Guides and explainers
Knowledge base for renovators and professionals
Our drafters and permit specialists answer the questions we get from customers every week, so you start your project well prepared.
Clear explanations, no jargon, written by the people who do the work themselves.
20 articles
PermitsApplying for an environmental permit in 2026: the complete step-by-step planApplying for an environmental permit in 2026 takes you through seven steps: 1. Permit Check via the Environment Desk (Omgevingsloket), 2. Having a construction drawing and structural calculation made, 3. Obtaining aesthetic (welstand) advice in advance, 4. Submission via the Environment Desk (Omgevingsloket), 5. Eight-week processing period (regular procedure) or twenty-six weeks (extended procedure), 6. Any objection procedure of six weeks, 7. Obtaining an incontestable permit. From submission, count on an average of twelve weeks before you can start building, plus the construction-drawing process that in practice precedes it by six to eight weeks.6 May 202611 min readRead more
Construction drawingsConstruction drawing lead time 2026: from first sketch to construction startThe total lead time from construction drawing to construction start is, in 2026, an average of twenty weeks. The drawing work itself takes seven working days at a specialist drawing agency. The full preliminary process including revision, structural calculation and possibly a pre-consultation with the aesthetic (welstand) committee is six to eight weeks. The municipal processing period for the regular environmental permit is eight weeks. Plus six weeks of objection period before the permit is incontestable. For permit-free building, the municipal period falls away and you can start within two weeks after the drawing is delivered.6 May 20266 min readRead more
PermitsBuilding Decree / Bbl 2026: what it says and how you are assessedSince 1 January 2024, the Building Decree has been replaced by the Dutch Building Decree (Bbl, Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving) under the new Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet). The Bbl contains all technical building requirements for the Netherlands: structural safety, fire safety, health, usability, energy, and environment. For regular residential projects such as an extension or dormer, the assessment covers structural safety (NEN-EN 1990 series), fire compartmentation (NEN 6068), thermal insulation (Rc values), and ventilation (NEN 1087). The municipality assesses the Bbl during the handling of the environmental permit. For permit-free building, the Bbl still applies but is not checked in advance by the municipality.6 May 20267 min readRead more
Construction drawingsArchitect or drafting firm? Which to choose when in 2026For regular residential projects such as a dormer, extension, or rear extension, a drafting firm is usually the right choice in 2026: a fixed price from €450, a delivery time of seven working days, and specialisation in the permit process. You choose an architect for unique design challenges, monumental inner cities, or new build where full creative freedom and design integration are crucial. Architect rates lie between €1.200 and €2.500 for comparable construction drawings, often on an hourly basis without a fixed final price. For 90 percent of Dutch residential projects, a drafting firm delivers the same result at a third of the cost.6 May 20266 min readRead more
PermitsRear-extension permit 2026: when yes, when noFor a rear extension at the back of a home, no environmental permit is often required in 2026, provided the surface area stays under 5 square metres, the height under 5 metres, and the zoning plan allows permit-free building. Above those limits, or for an extension on the street side, a permit is almost always required. A rear extension larger than 30 square metres, higher than 5 metres, or in aesthetically sensitive (welstand) zones always requires a permit plus aesthetic (welstand) advice. Count on drawing costs of €750 to €1.800 and municipal permit fees of €985 to €1.450.6 May 20266 min readRead more
PermitsDormer permit or permit-free? The complete 2026 decision treeA dormer at the rear of your home is usually permit-free, provided the height stays under 1.75m, the width covers no more than 60% of the roof surface, and the structure remains at least 50cm from the side facade. At the front, a permit is almost always required. In aesthetic (welstand) sensitive areas (inner city, protected townscape) stricter rules apply. Work through our 5-step decision tree to get certainty for your situation.5 May 202610 min readRead more
CalculationsStructural calculation costs in 2026: when needed and what you payA structural calculation costs an average of €395 to €1.250 in 2026. For regular renovations (a dormer with a load-bearing structure, an extension with a large glass surface), the price lies between €395 and €600. For a roof addition, ridge raise, or home split, count on €750 to €1.250. A structural calculation is mandatory as soon as the building activity affects load-bearing parts, and is submitted together with the permit application.5 May 202610 min readRead more
