The Process

Stage 1 – Meet & Discuss

Initially, we want to know your ideas. In basic terms. What are your asperations, together with a full understanding of your budget. We understand that initial thoughts are often a little vague and we will endeavour to develop the brief and assist you in the early design development process.

The Factors

Obviously, many factors including; scale, construction type, complexity of design and quality of materials will affect build costs – we will be able to assist with budget advice and suggest options for the design solutions.

We will then be able to develop sketch designs, give technical construction advice and also provide preliminary planning guidance.

Stage 2 - Development & Gaining Planning Permission

After completing a detailed measured survey of the building we will produce, aided by your brief, several schemes as considered appropriate. This is a vital stage in the design process allowing us to develop your ideas and produce additional schemes which you maybe thought weren’t possible. If requested we will also produce 3D plans / elevations to aid your understanding of the project and the space you have. Obviously such a discipline will be explained to you and subsequent costs relayed at that time.

After a further meeting and consultation with you the agreed scheme can be submitted for Planning Permission. If considered necessary, we will contact the planning department and make initial inquiries about the proposed scheme. This will often provide valuable advice regarding the scale and visual appearance. Planning decisions typically take two months depending on scheme complexity, site location and relevant policies. Should the specified time frame alter, we would advise you accordingly.

Stage 3 – Detailed Design & Building Regulations Approval

Following on from the determination of your planning application a suitable building regulation approval is also necessary prior to the commencement of construction work. We produce additional information to the drawings submitted for Planning Application and add construction details and specifications. The Building Regulations set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure that the construction is carried out and completed in accordance with statutory legislation. Such detail is also taken into account of the conservation of energy and ensures that facilities are provided for people, including those with disabilities, to access and move around inside buildings. Detailed drawings (indicating floor plans, elevations and cross-sections) and construction notes are required to ensure that the proposed scheme meets (or exceeds) the requirements stated within the Approved Documents of the Building Regulations.

Getting Approval

Subject to a comprehensive and technically accurate set of documents being submitted, Building Regulations Approval is likely. When both Planning Permission and Building Regulations approval have been obtained, building work can legally commence (subject to any other statutory approvals, if relevant).

Stage 4 – The Tender Process (Plan & Specification)

Over many years we have developed a database of building contractors who understand our designs and uphold the high standards our clients demand. We will send your drawings to a minimum of three builders who we believe are best suited to your project. When tender prices are complete you will be provided with a detailed cost plan detailing internal / externals specs, time frames and payment stages to aid you with your decision. We will work with you throughout the tender process, liaising with the builder to leave nothing to chance and more importantly ensure you don’t incur any hidden costs when you have selected your builder.

Larger Projects

Where larger projects require the services of a quantity surveyors, we are fully conversant in working with such professionals in order to procure your project through to completion.