Finance Options

Manageable monthly payments, made simple.

Overhead view of a homeowner using a calculator showing £2,680 while reviewing residential floor plans, with architectural drawings, material samples and turquoise Design Spec accents on the desk.

Spread the cost

with finance

At Design Spec, we understand that spreading the cost can make your project more manageable. That’s why we’ve partnered with established credit broker Ideal4Finance, giving you the option to pay for our services through manageable monthly payments.

The following options are available, always subject to the lender’s assessment:

0% APR finance for 12 months
11.9% APR finance over 24, 36, 48, 60, 120 and 180 months

A deposit might be payable, and we will agree this before you begin your application.

Representative example of a £5,000 purchase made over 5 years with a 25% deposit; Deposit amount £1,250; Total credit £3,750. Finance available at 11.9% APR fixed over 60 months. 60 monthly repayments of £83.23. Total amount payable £4,993.64. Total interest payable £1,243.64.

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“The whole process was smooth and stress-free.”

"We had plans drawn up for both a loft conversion and a garage conversion, and we couldn't be happier with the service. From the initial consultation through to the final drawings, everything was handled professionally and efficiently. The plans were well thought out, our ideas were listened to, and we were given helpful suggestions to make the best use of the space. Communication was excellent throughout, and the whole process was smooth and stress-free. We would highly recommend their services to anyone looking for architectural drawings or planning advice."

Amila, Essex

Home extensions

Single-storey, double-storey, rear, side and kitchen extensions designed around your property and your budget.

Loft conversions

Turning unused roof space into a genuine extra room, with dormer, hip-to-gable and mansard options assessed for your property.

Structural engineering

Beam calculations, load-bearing assessments and structural drawings for extensions, conversions and internal alterations.

Planning permission & permitted development

Clear guidance on which route your project needs, and full application management where required.

Building control

Building regulations drawings and application support, from Full Plans to Building Notice submissions.

Developments & new builds

Design and planning support for larger residential developments across the county.

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How much

does an architect cost?

Architectural design fees are typically quoted as a fixed project fee rather than an hourly rate, so the total depends on the scale and complexity of the work rather than where in the county you’re based.

As a broad guide, homeowners can expect:

Smaller projects, such as a single-storey extension or loft conversion, to sit at the lower end of the fee scale.
Larger or more structurally complex projects, such as double-storey extensions or developments, to carry a higher fee.
Planning permission and building regulations support to be included within a fixed overall quote, rather than billed separately.

Rather than pricing generically by postcode, we quote against your specific project, so the fee reflects the work involved, not a countywide average.

Design Spec Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Ideal Sales Solutions Ltd, t/a Ideal4Finance. Ideal Sales Solutions Ltd is a credit broker and not a lender (FRN 703401). Finance available subject to status. The rate offered is always provisional and will depend upon your personal circumstances, the loan amount and the term.

Learn more in our blogs

Middle-aged couple chatting over cups of tea beside a kitchen island in a bright, modern home with a skylight, white cabinetry and herringbone wood flooring.

Building engineer standing on ladder looking at roof beams

01: Explore ideas

We talk through your project, your property and what your local council is likely to expect.

02: Design + planning

We develop your drawings and handle planning permission or permitted development on your behalf.

03: Build-ready drawings

You receive compliant technical drawings, ready for builders to price and construct from.

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Sarah & James’ Dream Home, Essex

Areas we cover

Essex, Hertfordshire and beyond

We work with homeowners across Essex, Hertfordshire, Suffolk and the surrounding areas, from coastal towns and busy commuter locations to rural villages and countryside properties.

Our team regularly delivers residential projects in Southend-on-Sea, Chelmsford, Brentwood, Colchester, Bishop’s Stortford, Basildon, Rayleigh, Rochford, Maldon, Braintree, Witham, Harlow, Epping, Billericay, Wickford, Leigh-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea and the surrounding towns and villages.

Other locations we work in include: