All about permits, aesthetic review and costs
Before you start renovating you want to know where you stand. In our knowledge base we explain the rules around permits, aesthetic review and the costs of a construction drawing clearly, based on the current Environment Act.
The Tekenpunt knowledge base explains the rules around renovating clearly: when you need an environmental permit, how the aesthetic review works and what a construction drawing costs. Written on the basis of the current Environment Act and the Bbl, reviewed by our construction drafter and KIWA-certified structural engineer.
Permits
When you need an environmental permit, and how to apply for it without delay.
Objecting to an environmental permit
What if neighbours object to your environmental permit, or you want to respond yourself? Learn about deadlines, objection, appeal and good drawings.
Read the article → PermitsApplying for a permit: step-by-step
When do you need an environmental permit and how do you apply? A step-by-step guide from the permit check to the decision, with deadlines and documents.
Read the article → PermitsHow long does a permit take?
How long does an environmental permit take? The regular procedure takes 8 weeks, the extended one about 6 months. Learn what affects the timeline.
Read the article → PermitsPlanning permit refused?
Your environmental permit has been refused. What now? Read the most common grounds for refusal and how to still obtain a permit for your building plan.
Read the article → PermitsPermit-free construction
When can you build without a permit? Read the rules for outbuildings, extensions, dormers and roof windows under the Bbl (Environment and Planning Act).
Read the article → PermitsPre-consultation with the council
What is a pre-consultation or concept request with the council? When is it smart, what do you submit and how do you boost the chance of approval first time?
Read the article →Aesthetic review
How the aesthetic review works and how to get your plan approved first time.
Aesthetics rules vary by council
Aesthetics rules differ by council. Learn why the same dormer is fine in one municipality yet requires strict review in another.
Read the article → Aesthetic reviewAesthetics review: common mistakes
Discover the 7 most common mistakes in the aesthetics committee review, why they lead to rejection and how Tekenpunt gets your plan approved first time.
Read the article → Aesthetic reviewHow does the aesthetic review work?
What is the aesthetics committee review and how does it work for your plan? Learn how the quality advisory committee assesses and what varies by council.
Read the article → Aesthetic reviewAesthetics-free zone: the rules
Some councils have declared districts or their whole territory free of aesthetics review. What does that mean for your plan, your drawings and your freedom?
Read the article →Costs
What you pay for a construction drawing, permit and structural design, with no surprises afterwards.
Architect or drawing office: costs 2026
What is the difference between an architect and a drawing office? When do you need which, and what does it cost? An honest comparison for your project.
Read the article → CostsConstruction drawing costs in 2026
What do you pay for a construction drawing and permit? Drawing work, structure, 3D and council fees explained. Fixed price up front, no surprises.
Read the article → CostsRenovation costs compared
What sets the price of a construction drawing per type of project? Discover which factors drive costs up and how to know in advance where you stand.
Read the article → CostsEnvironmental permit fees
What are the fees for an environmental permit? The council charges for handling your request. These are not drawing costs. Learn how they are calculated.
Read the article →Sustainability
Energy requirements, insulation and BENG for renovation and new construction, explained in practical terms.
BENG rules and energy label explained
What are BENG rules for new builds and what does the energy label of an existing home mean? Learn the difference and when energy rules apply to renovations.
Read the article → SustainabilityInsulation rules when renovating
Which insulation rules apply when renovating? The Bbl sets Rc requirements for roof, facade and floor once you renew a building element. Learn what they mean.
Read the article →Per renovation
Per renovation type: what is permit-free, which permit you need and what it costs.
Outbuilding or garden house: permit
When is an outbuilding or garden house permit-free? Read the Bbl rules on area, height and use, when you do need a permit and what a drawing costs.
Read the article → Per renovationDormer: rules, permit and costs
When is a dormer permit-free and when not? All about Bbl rules, aesthetics review, dimensions and costs, including what a dormer drawing costs.
Read the article → Per renovationRoof addition: rules and costs in 2026
Building a roof addition? Read all about permit requirements, aesthetics review, structural calculation and costs. Tekenpunt makes the drawings.
Read the article → Per renovationRoof terrace: permit and costs 2026
When do you need a permit for a roof terrace? All about Bbl rules, structural requirements, aesthetics review, privacy and what a construction drawing costs.
Read the article → Per renovationRemoving a load-bearing wall
Removing a load-bearing wall or making an opening? Learn when a permit is required, why a structural calculation is mandatory and what it costs at Tekenpunt.
Read the article → Per renovationConverting a garage to living space
Converting a garage into a living room, bedroom or office? Learn when you need a permit, which building rules apply and what a drawing costs at Tekenpunt.
Read the article → Per renovationFacade change: frames and windows
When is a facade change permit-free and when not? All about Bbl rules, aesthetics review, window frames, doors and what a facade drawing costs at Tekenpunt.
