Resource guide | 9 min read
Architectural Drawings Checklist for UK Homeowners (2026)
This checklist helps UK homeowners understand what architectural drawings they need for their building project, whether a loft conversion, extension, garage conversion, or new build. Use it to prepare before appointing an architect or submitting a planning application.
Part 1 - Before You Commission Drawings
Work through the items below before approaching an architect so your brief, site information and consents are clear from the start.
- Confirm the scope of your project (extension, loft conversion, garage conversion, internal alterations, new build)
- Check whether your project needs planning permission or falls under permitted development
- Check whether your property is in a conservation area, AONB, or is a listed building - these affect drawing requirements
- Obtain your title deeds or Land Registry plan showing property boundaries
- Gather any existing floor plans (from previous purchases, estate agent details, or prior planning applications)
- Check your council's planning register for previous applications on the property
- Confirm whether the project triggers building regulations approval (almost all structural work does)
- Check whether the project triggers the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 - see Crown Party Wall's Party Wall Notice Guide
Part 2 - Planning Drawing Package Checklist
A typical householder planning application requires the drawings listed below across site plans, floor plans, elevations, sections and supporting documents.
Site Plans
- Location plan (1:1250 or 1:2500) - showing the property in relation to surrounding roads and buildings, with the site edged in red
- Existing site plan (1:200 or 1:500) - showing current building footprint, boundaries, trees, access, outbuildings
- Proposed site plan (1:200 or 1:500) - showing the new work in relation to boundaries and neighbouring properties
Floor Plans
- Existing ground floor plan (1:50 or 1:100)
- Existing first floor plan (1:50 or 1:100)
- Existing loft/roof plan (if relevant)
- Proposed ground floor plan (1:50 or 1:100) - showing new layout, room uses, dimensions
- Proposed first floor plan (1:50 or 1:100)
- Proposed loft/additional floor plan (if relevant)
Elevations
- Existing front elevation
- Existing rear elevation
- Existing side elevation(s)
- Proposed front elevation - showing materials, windows, roof line, height dimensions
- Proposed rear elevation
- Proposed side elevation(s)
Sections
- Existing cross-section (where required by the council)
- Proposed cross-section - showing internal floor-to-ceiling heights, roof pitch, relationship to neighbouring properties
Supporting Documents
- Design and access statement (required in conservation areas and for some application types)
- Heritage statement (if the property is listed or in a conservation area)
- Tree survey or arboricultural assessment (if trees are affected)
- Flood risk assessment (if the property is in a flood zone)
Part 3 - Building Regulation Drawing Package Checklist
Building regulation drawings are separate from planning drawings and are required for building control approval before construction starts.
Construction Detail Drawings
- Proposed floor plans with construction details (wall build-ups, insulation, fire separation)
- Proposed sections with construction details (foundations, floor construction, roof construction, insulation, ventilation)
- Foundation detail - showing type, depth, and dimensions (informed by structural calculations)
- Wall construction detail - showing cavity widths, insulation, DPC, lintels
- Roof construction detail - showing rafters, insulation, ventilation, membrane layers
- Floor construction detail - showing joists, insulation, sound insulation (for loft conversions)
- Drainage layout (where the project affects existing drainage)
- Fire escape routes and fire door positions (critical for loft conversions)
- Staircase detail (for loft conversions - showing rise, going, headroom, guarding)
- Window and door schedule - showing U-values and compliance with Part L
- Ventilation strategy - showing compliance with Part F
Structural Calculations
- Structural engineer's calculations - covering beams, lintels, foundations, load paths (see Structural Calculations Guide)
- Structural layout drawings - showing steel positions, beam sizes, padstones
Energy and Sustainability
- SAP calculation or energy assessment (where required under Part L)
- U-value calculations for walls, floor, roof, windows
Part 4 - Additional Drawings by Project Type
Different project types add specific drawing requirements on top of the standard planning and building regulation packages.
Loft Conversions
- Existing and proposed roof plans
- Dormer detail drawings (if applicable)
- Fire escape strategy
- Staircase layout and section
- Sound insulation detail for party walls/floors
- See Loft Conversion Plans Guide
Extensions
- Foundation design (may need trial hole or ground investigation data)
- Connection detail to existing building
- DPC continuity detail
- See Extension Plans Guide
Garage Conversions
- Existing and proposed floor plans
- New front elevation (replacing garage door with window/wall)
- Insulation and DPC details
- Structural detail for removing garage door lintel (if load-bearing)
Basement Conversions
- Structural waterproofing design
- Underpinning detail
- Drainage and sump pump layout
- Light well detail (if applicable)
Part 5 - Common Drawing Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid the issues below to reduce the risk of planning refusals, building control rejections and costly redesigns.
- Inconsistent scales - all drawings in a set must use correct, stated scales
- Missing north point - site plans must show orientation
- Boundary errors - red line must accurately reflect ownership boundary
- Missing dimensions - councils and building control require key dimensions
- Wrong existing layout - always survey the existing building accurately before designing changes
- Ignoring neighbour impact - elevations should show the relationship to adjacent properties
- Missing fire strategy - loft conversions especially need clear fire escape routes on drawings
Part 6 - After Drawings Are Complete
Once drawings are ready, complete the submission, statutory notice and on-site preparation steps below before instructing a contractor.
- Submit planning drawings to the council via the Planning Portal or directly. See Council Planning Checklist
- Submit building regulation drawings to your local building control body or an approved inspector
- Serve party wall notices if required - see Crown Party Wall
- Arrange scaffolding if required - see Crown Scaffolding
- Obtain all approvals before instructing a contractor to start work
Related routes
Continue to the service pages most relevant to this topic
These links move readers from research into the service pages that best match the project stage they are in now.
Architectural drawings
Planning and building regulation packages.
Building regulation drawings
Technical drawings for building control.
Planning consultant support
Help with the planning process.
Project pricing
Indicative fees.
FAQ
Questions homeowners often ask next
What architectural drawings do I need for a planning application?
A householder planning application typically needs a location plan, existing and proposed site plans, existing and proposed floor plans, elevations on all relevant sides, and at least a proposed cross-section. Conservation areas and listed buildings also require a design and access statement and heritage statement.
Are planning drawings the same as building regulation drawings?
No. Planning drawings show what the building will look like and how it relates to the site and neighbours. Building regulation drawings show how it will be built - construction details, insulation, fire safety, drainage and structural elements - and are submitted to building control separately.
Do I need structural calculations as well as drawings?
Yes, for almost any project involving new openings, removed walls, beams, foundations or loft conversions. A structural engineer provides calculations and layout drawings that sit alongside the architect's building regulation drawings.
What scale should architectural drawings be at?
Location plans are usually 1:1250 or 1:2500, site plans 1:200 or 1:500, and floor plans, elevations and sections at 1:50 or 1:100. Construction details are typically 1:20, 1:10 or 1:5 depending on the element.
How long do architectural drawings take to produce?
A measured survey and planning drawing package for a typical extension or loft conversion takes around 3 to 6 weeks. Building regulation drawings and structural calculations usually add a further 3 to 6 weeks after the planning design is agreed.
Do I need an architect or can I do drawings myself?
There is no legal requirement to use an architect, but planning officers and building control expect accurate, professionally drawn information. Poor drawings are a common cause of refusals, delays and on-site disputes, so most homeowners use an architect or architectural designer.
Ready to talk through your project?
Need a drawing package for your project?
Crown Architecture & Structural Engineering Ltd prepares full architectural drawing packages for UK homeowners - planning, building regulation and structural coordination. Call +44 7950 114633 or email info@crownarchitecture.co.uk to discuss your project.