Services

Design Preparation & Consultation

We will visit you to discuss your project and talk through the stages and costs involved in seeking the relevant approvals and associated costs in connection the management of the build (if appropriate).

We will then provide you with a full written quotation detailing your requirements together with our fees and Local Authority charges and any other associated costs. In a majority of domestic and residential projects our services are provided on the basis of a fixed fee quotation.

Our services will include for a measured survey of the existing property / land and the preparation of computer generated survey drawings, comprising layout plans, elevations and site plans.

Planning Design

The preparation of computer generated scheme proposal drawings for discussion and development with the client to include design and access statements (a planning requirement for new housing, commercial projects and conservation area schemes) where applicable.

We will submit the application on your behalf electronically via the on-line planning portal facility and deal with any enquiries arising.

Technical Design – Building Regulations/Construction

The preparation of more detailed technical/working drawings for Building Regulation and construction purposes showing fully dimensioned floor plans, foundation and drainage layouts, floor joist and rafter layouts, elevations and cross-sections with fully comprehensive construction/specification annotation.

Where applicable we will liaise with specialist consultants (i.e. Structural Engineer) as required integrating their design recommendations.

On completion of the detailed drawings, the submission of a Building Regulation application to the Local Authority or Approved Inspectors.

Tendering

For the majority of residential domestic projects, clients usually seek quotations from builders on the basis of the approved drawings

Alternatively, the scheme can be executed by means of competitive tendering under a standard form of building contract with the appointed builder. Usually this would involve the preparation of production information, schedules and works specifications, and obtaining tenders on your behalf. Advice on the selection of a suitable contractor, inspection of the construction works and administration of a building contract. Such contractual conditions would make provision amongst other things for:

• Agreed commencement and completion dates.
• A defects liability period, possibly up to 12 months, after which the contractor would have to make good any defects, excessive shrinkages, or other faults which had occurred within that period.
• The control of the works by the contractor and access for inspections throughout the construction period.
• Arrangements for formal issue of instructions regarding possible variations to the work and the provision for costing these.
• Payments to the contractor at regular intervals, throughout the contract period, and the retention of monies, until end of defects liability period.
• Various insurances, which the contractor must arrange in, respect of injury, or damage to the property and the building works themselves.