starting a project
Extending your property is a huge decision and commitment so getting it right is very important. We're fully aware of the concerns you'll face and are here to help. Here's our guide to everything you need to think about when starting a new project.
Contents:
Guidance
If you're thinking of extending and are not sure where to start then let us guide you in the right direction. Call us and we'll arrange a visit to your property at no cost to firstly introduce ourselves, then talk through your ideas. Before appointing an architect we'd like to discuss not only your ideas but also your motivations for extending as every client has different criteria and understanding your motivations will help us contribute to the right choices, both in the type of construction and layout of your extension so it works for you.
We believe that building a relationship with our clients is the most important thing and by assisting you through the initial stages we demonstarte just how committed we are to your project and will gain your trust in providing you with a great service.
If you're thinking of extending and are not sure where to start then let us guide you in the right direction. Call us and we'll arrange a visit to your property at no cost to firstly introduce ourselves, then talk through your ideas. Before appointing an architect we'd like to discuss not only your ideas but also your motivations for extending as every client has different criteria and understanding your motivations will help us contribute to the right choices, both in the type of construction and layout of your extension so it works for you.
We believe that building a relationship with our clients is the most important thing and by assisting you through the initial stages we demonstarte just how committed we are to your project and will gain your trust in providing you with a great service.
Architects & Planning
Once we understand what you are trying to achieve we can move you closer to the build. At this stage it may be necessary to commission an architect.
We work closely with a small number of architects who we can recommend and arrange for a quotation with no obligation. We're also more than happy to work with an architect appointed by yourself and liaise with them if needed throughout the build.
A chosen architect will firstly do a site visit and discuss your ideas and help you to get your vision onto paper. The architect is working for you and will change or amend the drawings until you approve. Once approved by you, and if the project requires planning permission, then the architect will submit the proposed drawings along with existing plans and building regulations to the planning office to wait for approval. This takes approximately 8 weeks.
If the project can be constructed under a 'permitted development' then only a building notice will be required and work can commence 48 hours after the relevant building authority has been notified and the correct fee paid.
If a planning application was submitted the architect will monitor its progress and keep you informed. We'll also keep you updated as we work closely with the architects and we know you'll be much more at ease when well informed and aware that the process is being managed.
Once we understand what you are trying to achieve we can move you closer to the build. At this stage it may be necessary to commission an architect.
We work closely with a small number of architects who we can recommend and arrange for a quotation with no obligation. We're also more than happy to work with an architect appointed by yourself and liaise with them if needed throughout the build.
A chosen architect will firstly do a site visit and discuss your ideas and help you to get your vision onto paper. The architect is working for you and will change or amend the drawings until you approve. Once approved by you, and if the project requires planning permission, then the architect will submit the proposed drawings along with existing plans and building regulations to the planning office to wait for approval. This takes approximately 8 weeks.
If the project can be constructed under a 'permitted development' then only a building notice will be required and work can commence 48 hours after the relevant building authority has been notified and the correct fee paid.
If a planning application was submitted the architect will monitor its progress and keep you informed. We'll also keep you updated as we work closely with the architects and we know you'll be much more at ease when well informed and aware that the process is being managed.
Structural Engineers
Once approval has been granted you may need a structural engineer. Once again we can make a recommendation or obtain a quotation for a structural report.
The structural engineer will also require a site visit and will then produce a report with structural calculations which the relevant building authority will require, as will we, to construct the build.
Once approval has been granted you may need a structural engineer. Once again we can make a recommendation or obtain a quotation for a structural report.
The structural engineer will also require a site visit and will then produce a report with structural calculations which the relevant building authority will require, as will we, to construct the build.
Final Quotation
Once we have all the above information we can provide you a final free quotation to construct the project.
A quotation for a full service will cover every aspect of the construction and with this we will project manage the build. Alternatively you may have your own trades people who you would want to use and would like us to only quote for certain parts of the build, however you wish to proceed we are more than happy to cooperate.
Once we have all the above information we can provide you a final free quotation to construct the project.
A quotation for a full service will cover every aspect of the construction and with this we will project manage the build. Alternatively you may have your own trades people who you would want to use and would like us to only quote for certain parts of the build, however you wish to proceed we are more than happy to cooperate.
Schedule of Works
When all planning has been approved and our quotation agreed we will provide a schedule of works to keep you informed of all the stages of construction week by week.
If you are living in the home while the work commences we will make every effort to minimise any disruption and where necessary keep all services up and running so you may continue to function as a normal home. We will also do our upmost to make sure your home is secure and protected against the elements while we work on your property.
Our aim is to make the whole process as painless and stress free as possible from start to finish.
When all planning has been approved and our quotation agreed we will provide a schedule of works to keep you informed of all the stages of construction week by week.
If you are living in the home while the work commences we will make every effort to minimise any disruption and where necessary keep all services up and running so you may continue to function as a normal home. We will also do our upmost to make sure your home is secure and protected against the elements while we work on your property.
Our aim is to make the whole process as painless and stress free as possible from start to finish.
Building Control
Throughout the build we will liaise with the relevant building control department, arranging site inspections at the required stages of the build. We will submit all required certificates and on completion obtain your Completion Certificate from the building authority.
Throughout the build we will liaise with the relevant building control department, arranging site inspections at the required stages of the build. We will submit all required certificates and on completion obtain your Completion Certificate from the building authority.
Payments
We make payments fair and easy. Before work commences we provide you with a stage payment schedule indicating clearly where we are to receive payments from you, once certain stages have been complete. We don't take large payments upfront but receive payments as the project progresses.
We make payments fair and easy. Before work commences we provide you with a stage payment schedule indicating clearly where we are to receive payments from you, once certain stages have been complete. We don't take large payments upfront but receive payments as the project progresses.
After Care
We are also committed to providing after care as a good reputation is the key to our success. In the event you do have a problem once we have completed then do not hesitate to contact us. Once you're a client you're always a client and we will rectify any issues should they arise. We are confident issues won’t arise but it’s good to know we won’t ignore them if they do.
As you can see there is a lot to think about when starting a project but it doesn’t need to be difficult or stressful. If you are thinking of starting a project then please get in touch and let us show you how we can help.
We are also committed to providing after care as a good reputation is the key to our success. In the event you do have a problem once we have completed then do not hesitate to contact us. Once you're a client you're always a client and we will rectify any issues should they arise. We are confident issues won’t arise but it’s good to know we won’t ignore them if they do.
As you can see there is a lot to think about when starting a project but it doesn’t need to be difficult or stressful. If you are thinking of starting a project then please get in touch and let us show you how we can help.
