| Each project
can be different in various ways, so a flexible approach is needed to provide
a service that is tailored to suit individual circumstances. While we would
like you to get in touch with us at the earliest opportunity, as you are
beginning to think about your project, we appreciate you may be at a more
advanced stage. Generally the steps are as outlined below: |
| Step
1 - Enquiry and preliminary report |
We need
to know about you, the property and your project. Our initial consultation
service is free. Identifying your requirements and aspirations, timescale
and initial budget. We begin to build up a picture of your project, carry
out further research, a general evaluation, prepare an initial report to
outline some solutions and design options, explain procedures, ball park
figures for building costs and duration, preliminary feasibility advice,
details of services you may need and a detailed fee quotation. More... |
| Step
2 - Initial designs and feasibility |
To carry out a measured
survey, prepare a set of survey drawings. To prepare feasibility sketch
designs possibly with some further options. An option to explore the potential
- going beyond your initial ideas to investigate if these might compromise
future development. This stage is to see that we are starting in the right
direction, to more fully assess the amount of further detailed investigation
required and initiate that work. Early consultations with Planning and Building
control may be needed. More... |
|
Step 3 - Design
development
(getting permissions)
|
We develop the drawings
and documentation necessary to a standard for a Local Authority application
for planning permission and can submit it on your behalf. Pre- application
consultations can be a very important pre-requisite to this stage. Other
reports may be needed prior to making the application. To prepare drawings
to a Building regulation approval standard. Separate from the planning application,
it concerns technical matters and is usually started after planning permission
has been granted. More... |
| Step
4 - Further design development |
When permissions
are obtained, decisions can be made and we progress through the project
developing the design further. When the general layout, external envelope
and construction are confirmed we can focus on aspects such as interior
design features with detailed design for purpose built items:- Kitchens
and bathrooms, stairs, built in furniture and fittings etc., lighting design,
external works and landscaping. Some may be put to specialists linked with
suppliers on a design and installation basis. More... |
| Step
5 - Builders tenders |
For builders to
quote properly, accurately and fairly, more information must be gathered
in the form of detailed drawings and notes, schedules of work and specifications.
This prepares a level playing field so that all builders quote on the same
information. The various contractual issues are also addressed. We can invite
tenders on your behalf, or leave it to you. We can suggest builders and
help you with analysis, awarding the contract and preparing contract documents.
More... |
| Step
6 - Building work |
We can offer you
a full Architectural service to monitor the work in progress, including
contract administration. Alternatively, help and guide you on an ad hoc
basis with problem solving when you need it. Full project management is
not always cost effective or necessary, as a good contractor should be able
to manage and follow a program. Agree interim valuations and final account.
Pre and post completion inspections and certificates with release of retention
money. More... |
| Step
7 - Completion and ongoing |
Arrangements
for operation and maintenance - keeping your property in good order. Helping
to solve other building related problems. |
| Other considerations and comments |
Party Wall Act notices.
Water company build over notices. Health and Safety issues. Permitted development.
Planning appeals.. Planning conditions, Listed buildings, Conservation areas.
Sustainability issues. More... |
| Designing
is an evolving and ongoing process; as initial ideas are developed then
reviewed in the light of the further information available - decisions are
made to commit to the next level and the design process continues. The processes
involved in extending/ altering/ remodelling/ converting homes can present
design challenges quite different from those in new building, so a set of
special design skills are required from someone who has a wide range of
experience in this area to carefully craft a solution. Up to the point of
placing an order for the construction you are in control of the project
and can change ideas or withdraw at short notice. While we would prefer
you to instruct us to carry out the whole of the project from the outset,
we need only progress one stage at a time. Of course you can't control whether
or not planning permission is going to be granted, but we can do our best
to assess the likelihood of success pre-application consultations and negotiations.
|
as seen in YELL.com