Read the article → Per renovationBasement conversion: rules and costs
Building or renovating a cellar? Read all about permit requirements, groundwater, foundations, structural calculation and costs. Tekenpunt makes the drawings.
Read the article → Per renovationBuilding a warehouse or premises
Building a warehouse or commercial hall? Learn what requires a permit, which rules apply to structure and fire safety and what construction drawings cost.
Read the article → Per renovationGranny flat: rules and permit
When is a care annexe permit-free? Read the rules under the Environment and Planning Act (Bbl), when you do need a permit and what the drawings cost.
Read the article → Per renovationRenovating a listed building
Renovating a national or municipal monument, or a building in a protected townscape? Learn which permit you need and what the heritage committee assesses.
Read the article → Per renovationNew roof or roof replacement
When is a new roof permit-free and when do you need an environmental permit? All about roof renovation, roof structure, Bbl insulation rules and costs.
Read the article → Per renovationNew-build home: process and rules
Designing and permitting a new-build home? Read all about the zoning plan, Bbl rules, Wkb and the full drawing set. Tekenpunt handles drawings and the permit.
Read the article → Per renovationRidge raise: permit and costs
What does a ridge raise cost and when do you need a permit? All about Bbl rules, aesthetics review, structure and drawings for more headroom in the attic.
Read the article → Per renovationRidge shift: permit and costs
What does a ridge shift cost and when do you need a permit? All about Bbl rules, aesthetics review, structure and drawings for an asymmetric roof.
Read the article → Per renovationAdding a storey on a flat roof
Adding a full extra living floor on a flat roof. Read about permit rules, structural calculation, aesthetics review and costs. Tekenpunt makes the drawings.
Read the article → Per renovationRemove chimney
Removing a chimney? Learn when you need a permit, why structural advice is wise and what it costs at Tekenpunt.
Read the article → Per renovationBuilding a conservatory
When is a conservatory or garden room permit-free? Read the rules on the rear yard, dimensions and technical requirements. Drawing at Tekenpunt from 595 euro.
Read the article → Per renovationConversion and repurposing
Want to turn an office, shop or commercial building into homes? Learn what a change of use involves, which permit you need and what it costs.
Read the article → Per renovationAdding a mezzanine floor
Adding a mezzanine in a high space? Learn when you need an environmental permit and structural calculation, what the Bbl requirements are and what it costs.
Read the article → Per renovationExtension: rules, permit and costs
When is an extension permit-free? Read the rules on the rear yard, dimensions and costs. Includes a drawing at Tekenpunt from 1,195 euro.
Read the article → Per renovationBuilding a veranda or carport
When is a veranda or canopy permit-free? Read the Bbl rules on the rear yard, dimensions and aesthetics review. Drawing at Tekenpunt from 595 euro.
Read the article → Per renovationSplitting a home into units
Splitting a home into two or more independent units? Learn which permit you need, what the Bbl requirements are and what the drawings cost at Tekenpunt.
Read the article → Per renovationConverting an attic to living space
Converting an attic into a bedroom or office? Learn which Bbl requirements apply, when you need a permit and what a construction drawing costs at Tekenpunt.
Read the article →Construction drawing & process
From first sketch to permit-ready set: how the drawing process works.
2D drawing vs 3D visualisation
What is the difference between a 2D construction drawing and a 3D visualisation? Learn when you need each, what the council requires and how they complement.
Read the article → Construction drawing & processBbl rules for living spaces: checklist
Converting an attic, garage or shed into living space? These are the Buildings Decree (Bbl) rules for daylight, ventilation, ceiling height and fire safety.
Read the article → Construction drawing & processStructural calculation: when needed?
When is a structural calculation required, what does it contain and what does it cost? All about loads, beam sizing, the Eurocode and the certified engineer.
Read the article → Construction drawing & processDrawing set for a permit explained
An overview of the full drawing set for an environmental permit: site plan, floor plans, facades, sections and details, with scales and structural needs.
Read the article → Construction drawing & processWhat is a construction drawing?
All about construction drawings: what floor plans, facades, sections and site plans involve, which scales apply and when you need a structural calculation.
Read the article → Construction drawing & processBuilding Quality Assurance Act (Wkb)
What changes with the Wkb, when does the quality assurer apply and what does it mean for you as a builder or client? All about the Wkb in plain language.
Read the article → Construction drawing & processDIY drawings or a drawing office?
Make construction drawings yourself or hire a drawing office? An honest comparison of three routes (DIY, drawing office, architect) and when each is wise.
Read the article →Question not listed? just ask
Call or WhatsApp for a clear answer, or request a no-obligation quote directly. Since 2016, 800+ projects across the Netherlands.