Yes, you can alter our house designs
Found a house design you like, but need to change the layout, windows, materials, roof, garage or internal arrangement? That’s exactly what our alteration service is for.
Most self-builders make at least a few changes before settling on the final version. You don’t need to start from scratch — we can help you adapt one of our existing designs to suit your plot, lifestyle and planning requirements.
Most people make changes
Very few self-builders find a house design that’s perfect in every detail from day one.
You might love the overall shape but want a different kitchen layout. You may need to mirror the plan to suit your plot. You might want to change external materials, add a porch, move windows, create a home office, or adapt the layout for the way your family actually lives.
That doesn’t mean you need a fully bespoke design from scratch. One of the advantages of choosing a Houseplansdirect design is that you can easily customise house plans from our standard range, saving time and money.
What can be changed?
A few of the most common types of alteration we’re asked about.
Layout changes
Move internal walls, adjust room sizes, alter circulation, open up spaces or adapt the arrangement to suit how you want to live.
External changes
Change materials, window styles, doors, porch details, cladding, render, brickwork or other visual elements.
Plot-related changes
Mirror the design, adjust orientation, respond to views, access, neighbouring properties, levels or planning feedback.
Lifestyle changes
Add a home office, utility, boot room, larger kitchen, garage conversion, additional bedroom or more flexible living space.
What’s included, and what costs extra?
Some simple cosmetic amendments may be included within the plan cost. More involved changes are quoted separately, but always on a fixed-price basis before you commit.
That means you can ask the question without worrying that costs will run away.
Where a change is more substantial, we’ll explain what’s involved and advise on the most sensible route. If your ideas start to become more like a bespoke design, we’ll tell you honestly rather than pretending everything is a quick tweak.
Usually included in the plan cost
- Changing external materials — brick, render, cladding, stone
- Moving door and window positions
- Adding or removing internal stud walls
Usually quoted separately, fixed-price
- Mirroring or flipping the layout
- Changing the roof style or construction
- Adding a porch, conservatory, orangery or attached garage
How the alteration process works
Choose the closest design
Start with the Houseplansdirect design that’s nearest to what you want.
Send us your ideas
Tell us what you’d like to change. A written list, sketch, screenshot or marked-up plan is fine.
We review and advise
We’ll confirm what’s possible, what may already be included, and whether any additional cost applies.
We prepare the amended drawings
Once agreed, we update the drawings so the design better suits your plot, brief and planning route.
Common alteration questions
Can the layout be mirrored or flipped?
Usually, yes. This is a common request, particularly where the plot, access, garden orientation or views make the standard arrangement less suitable.
Can I change the external materials?
Yes. Brick, render, cladding, roof finishes and other external materials can usually be adapted to suit your taste, local context or planning requirements.
Can windows and doors be moved?
Absolutely. We can usually adjust window and door positions, although overlooking, daylight, elevations and planning considerations may need to be taken into account.
Can I add a garage, porch or garden room?
Often, subject to the design and plot. We can review what you have in mind and advise whether it’s a simple addition or a more involved alteration.
Can I make a design smaller or larger?
Often, yes, but changes to footprint can affect proportions, layout, roof design and planning appearance. We’ll advise on the most sensible way to approach this.
Do I need polished drawings before I contact you?
No. Rough notes, sketches, screenshots or reference images are usually enough for us to understand what you’re trying to achieve.
Not sure if your changes are simple or more involved?
You don’t need to know whether your changes are minor, major or somewhere in between. Send us the design name and a short explanation of what you have in mind. We’ll review it and let you know the most sensible next step.
Don’t worry if your ideas are rough. Many clients send us sketches, screenshots, marked-up plans or photos to explain the changes they have in mind.
Start by submitting the enquiry form above with the design name and a short description of the alterations you are considering. If images would help, we can then advise the best way to send them across, including by email or WhatsApp where appropriate.
Not chosen a design yet?
Browse the full range and filter by size, bedrooms and style — every design is customisable.
Still working out your next step?
Our Start Here page helps you work out what to do first, whatever stage you’re at.