Each year we assist a number of clients whose plot already has the benefit of full planning permission. They had either bought the plot with the permission attached or used a local architect to reach that stage.

These clients were looking for someone who could arrange the building of the house at a sensible cost and to the quality they were seeking to achieve. Through our extensive network of contacts we were able to source builders and other industry professionals (such as engineers) to construct the dwelling in conjunction with our unique service.

The usual process is for the clients to send us a copy of their drawings with a contact telephone number. One of our Regional Managers will then call you to establish how much or how little you wish to be involved and the level of quality you wish to achieve. Our experienced team will assess your drawings and provide you with an estimate of the likely build costs. If that is of interest for a small fee we then obtain firm builders quotes and calculate the fixed cost of our service. If you do not already have a Building Regulations approval we will obtain that on your behalf.

On the pages that follow are examples of how we helped three different clients all with their own particular circumstances. If you have reached this stage then call us on 0845 40 40 400 to discuss how we can help you get your home built.

Business and personal needs in perfect harmony
This interesting building is a combination of high quality offices and top floor apartment.

Our clients rent the ground floor, their accountancy practice occupies the first floor and they live in the penthouse.

PenthouseFirst Floor


Ground Floor

Difficult site but worth the effort
This is one of the most unusual and difficult projects we have been involved with. The site is wedged tightly between a property on one side and the public footpath on the other, which made construction work very difficult and meant a higher than average cost per m².

However the plot is located in a property hotspot and therefore still provided a good return on the client’s investment.

Left AspectRight Aspect

As you can see from the photograph this project is still under construction and so the build costs are very current. The clients currently live and work overseas and were happy to place their confidence in Design & Materials and the builder to construct the house in their absence.

Our package price and the builder's quote come to £282,000, which includes kitchen and bathrooms and equates to £1,175 per m². The specification is 'excellent' e.g. clay tiles, stock bricks and oak doors (see Materials section for more details). The cost of items such as services, insurance and carpets are not included (see Build Costs section for more details).

Building has startedWeek 16 - Nearing completion




First Floor


Ground Floor