Very disappointing, they caused me a lot of stress
I had such a disappointing experience with Draw Plans and would urge caution before instructing them. I notice my negative review is not the first.
As a residential homeowner with zero building experience looking to get a detached single garage rebuilt, my builder suggested employing a local architect.
Seduced initially by their glossy website, and sales-talk from Tom, I went with Draw Plans. At the site visit, I got the sense that he wasn’t really listening to me as I outlined my vision for the (very straightforward) project.
My fears were confirmed when the (very basic, and mostly cut and paste generic text job) drawing arrived. For example, I had clearly specified where I wanted the access door - and had even walked over and pointed to the location - yet on the drawing it appeared somewhere else entirely, on the rear wall rather than side. This was far from the only thing, too.
Upon highlighting this error by email, I also attached a Word.doc showing where I wanted a window. This was completely ignored in the single re-draw I was permitted, and the window appeared again somewhere else entirely.
(Yes that’s right, it transpires you get just the one re-draw of your plans, no matter how minor the tweaks)
The worst part was that Tom stated I could have a total height of 4m despite the garage being within 2m of the boundary, and this height appeared on the drawing. I was delighted, having believed that I couldn’t attain this height being so close to a boundary.
However, this assertion now seems contrary to everything I’ve read on the internet, and even the Government Planning Portal suggests I can’t attain this height without planning permission.
Weeks later, at the build stage, the doubts in my mind about the lawfulness of Draw Plans’ drawing measurements were giving me sleepless nights.
When even my builder expressed serious doubt whilst building the walls, I called (left a verbal message)and twice emailed Draw Plans for urgent reassurance. I was completely ignored.
I lost my nerve and we built a much smaller structure. The stress this has caused me is immeasurable. When I finally (a week later) got a response, I pointed out that the lack of reply to my pleas for help had directly resulted ibuilding to a low height that I hadn’t wanted.
The response? “The decision to proceed with construction at a reduced height was ultimately taken independently, and outside our involvement”. How heart-warming and compassionate.
Instead of reassurance from a professional, the involvement of Draw Plans with my project has caused me stress and anxiety and the overwhelming sense that once they’ve done the bare minimum of a drawing, one re-draw and a few emails, Draw Plans will essentially wash their hands of you. I did expect more for my £900.
I still don’t know whether what Tom has specified actually needs Planning Permission or not, and I can’t get a straight answer on the rare occasions I can even get a response from him.
I am sure Draw Plans will write a breezy rebuttal of this review, as they’re entitled to, but hopefully my review will create enough doubt in the reader’s mind that the reader decides not to risk it, and chooses a different architecture company for their project.
