Introducing Our Project Timeline Planner: From First Survey to Final Build

One of the first questions homeowners ask is: “How long will my project take?” It is a sensible question, but the answer involves more than the time a builder spends on site. Before construction can begin, there may be surveys, design decisions, planning checks, technical drawings and party wall matters to work through.

To make that process easier to understand, we have introduced the free Shorplans Project Timeline Planner. Enter a proposed survey start date, adjust the stage allowances and see an indicative programme from the first survey through to the end of the build.

See the whole process, not just the build

The planner is designed to help homeowners exploring an extension, loft conversion or renovation have a clearer conversation about timing. Rather than treating the project as one long wait, it breaks the programme into recognisable stages and shows estimated start and end dates.

• Survey: time for booking, access and measuring the existing property.
• Design and drawings: developing the proposal, receiving your feedback and preparing planning drawings.
• Planning validation: a separate allowance for the council to check that the application is complete.
• Planning decision: a fixed eight-week target, with an option to add an extra delay allowance.
• Technical design and building control: an allowance for detailed drawings, structural input and the building control process.
• Party wall notice: a choice of one or two calendar months, or not applicable where that has been checked.
• Build: an adjustable construction period, leading to an indicative completion date.

How to use the Project Timeline Planner

1. 1Choose your project start date. This means the start of the survey stage, not the day building work begins.
2. 2Review the whole-week allowances for survey, drawings, validation, technical design and the build. The defaults are examples, not confirmed Shorplans lead times.
3. 3Add an extra planning delay allowance if you want to explore a more cautious programme.
4. 4Select the relevant party wall notice period. Only choose not applicable after checking the proposed works with a qualified adviser.
5. 5Select Generate timeline to see the stages and indicative build start and completion dates.
6. 6If you change an input, select Update timeline so the results reflect your new assumptions.

Try comparing two versions: your initial assumptions and a programme with more time for revisions or delays. Seeing the effect on the completion date can help you set priorities before making commitments.

Why eight weeks does not mean eight weeks until you can build

The planner uses an eight-week decision target for a valid non-major planning application. That period starts from validation, not from your first conversation with an architect. Preparing the drawings and allowing for validation are separate stages.

The model assumes permission is granted first time. Amendments, refusal, an agreed extension of time or conditions that need resolving can change the programme. It also does not decide whether your particular project needs a planning application: if you expect to use permitted development or another route, ask the team about an appropriate project-specific programme.

Some stages can run alongside each other

In the planner, party wall notice runs alongside technical design and building control after the planning stage. The indicative build start waits until both allowances have ended. This assumes there is enough design information to serve valid notices at the start of that technical stage.

The notice period is not a maximum duration for resolving party wall matters. Notice expiry alone does not mean work can begin: consent or an award may still be required, and disputes can add time. Shorplans are not party wall surveyors, so obtain specialist advice on the requirements for your property.

Use the dates to plan conversations, not make promises

An indicative programme is useful for discussing your preferred timing with your designer, family and prospective contractor. It is not a guarantee of approval, a construction booking or a confirmed completion date.

Allow separately for tendering and mobilisation, which are not included as extra stages in this tool. Contractor availability, funding, outstanding conditions, specialist investigations and long-lead materials also need checking. Building control inspections continue during construction; the technical-stage allowance is not a promise of approval.

Start planning your project

Open the Project Timeline Planner and explore how the stages could fit together. For local planning context, you can also browse our London borough planning guides.

Ready to discuss a programme for your own property? Arrange a free consultation with Shorplans by phone or email. We can talk through your scope, priorities and the checks needed before setting a realistic timetable.