Home extension advice needed

[wantitall]

We are looking to buy a property near south Wimbledon with the intention of doing a kitchen extension to the back and a loft conversion. We have no experience at all of any building work and wanted some advice

1. can we apply for building regulation approval or planning permission before formal completion date? Keen to get started asap and was wondering if we need to own the property first before we seek these approvals?
2. how difficult is it to get approval for a double storey extension?
3. what is the process to be followed? Get an architect, draw up plans, seek approval, find builder -is that the right order?
4. any recommendations for architects, builders etc.would be highly appreciated.

Hi wantitall, I hope you get it all! It may be a bit late now but you could try Puccini Kitchens. I'm aware they advertise on here sometimes as it is run by an old neighbour of mine. They do lovely kitchens - I've seen a couple in person as they did their own kitchen and also worked for another neighbour on our street. Their website is puccinikitchens.co.uk. Andrew is a good guy and I'm sure he'll give you some general advice. Re: the architects, you could try Circumflex - they work in south London and have a good body of work to view on their website circumflex.co.uk. They are potentially doing some work for a friend on a renovation project, they've been quite impressed with them so far. Hope this helps.