Finding a vacant building plot is not easy these days and in some areas they are almost non-existent. As a result more and more self-builders are buying older properties, demolishing them and redeveloping the site. Demolition costs are typically £5,000 to £10,000 and therefore represent a small proportion of the overall build costs.

You may not have to buy an old house: many individuals are now looking at replacing their existing property and this case study is a shining example. Our clients realised that their house had some space either side, which gave them the idea that they could create two building plots. They were right.

Our local consultant sets the scene: I first visited the clients to explore what might be possible and assist them in calculating what it would cost, says our local consultant. Subject to planning the concept certainly appeared to be financially viable and they therefore asked us to carry out a Feasibility Study. So I made a second appointment and spent a few hours with the clients agreeing a design brief for two new houses - one for the clients and the other to sell-on.

Head of Design, Beverley Pemberton continues the story: The brief was for both dwellings to be circa 300 m² says Beverley. The clients wanted them to be individual but sit comfortably with each other and also harmonise with the general street scene. For their own house they provided a personal wish list and lots of cuttings from magazines, which I always find invaluable.

For the second house the clients had to wear the hard hat of a developer and it was therefore less personal and designed to maximise profit. To achieve the required floor area I designed the dwellings on four levels, using the roof spaces for the fifth bedrooms and partial basements for fitness rooms and hobbies. Integral double garages with combined forecourt were included which had to face the road due to the overall width of the site.

Our consultant continues the story: Because the clients had been building a comprehensive dossier the design process went remarkably smoothly and we quickly lodged an application for detailed planning permission.

Replacing one dwelling with two houses on four floors will invariably raise concerns with both the locals and planners. However good relationships with neighbours and appropriate meetings soon allayed their fears and the application was submitted with local support. Dialogue with the planners revealed concerns over the positioning of the two buildings and their balance on the site. Highways were concerned with access to the main road and turning areas for vehicles. Once these issues had been addressed minor revisions were made and approval granted.

When the planner told us the application was being recommended to the Committee for approval, we prepared and submitted for Building Regulations approval and sent out tenders for builders´ quotes.

Construction of both houses took around 12 months which is pretty good considering they are in effect four storey buildings. Our client wanted both houses to look good and decided to spend a bit more on the key materials such as bricks, windows, roof tiles and doors and our experienced materials team was able to assist them in making the right choices.

We pride ourselves on bespoke considerate design, quality materials, value, choice and a high level of customer service built up over four decades in the business. If you are thinking of building a new home, talk to us.