Strategic Definition: Defining Your Project
Before any design work begins, get crystal clear on your objectives, constraints, and budget. This foundation determines whether your project succeeds or fails.
Strategic Foundation
6 key areas to define
💡 Complete this stage before spending money on architects
What You Need to Do This Weekend
Four essential tasks that will save you thousands and prevent major headaches later.
Write Down Your "Why"
List exactly what problems you're trying to solve
Action:
Spend 15 minutes writing: What do I need? What do I want? What might I need in 5 years?
💡 Be specific: "Need space for home office" not "need more space"
Measure Your Space
Get the basic dimensions of your house and garden
Action:
Measure house width, depth, and garden. Take photos from all angles.
💡 Use a phone app like MagicPlan for quick room measurements
Look Up Your Property
Check planning constraints on your borough website
Action:
Search your postcode on your council's planning map. Screenshot what you find.
💡 Look for: Conservation Area, Listed Building, Article 4 Direction
Set a Realistic Budget
Research typical extension costs for your area
Action:
Budget £2,000-£3,000+ per sqm. Add 20% contingency. Check if you need financing.
💡 Include professional fees (10-15%) and VAT (20%) in your budget
This Should Take 2-3 Hours
These four tasks create the foundation for everything that follows. Do them properly now and save months of rework later. Don't rush - this is the most important work you'll do on your entire project.
Why Strategic Definition Makes or Breaks Projects
This isn't bureaucracy - it's project insurance. Most extension failures happen because this stage was rushed.
Clear Objectives Prevent Scope Creep
Without defined goals, projects expand beyond budget and timeline. Clear objectives keep you focused.
Real impact: 70% of over-budget extensions started without clear written objectives.
Early Constraint Discovery Saves Money
Finding planning restrictions early prevents expensive design changes later.
Real impact: Discovering constraints after design starts typically adds £5,000-£15,000 in rework costs.
Realistic Budgets Prevent Project Failure
Underestimating costs is the #1 reason extension projects get abandoned halfway through.
Real impact: 1 in 4 extensions that start without proper budgeting are never completed.
Property Assessment Reveals Opportunities
Understanding your property's potential helps you maximize value and avoid expensive mistakes.
Real impact: Simple changes like extension location can add £20,000+ in property value.
The £50,000 Question
Proper strategic definition costs you a weekend. Skipping it costs the average London homeowner £50,000+ in budget overruns, design changes, and project delays. Which would you prefer?
Complete Step-by-Step Process
Follow this detailed checklist to complete your strategic definition properly. Don't skip any steps.
Define Your Needs
Get crystal clear on what you're trying to achieve
Checklist:
- List all functional requirements (extra bedroom, larger kitchen, home office)
- Prioritize needs vs. wants
- Consider future needs (family growth, aging in place, working from home)
- Think about how you actually use your current space
Pro Tips:
- 💡Write down specific room sizes you need
- 💡Consider your lifestyle changes post-pandemic
- 💡Think about resale value if you might move
Assess Your Property
Understand what you're working with
Checklist:
- Check property deeds for any restrictions or covenants
- Measure existing spaces and garden accurately
- Identify potential extension locations (rear, side, above)
- Take photos of your property from all angles and neighboring properties
Pro Tips:
- 💡Look for structural issues that might affect extension plans
- 💡Note where utilities (gas, electric, water) enter your property
- 💡Consider how construction access will work
Research Planning Constraints
Know the rules before you start designing
Checklist:
- Check if your property is in a conservation area
- Determine if your property is listed (Grade I, II*, or II)
- Look for Article 4 Directions that remove permitted development rights
- Review your borough's Local Plan policies on extensions
Pro Tips:
- 💡Many boroughs offer paid pre-application advice
- 💡Look at recently approved extensions in your street
- 💡Download your borough's residential design guide
Understand Permitted Development
Know what you can do without planning permission
Checklist:
- Single-storey rear: up to 6m (detached) or 4m (terraced/semi)
- Side extension: typically up to half the width of original house
- Height limits: 4m max for pitched roof, 3m for flat roof
- Must not exceed 50% of garden area
Pro Tips:
- 💡Rights are often restricted in conservation areas
- 💡Listed buildings need consent for any changes
- 💡Some areas have Article 4 directions removing these rights
Set Realistic Budget
Plan for all costs, not just construction
Checklist:
- Construction: £2,000-£3,000+ per square meter (2025 London prices)
- Professional fees: 10-15% of construction cost
- Planning/building control fees: £1,000-£3,000
- Contingency: minimum 10-20%
- VAT: 20% on most work (some exceptions for certain conversions)
Pro Tips:
- 💡Get quotes for financing early if needed
- 💡Factor in temporary accommodation costs if needed
- 💡Consider phasing work to spread costs
Develop Initial Timeline
Work backwards from when you need it finished
Checklist:
- Design development: 2-4 months
- Planning approval: 8-10 weeks (if required)
- Building regulations: 4-6 weeks
- Contractor selection: 4-6 weeks
- Construction: 3-9 months depending on complexity
Pro Tips:
- 💡Avoid groundwork in winter months
- 💡Consider school holidays if you have children
- 💡Build in buffer time for delays
Ready for Stage 1?
Once you've completed your strategic definition, it's time to build your professional team and develop a detailed project brief.
Next: Stage 1 - Preparation & Brief