What We Need From You
So you have decided that you want to acquire some house plans for your future home, a remodelling project or an extension.
The most asked question we hear is; “How do I get started?”
The most asked question we hear is; “How do I get started?”
Below is a brief guide to getting started with your house plans fast and with minimum delays:
1. Ensure you have the right documents - A Surveyor’s Plot
There is one document that is critical to the entire objective of having your home designed and submitted to the Planning Authorities. A document that can halt your ambitions of moving ahead with your plans in your desired time-frame. This document is called a Surveyor’s Plot or sometimes called a Land Plot. Literally speaking you don’t want to leave home without it.
It’s the first document that must be presented to the Town Planning Office when we submit your new house plans. Most persons already know what a Surveyor’s Plot looks like. However some persons aren’t quite sure. A sample Surveyor’s Plot is shown below.
There is one document that is critical to the entire objective of having your home designed and submitted to the Planning Authorities. A document that can halt your ambitions of moving ahead with your plans in your desired time-frame. This document is called a Surveyor’s Plot or sometimes called a Land Plot. Literally speaking you don’t want to leave home without it.
It’s the first document that must be presented to the Town Planning Office when we submit your new house plans. Most persons already know what a Surveyor’s Plot looks like. However some persons aren’t quite sure. A sample Surveyor’s Plot is shown below.
Your Surveyor’s Plot will indicate the boundaries (irons)
on the land, the road, dimensions in square feet or
square metres and will have a compass (North arrow).
It will also have a Surveyor's signature and
Town Planning Stamp or a Lands & Surveys Stamp.
In the interest of time it is best to have this document in hand before we meet. It is a very IMPORTANT document. If you don’t have one, you’ll need the services of a Land Surveyor. We would be happy to recommend one to you just in case.
2. Play around with design ideas
There are literally thousands of options and variations one can choose. Search the internet, drive around the island, search design magazines. The possibilities are endless and it can be very exciting. Houseplanbb.com has made some SAMPLE HOUSE PLANS available to give you an idea of the possibilities when considering a design for your own home. When we meet on site you can tell us what to include in your home design, what your preferences are as well as the general home style. It’s your idea, it’s your future home and we will aim to make it happen.
My plans are approved, what next?
The next step after your plans have been approved is to go to your financial institution as soon as possible to make arrangements for your mortgage and they may instruct you to acquire an estimated construction cost report from a qualified Quantity Surveyor. This report will indicate the estimated cost of your home as well as the mortgage values, insurance values and other professional fees etc., etc.
Note: Here we stress again the need to ensure your home design is a design created around your budget or mortgage qualification from the very beginning of the process. Pay special attention to this point. If you’re on a tight budget, avoid fancy house shapes, roof styles and materials, fancy windows, doors, expensive tiles and other expensive finishes.
If your home is estimated at a cost that is beyond your mortgage qualification guess what, you’ll need to have the plans scaled down or revised, which translates to more time lost for re-approval in Town Planning and the Environmental Protection Department not forgetting to mention the disappointment during that time.
Once you’ve got the mortgage bit solved, your financial institution of choice will also request a quotation from a contractor/builder. In some cases only one quote from a contractor/builder is required, however, you should find out from them what their requirements are. Do not hesitate to contact us for free consultation on any of these matters. We will assist in every way we can.
Site Readiness & Debushing
When to Debush: Before surveys and site visits so we can access corners and boundaries.
Why it Helps: Faster measurements, accurate setbacks, safer site and fewer return trips.
Safety & Tips:
- Mark known services (water, sewer, telecom if applicable).
- Keep a clear path along boundaries and corner pegs.
- Dispose of cuttings responsibly; avoid blocking drains and gullies.
- If unsure, ask us first—we can advise or arrange safe debushing.
Overseas Client Checklist
If you're abroad, here's how we keep it simple for you:
- Initial Call/Contact: WhatsApp or Zoom to confirm goals and timelines.
- File Sharing: Email or WhatsApp (PDF, JPG, DWG, DXF) for Plot Plans or plan ideas.
- Site Info: Google Map Coordinates or WhatsApp Location Pin.
- Agreement: Sign our customer agreement document.
- Payments: Payment options provided on invoice for deposit and final payment.
- Approvals: We handle local submissions to local agencies on your behalf.
- Updates: Weekly progress email with milestones and next actions.
- Builder/Contractor Recommendation (FREE): At least 3 Top Class Builders.
We Are With You Until The Very End!
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