The RIBA Stages Explained Simply (and Painlessly) for Nottinghamshire Homeowners

If you’re planning an extension, renovation, or new home in Nottinghamshire, you may hear your architect mention the “RIBA Stages”. This often causes homeowners to nod politely while wondering if they’ve accidentally signed up

for an A-level in architecture.

Good news: it’s not complicated, and no exam is involved.

The RIBA Stages are simply a step-by-step guide that explains how your project goes from “we could knock that wall through…” to “why didn’t we do this years ago?”

This guide explains them in plain English, with a Nottinghamshire twist and just enough humour to keep you awake.

What are the RIBA Stages (and why should I care)?

The stages come from the Royal Institute of British Architects and form the RIBA Plan of Work. They split a project into 8 stages (0–7) so everyone knows:

• what’s happening

• what decisions you need to make

• and why your architect keeps saying “this is the important bit”

  
  

Think of it as a sat-nav for your building project – fewer wrong turns, fewer arguments.

Stage 0 – Strategic Definition

“Is this actually a good idea?”

This is the reality-check stage:

• What do you want to achieve?

• Is your budget realistic for Nottinghamshire build costs?

• Are you in the countryside, green belt, or a conservation area?

• Is this an extension… or a polite excuse to move house?

  
  

For rural and village properties in Nottinghamshire, this stage matters a lot. It’s where bad ideas are quietly talked out of – saving money, time, and neighbourly relations.

Stage 1 – Preparation & Brief

“Let’s agree what we’re doing before anyone draws anything”

Here your architect helps you:

• Nail down your brief (rooms, space, priorities)

• Set a sensible budget

• Check planning constraints and site history

• Identify surveys (measured survey, trees, drainage, ecology, etc.)

  
  

Different councils have different expectations and our knowledge of each council is highly useful.

This stage avoids the classic problem of designing something lovely that planning absolutely hates.

Stage 2 – Concept Design

“The exciting bit (with sketches)”

This is where it starts to feel real:

• Initial layouts and ideas

• Sketches and visuals

• Discussions about style and materials

• Early cost sense-checks

  
  

In Nottinghamshire, good design often means:

• respecting village character

• keeping neighbours on side

• avoiding the phrase “overbearing development”

• using materials that don’t look wildly out of place

  
  

This is also the stage where homeowners say “could we just…?” a lot. That’s normal.

Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination

“Ready for planning (fingers crossed)”

Now things get serious:

• Room sizes are fixed

• Structure and drainage are coordinated

• Planning drawings are finalised

• The design is checked against local policy

  
  

For most Nottinghamshire homes, planning permission is submitted at the end of Stage 3. This is where careful design pays off and where good architects earn their keep.

Stage 4 – Technical Design

“How it actually gets built”

Once planning is approved:

• Detailed construction drawings are produced

• Building Regulations are dealt with

• Structural details are finalised

• Builders get proper information to price from

  
  

This stage doesn’t look exciting, but it’s what stops builders asking awkward questions halfway through the build.

Stage 5 – Construction

“The noisy bit”

This is when:

• Builders arrive

• Dust appears everywhere

• Your kettle is temporarily relocated

  
  

The architect may:

• inspect the works

• answer site queries

• help keep quality on track

  
  

In Nottinghamshire, where sites can be tight and neighbours close, professional oversight can save a lot of stress (and apologetic conversations).

Stage 6 – Handover & Completion

“You can finally relax”

As works finish:

• Snagging items are sorted

• Certificates are issued

• Warranties and manuals are handed over

• You get your house back

  
  

This is the stage where everyone pretends they don’t remember how disruptive the build was.

Stage 7 – In Use

“Living with it”

After completion:

• Any defects are dealt with

• The building’s performance can be reviewed

• You quietly congratulate yourself on surviving the process

  
  

Not always included for smaller projects, but useful for long-term peace of mind.

Do you need every stage?

No. Thankfully.

• Small extensions often combine stages

• Some homeowners stop after planning

• Others want full support through to completion

  
  

The RIBA framework is flexible, not a rigid rulebook.

Why the RIBA Stages actually help

In a county with:

• villages, countryside, and conservation areas

• varied council policies

• and neighbours who will have opinions

  
  

…the RIBA Stages:

• keep projects organised

• reduce planning risk

• help control costs

• and make the process far less mysterious

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In short: fewer surprises, better results.

Planning a project?

Give us a call on 0115 736 5350 or email iain@moarchitects.co.uk to chat through your requirements.