Residential Design and Build » Sequence

 

Feasibility Consultation

We will visit the property and discuss your proposal. We will look at the practicalities of your proposals from a construction point of view and highlight any problems that we can foresee. We will bring our expertise, knowledge and experience and offer guidance and perhaps new ideas that you have not considered. We will consider important factors such as access proximity to neighbouring properties as well as the aesthetics.

Survey

We will return to the site and 'measure up'. A precise survey of the existing buildings and surrounding land is required so that we may accurately design the new to fit the existing. We will produce an existing survey drawing. If you are on site we will usually discuss the project again and analyze any new ideas. This survey drawing is a requirement for planning applications.

Design

We will have produced some initial design drawings by this point so we can look at possible options, make changes and begin to see how the proposed building will fit into the landscape. It may take several meetings to agree upon a final design. The overall size of the building, the type and style of materials used for external envelope must be agreed before the planning application can proceed. The internal layout can still be altered.

We will show the plans to the local authority before making an application. Planning officers will offer guidance which may entail design changes and usually give a good indication if an application is likely to be successful.

If we foresee problems achieving your proposals due to planning restrictions such as those in areas of outstanding beauty we may employ planning consultants. Planning consultants are experts on local planning policies and will guide the design in the right direction before it is submitted to the local authority.

Planning Application

The planning application is comprised of the relevant forms filled in correctly and sets of the design and survey drawings. It may also require a design and access statement. Statements are documents that explain the design thinking behind a planning application. For example they should show how the design evolved to accommodate the end users and the people affected by the building such as neighbours. Upon design completion we will bring the package together including filling in the forms and make the submittal on your behalf.

Be prepared to wait eight weeks or more for a decision. If your application is successful we can move straight to the next stage. You may be granted conditional approval which means we can proceed upon certain conditions being met. These may be as simple as a different type of window or roof covering to be used.

 

Building Control Approval

The planning drawings are concerned with the aesthetic of the building in the landscape. Building Control need to know how we are going to build the proposal and how the design is going to achieve the relevant building regulations. Detailed drawings and specifications will be required; heat loss and damp proofing are always major concerns. A structural engineer will be consulted to design foundations, drainage and any other structural elements.

The fee paid to building control will include an inspection fee. During the construction phase a building control officer must be invited to inspect the works at various intervals. Providing the officer is satisfied with the works upon completion a certificate will be issued.

Services

We will liaise with utility companies if new services or alterations to existing are necessary.

Build Project Management

A detailed coherent and complete design can be accurately priced and the construction planned. We can manage the construction phase ensuring you get value for money and quality workmanship.

We obtain competitive quotes for all the elements of work so a total price can be calculated and required finances projected. We will make payments to subcontractors and ensure the right price is being paid for the right work.

We will enlist only trusted reputable contractors to carry out the work, preferably companies we have used before and understand their working practices. The interface and sequence between different trades will be organized by us to encourage efficiency and progress.

Regular visits to site will be made to oversee and check the work in progress. We will be on hand to resolve design issues and disputes.

A successful project is one in which we have provided value for money, quality workmanship in an effective time scale and of course with the least disruption to our client.

Self Build

If you building and or managing the project yourself we can still be consulted on design matters, inspect the works and offer sound advice.