A Short Guide To Our Services
Project Timeline
Your project will begin with a short onsite free no-obligation consultation with us. This will allow us to meet one another, find out more about your ideas and what you require. We will then build a quotation to suit your project which will then be sent through to you for acceptance.
Your quote will be split into different stages, each project begins with stage 1 which is the starting point of us working with you on your project.
For example, you may choose to complete stage 1 to get some initial designs drawn which you could use to send to a builder to get a rough price for them to carry out the work. You may not decide to move onto the planning or building regulation stage until you have done this, which could be a few months after stage 1. Or some projects you may decide to push through with all stages straight away.
Every project is different, it is your project, your quote and we are here to make the process as smooth and friendly as possible, we will always work with you, so we get the best possible solution for you at the most cost effective for you.
Below is a short explanation of the different stages which can be included in your project quote and what each stage involves.
Survey & Initial Design
We would start by obtaining Ordnance Survey (OS) information of your site/dwelling which we will use for some of our drawings.
Depending on the project particulars we would either get a full topographically survey completed, or we would attend site and complete a full measured and photographic survey of your property. In some cases, we may do both if the project is large and complex.
Following the survey, we will draw up your existing plans (floor plans, elevations, site). Depending on the exact project requirements we would more than likely come up with a few initial option designs which we will discuss with you.
Finalised Design & Planning Application
( If planning is required )
The next stage of your project will normally involve us completing your final design drawings. We will have agreed on a final design in the previous stage so we will make the required design updates to the drawings.
Once complete, the final drawings will be sent across to yourselves for a final check and approval. Providing you are happy with the drawings, and should your project require it, we will submit them to the Local Authority for planning permission and monitor the application’s progress.
Depending on what your project involves there are a couple of different options for planning permission. Some projects may come under Permitted Development which providing you build under a set list of rules you are not required to get approval from the Local Authority.
Projects which fall outside of the permitted development rules require the Local Authority to approve the design and give planning permission before any construction can begin. A typical householder planning application can take a minimum of 8 weeks.
If planning permission is required, we will guide you through the process and act as your agent to deal with any planning queries on your behalf.
Building Regulations Construction / Detail Drawings
Even if your project does not require planning permission most projects require building regulation approval before construction can begin.
On a typical project this stage will involve us producing a full set of dimensioned drawings (for example substructure, floor plans, sections, elevations, specification/construction notes to comply with current building regulations). Once approved by the Local Authority Building Control these drawings will be used by your builder.
Building regulations are a set of national building standards. These set out how new dwellings or extensions to dwellings should be built. They cover areas such as energy efficiency, ventilation, structural stability and more.
Once we have submitted these drawings for approval, we will monitor the application progress and continue to act as your agent and deal with any queries on your behalf – keeping you updated along the way.