To obtain a general estimate of costs from a builder, the building regulation drawings are usually suitable when the work is relatively minor, such as for a small house extension.
For more accurate prices and for larger schemes, we recommend the project be tendered to several builders who will each prepare detailed costs for the work. We assemble the additional information required for the tender package, such as detailed drawings, the specification and a schedule of works, and provide an analysis of the tenders that are returned.
For more accurate prices and for larger schemes, we recommend the project be tendered to several builders who will each prepare detailed costs for the work. We assemble the additional information required for the tender package, such as detailed drawings, the specification and a schedule of works, and provide an analysis of the tenders that are returned.
The first stage is for us to meet and discuss your scheme, your wishes and practical requirements, as well as the budget and time constraints. Town planning, the rights of adjoining owners and the building regulations are matters that also need early consideration.
Once appointed as your architect, we agree a design brief with you, defining all essential components of the project. A measured survey of the building or the site will also need to be arranged before we prepare design sketches.
Using the survey information, we prepare the initial sketches and develop the design with you. In certain cases, we may recommend seeking specific guidance from the planning authorities. Outline cost estimates will also be prepared at this stage.
Once appointed as your architect, we agree a design brief with you, defining all essential components of the project. A measured survey of the building or the site will also need to be arranged before we prepare design sketches.
Using the survey information, we prepare the initial sketches and develop the design with you. In certain cases, we may recommend seeking specific guidance from the planning authorities. Outline cost estimates will also be prepared at this stage.
ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
SKETCH DESIGN STAGE
The sketch proposals are now developed to provide more detailed drawings that can be submitted to the local authority to apply for planning permission.
We recommend that changes to the design are completed prior to making the planning application, otherwise the drawings may need to be resubmitted. In the UK, local authorities should reach a decision within eight weeks, but they may ask for this period to be extended. Once granted, the planning permission is valid for three years. Please note that we cannot guarantee approval will be granted.
We recommend that changes to the design are completed prior to making the planning application, otherwise the drawings may need to be resubmitted. In the UK, local authorities should reach a decision within eight weeks, but they may ask for this period to be extended. Once granted, the planning permission is valid for three years. Please note that we cannot guarantee approval will be granted.
OBTAINING PLANNING PERMISSION
We prepare drawings showing how your project will meet the various construction regulations and these are submitted to the local authority for approval. Frequently a structural engineer will need to be appointed. We can recommend several if required.
BUILDING REGULATIONS APPROVAL
Depending on the size of the project, you may choose to deal directly with the builder or you may prefer to continue using an architect to manage the project throughout the construction stage.
If required, we can advise on the choice of contract to appoint the builder and when the work begins, we will visit the site to monitor progress and inspect the work, as well as deal with the various questions that arise during construction. As the work proceeds, we can certify the value of the work that has been completed.
When the work on site is coming to a close, we determine when the job is finished to an acceptable standard, and in doing so, define the period during which the builder is responsible for remedying any defects that arise.
With all work completed and with all accounts settled, we can issue a final certificate to terminate the contract.
If required, we can advise on the choice of contract to appoint the builder and when the work begins, we will visit the site to monitor progress and inspect the work, as well as deal with the various questions that arise during construction. As the work proceeds, we can certify the value of the work that has been completed.
When the work on site is coming to a close, we determine when the job is finished to an acceptable standard, and in doing so, define the period during which the builder is responsible for remedying any defects that arise.
With all work completed and with all accounts settled, we can issue a final certificate to terminate the contract.
ESTIMATING THE CONSTRUCTION COST
PROJECT MANAGEMENT - THE WORK ON SITE
