planning officer to look at the situation and then come to a decision.

Typically, they will also go back and discuss the proposal with colleagues who are familiar with the area. The planners are very fair and look at all situations from the point of longevity and the impact any additional buildings will make on the surrounding area, and most importantly the people who live in that area.

Once the planning application has been passed then its stamped and this is the master copy which all works are taken from.

If you have a planning application refused you can appeal against it, this process can take up to two months and in our experience very few appeals win. When you look at the reasons why the planners have refused the proposals there is usually a clear answer, the planning department generally want to encourage building, and it will usually be a very tough decision for them to refuse a planning applications.

Building Control

This is the part of the application to the council that is the second stage, once planning has been granted.

This is when the Architect will go into very fine detail on the drawings showing exactly how the building is to be constructed, which materials are to be used and which procedures of work.

Drainage is shown on this drawing too, showing all connections and how it will be connected to the main drains and sewer.

All of this has to be investigated by the Architect and put on the drawings for the building inspector's approval.

During the works the building inspector can call in at anytime to have a look at the progress, Finesse informs the building inspector when the job is going to start and we keep in touch with them informing them of any changes that have to be made, mostly this is to do with drainage as what we find underground can sometimes be a surprise!

Once building control have passed the application the drawings are then stamped and this is the master copy that all the tradesmen work from.

Building works completion

Once the works have been finished the building inspector is informed and he will then call out and check the finished work.

If all has been done as planned, then a completion certificate will be issued and this is passed on to the customer for their files.

Structural Engineer

On larger extensions and houses a structural engineer is required to put the engineering specifications down e.g. the type and strength of concrete to be used, size of steel beams and lintels, foundation depth etc.

A design certificate will be issued and this will be submitted with the application for the building warrant, the design certificate guarantees that the building and the materials used are all correct.

Handmade in Scotland

We are specialists in crafting unique hardwood solutions for your home. Our bespoke products are made with unsurpassed care and a passion for what we do.

Handmade by skilled crafsmen at our workshop in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

LEARN MORE

Read our Customer Reviews

Don't just take our word for it. Read what our customers have to say about working with Finesse.

"Without doubt the best customer service I've experienced."

"It's refreshing & unusual to find this level of service in the building industry."

READ MORE

Sustainable Forests

Our industry relies on quality natural resources, that's why it's important that we source all of our wood from sustainable forests.

To further reduce our impact on the environment we also recycle, on your behalf, all old windows and doors.

10 Year Guarantee

Finesse products are built to last and we are proud to offer a 10 year guarantee to all our customers.

We take manufacturing quality products seriously, which is why we can offer a 10 year guarantee to all our customers.

Divider Image

Handmade in Scotland

We are specialists in crafting unique hardwood solutions for your home. Our bespoke products are made with unsurpassed care and a passion for what we do.

Handmade by skilled crafsmen at our workshop in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

LEARN MORE

Read our Customer Reviews

Don't just take our word for it. Read what our customers have to say about working with Finesse.

"Without doubt the best customer service I've experienced."

"It's refreshing & unusual to find this level of service in the building industry."

READ MORE

10 Year Guarantee

Finesse products are built to last and we are proud to offer a 10 year guarantee to all our customers.

We take manufacturing quality products seriously, which is why we can offer a 10 year guarantee to all our customers.

Sustainable Forests

Our industry relies on quality natural resources, that's why it's important that we source all of our wood from sustainable forests.

To further reduce our impact on the environment we also recycle, on your behalf, all old windows and doors.

Ready to work with us?

Our team of skilled tradesmen are ready and waiting to start work on your dream project. Get in touch today for a free, no obligation quote.