Construction drawingsWhat does a construction drawing cost in 2026? Complete price guideA construction drawing costs an average of €450 to €1.800 in 2026. The price depends on the type of project (dormer €450-€650, extension €750-€1.200, rear extension €950-€1.800), the complexity of the structure, and whether a structural calculation is added. Municipal permit fees are always separate and are between €1.000 and €4.200 depending on the municipality.5 May 202610 min readRead more
Construction drawingsHave Your House Drawn: What It Involves, What It Costs, and How It WorksHaving your house drawn means a construction drafter translates your living wishes into scale-accurate technical drawings. These are required for a planning permit, for the contractor, and for an accurate build budget. Costs range from roughly 350 euros for a dormer to 3,500 euros for new construction.21 November 20258 min readRead more
Construction drawingsTechnical Drawing: What It Is, How It Works, and When You Need ItA technical drawing is a true-to-scale, standardised representation of a building project. Drafters use fixed line types, symbols, and dimensioning so that contractors, structural engineers, and municipalities can read and assess the drawing without ambiguity.12 November 202510 min readRead more
Construction drawingsConstruction draftsperson and drafting firm: what they do, what they cost, and how to chooseA construction draftsperson converts building plans into technical drawings: floor plans, elevations, sections, and detail drawings. These drawings are required for the planning permit and give the contractor a clear execution plan. A drafting firm delivers this as a professional service to homeowners and businesses.10 November 20259 min readRead more
Construction drawingsRequest Construction Drawings: How to Find the Original Plans of Your HomeYou request a construction drawing from the Building and Housing department of your municipality or via the Omgevingsloket. Recent drawings are often available digitally. If they are missing, the city archive, the Land Registry, or the previous owner are alternatives. If no drawings exist at all, a drafting firm makes new ones based on the current situation.4 November 202510 min readRead more
Construction drawingsConstruction Drawing Guide: Everything From A to ZGetting a construction drawing made means hiring a technical drafting firm. They survey your property, translate your wishes into permit-ready drawings, and support your permit application. Average turnaround: two to four weeks. Costs: roughly 500 to 2,500 euros, depending on the project.3 November 202511 min readRead more
PermitsWhat Is an Occupancy Permit and When Do You Need One?An occupancy permit, also known as an environmental permit for fire-safe use, specifies the conditions under which a building may be used. The municipality issues this permit for buildings where large numbers of people are present or where additional fire safety risks exist, such as hospitality venues, theatres, and care facilities.5 August 20242 min readRead more
Construction drawingsRenovation Projects: From Concept to CompletionA successful renovation project starts with a clear concept, professional construction drawings, and a realistic budget. This is followed by selecting skilled contractors, a coordinated execution, and thorough quality control. Each step builds on the one before it.11 April 20243 min readRead more
PermitsRoof addition: rules, options, and technical requirementsA roof addition is an effective way to gain extra living space without expanding your plot footprint. Whether it is permitted depends on the zoning plan, the required planning permit, aesthetic guidelines, and the structural condition of your home. The Building Decree also sets strict technical requirements for safety, insulation, and ventilation.28 March 20244 min readRead more
Construction drawingsThe Benefits of Professional Construction Drawings for RenovationsProfessional construction drawings give all parties a clear picture of the design, minimise errors and costs, speed up the permit application, and form the foundation for a smooth renovation. They are indispensable for extensions, additions, dormer windows, and other building works.10 February 20243 min readRead more
Construction drawingsHome extension: what does it deliver?A home extension enlarges your property and increases its value. You gain extra living space, adapt the home to your changing needs, and can invest directly in energy efficiency. The added value shows up both in daily comfort and when you eventually sell.31 January 20242 min readRead more
Construction drawingsWhy a dormer? Benefits and the importance of professional technical drawingsA dormer expands your loft space, brings in more natural light, and increases the value of your home. Professional construction drawings ensure the structure is safe, meets building regulations, and give your permit application the best chance of a smooth process.16 December 20233 min readRead more