Our Services
It all begins with a conversation. Once we understand your requirements and aspirations we will provide clear advice, a plan of action and a fixed fee proposal for your consideration.
Progression from that point continues in much the same way, with conversations, proposals, drawings, meetings, emails and calls all taking us to the point where you are happy that the building design feels right for you.
Moving on to planning approvals, technical details, building regulations approvals and project costings, we can offer as much, or as little, help as you feel you need going forward. If that includes sourcing a building contractor we have a network of proven local contractors to draw on, and tried and tested building contract documentation to put in place. If you prefer to self-build without formal administrative support that’s fine too, we remain available to continue the conversation throughout your build.
Survey, Concept and Planning.
The service we provide will be tailored to suit your needs, we know that every client, and every project, is different. Every project starts with a dimensional survey, upon receipt of instructions we will arrange for our dedicated survey team to attend and measure the existing building and site. The Survey drawings form the basis of everything we do, and our surveyors utilise the latest survey equipment and CAD systems to provide us with millimetre accurate“as existing”survey drawings.
For more complex projects, or projects for which there could be more than one immediate design solution, we can offer feasibility / concept services on a fixed fee basis. This optional stage can be beneficial where budgets are uncertain, or where planning constraints need to be tested before committing to full planning drawings and application fees etc. For more straightforward projects it is usually appropriate to move straight to draft design / planning drawings, and then refine and develop those prior to submission of the planning application, and again we will put together a fixed fee proposal to cover this work.
Building Regulations and Technical Design.
When it comes to building regulations and technical design we have a fantastic reputation with clients and builders alike. Our drawings and specifications are clear, easy to understand and work from, and are developed to comply with all current regulations and best practice. We are able to connect you with tried and tested consultants if and when required, from Ecologists to Structural Engineers, Arboricultural consultants to Thermal Engineers. We are able to brief consultants on your behalf, sourcing fee proposals for your consideration, or we are happy to work with any specialist of your choice. Our fixed fee service includes preparation and submission of the building regulations application and dealing with any points raised to secure approval.
Building Stage Services.
Moving on to competitive tenders, building contracts, and work on site, we can offer as much, or as little assistance and support as required. Unlike many practices, we do not lock clients in to a full service package, our default position is taking clients to a stage where all required approvals are in place. Going forward we can offer limited assistance to get clients ready to sign building contracts, or offer a complete contract administration service complete with site inspections certification of stage payments and signing off of the build on completion. Many clients opt for an on-demand level of support at this stage, calling us in as and when required.
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The Process
Every project is different, and every client has a different vision or set of requirements. We are lucky enough to have assisted hundreds of clients with residential projects over the years, and by sharing the benefits of our experience with you, we aim to add value at every level. What follows is a very brief summary of the typical process…
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Initial Visit
We will come to see you to discuss your requirements and design brief. This initial meeting also gives us chance to take a look at your existing building(s) and site, and consider how your plans may impact surrounding buildings etc.
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Fee Proposal and Plan of Action
Following our initial meeting we will send you a no-obligation plan of action and fee proposal. This will include fixed fees for each stage of work, with clear options to pause or break-off after each stage.
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Measured Building Survey
If you are happy with the proposal we will arrange for the existing building(s) and relevant site areas to be measured, to enable as-existing drawings to be produced. We will also meet again to discuss your design brief in more detail before we start work on your design drawings…
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Design and Planning
This stage will involve sketches, concept design, draft planning drawings, (another meeting!), and then final planning drawings ready for submission to your local authority. We will prepare and submit your planning application on your behalf, liaise with the local authority, and keep you informed.
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Building Regulations
We will take your planning scheme to the next level - larger scale technical drawings, details, and specification notes to demonstrate compliance with building regulations. These drawings will form the basis of the building regulations application, and can be used by builders to prepare quotations. We will prepare and submit your building regulations application, liaise with building control, and issue your approval for your safe keeping.
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Construction Works
We can offer as much support going forward as you feel you need. From advice about approaching builders and the best type of contract to use, to full tender and contract administration services. Most clients opt for something in between, calling on us as and when required during their build to provide advice and support.
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Completion
We remain available for advice and guidance as required - and of course to discuss the next project!