“The rear extension design for our Victorian terrace in Dun Laoghaire was handled with real care for the conservation area rules. The south-facing glazed link cut our heating use noticeably. Planning sailed through first time.”
What the Starter Service Kit Includes
The Starter Service Kit is a fixed-scope package for homeowners who need a professional floor plan and a basic feasibility review before committing to a full design. It is not a full architectural service, but a structured first step that gives you a measured drawing and a written opinion on what is possible on your site.
You send us your existing floor plan (or we measure on site within a 40 km radius of Cork city), and we produce a scaled CAD drawing with dimensions, window and door locations, and structural grid lines. Alongside the drawing, you receive a one-page feasibility note that covers planning policy constraints, building regulation issues, and approximate floor area limits for a single-storey rear extension up to 40 m².
Why This Matters for Your Project
Many homeowners spend weeks researching options online without a clear picture of their own property's constraints. The Starter Service Kit replaces guesswork with a document you can hold. It tells you whether your idea is likely to get planning permission, whether your site can accommodate the floor area you want, and what the key design parameters are before you hire an architect for a full design.
The kit is deliberately limited to residential extensions and internal reconfigurations in County Cork and adjacent areas. It does not cover new builds, commercial projects, or multi-unit developments. If your project falls outside these boundaries, we will tell you before you pay.
What You Receive
- Scaled CAD floor plan of your existing ground floor (PDF and DWG format)
- One-page feasibility note covering planning policy, building regulations, and floor area limits
- List of key design constraints specific to your property (e.g., site boundaries, drainage, overshadowing)
- Recommendation for next steps, including whether a full design service is appropriate
How the Process Works
You submit a brief description of your project and a copy of any existing drawings or photos of the space. If we do not have a measured drawing, we arrange a site visit within 10 working days. The visit takes about 45 minutes and includes laser measurement of all rooms, windows, doors, and external walls. We then produce the drawing and feasibility note within 7 working days of the visit.
The kit is delivered as a digital download. If you need printed copies, we can post them for an additional fee of €15 within Ireland.
Limitations and What This Kit Is Not
The Starter Service Kit is not a planning application, a building regulation compliance certificate, or a structural calculation. It is a preliminary assessment that helps you decide whether to proceed with a full design. If you need a planning application or detailed construction drawings, you will need to commission a full architectural service separately.
The feasibility note is based on publicly available planning policy and building regulations. It does not replace a formal pre-planning consultation with the local authority. We recommend you use the kit as a basis for that consultation.
The Starter Service Kit is designed for homeowners who want a clear, professional starting point without the cost of a full architectural design. It gives you a measured drawing and a written feasibility opinion so you can make an informed decision about your next step.