Process
Sketch to handover, under one roof.
LD Properties is a design-and-build studio — drawings, permissions and construction handled by one team. The eight stages below describe a typical project, from first conversation to one-year aftercare.
01
First conversation
A 30-minute call or a coffee at the studio. We listen to the brief — what's working, what isn't, what you're hoping the house will do for you. Free, no commitment.
Typical duration
30 minutes
02
Site visit and measured survey
We measure the house, photograph the spaces, check levels, drainage, structural conditions, and listed or conservation status. We come back with first sketches and an honest cost range.
Typical duration
1–2 weeks
03
Design and specification
Drawings, elevations, a sample board of materials, and a written specification of works. We agree the brief in detail before any commitment to build.
Typical duration
3–6 weeks
04
Planning and consents
Planning portal submission, conservation area consent, listed building consent, pre-application enquiries — we handle the paperwork. Most planning decisions take 8 weeks.
Typical duration
8–12 weeks
05
Tender and contract
Detailed pricing against the agreed drawings and specification. A fixed-price JCT contract, a clear programme, and a payment schedule tied to milestones.
Typical duration
2–3 weeks
06
Build
One project manager, our directly employed trades, our joinery workshops, and a clean site each evening. Weekly updates, dust-sheeted access, and a tidy handover at the end of each phase.
Typical duration
6–16 weeks
07
Snagging and handover
A walk-around, a snagging list, and a deadline to clear it. Building control sign-off, gas and electrical certification, a folder of operating manuals.
Typical duration
1–2 weeks
08
Aftercare
A year of aftercare covering settlement cracks, sticking doors, anything that needs adjustment. After that, we're still on the end of the phone.
Typical duration
12 months