From a rough idea, to sketch, through to build we´re with you every step of the way. Making sure you get exactly what you need – when you need it – without compromising on quality.

1. Meet

The design process starts with you. We´ll meet you on site to talk through your ideas and desires, work out the scope of the project and design the sketch scheme with you.
Timing: 0.5-1 day on site.

2. Sketch Scheme Drawings

After we´ve designed the sketch scheme with you, we´ll produce the sketch scheme drawings – the right design solution for you because we all agreed the design from the start.
We recommend that you consult an estate agent and a building costs estimator at this point to check whether it is worth doing the work or not.

Early discussion with your local Planning Department about your proposed project is valuable because it can save abortive work if they don´t like your ideas.

Timing: usually 3-4 days for sketches.

3. Measured Survey

We will recommend specialist surveyors to quote for carrying out the measured survey. (This is not the same as an estate agent’s condition survey)

Timing: approx 3-4 weeks depending on surveyor’s work load.

4. Scheme Level Drawings

On the survey drawings we will draw up our ´scheme level´ drawings – the detailed plans for your project.

Timing: approx 4 weeks from receiving the survey to your approval of scheme level drawings.

5. Planning

When you´ve agreed the scheme drawings are what you want, we´ll submit the Planning Application (or Listed Building Consent or Permitted Development application where appropriate).

Timing: Planning – 8-10 weeks from application to approval.

6. Building Regulations Application

The process of making the Building Regulations Application and producing Construction Drawings

• Make drawings detailing the construction of the building includes how walls, roof etc are put together, notes on the drawings refer to schedule of Works
• Write the Schedule of Works – this is the list of materials for the builder to price from, includes ventilation rates, compliance with British Standards. Quality of workmanship.
• Heat Loss Calculations so ensure building complies with Part L
• Ensure Structural Engineer has designed foundations, beams, roof structure etc. and produced calculations to show the Building Inspector that the proposed building will not fall down and hurt any one.)

7. Construction

Many people choose to take over and project manage their building works from here. Alternatives are:

1. We can administer the project on site this will involve a weekly (or in case of emergency more) site visit. We administer the contract, issue certificates which authorise payments to the builder and deal with questions about the construction and other matters which arise during the building works.
2. You appoint a project manager to run your project on site and we administer the contract, issue certificates which authorise payments to the builder and deal with questions about the construction and other matters which arise during the building works. If this is agreeable to you we would ask a project manager to give you a quote for his services and we will send you a quote for our time. We would envisage visiting the site once a month.

Building Works should be done under a contract between you and the builder, this safe-guards you and them in case of problems.
Usually we use JCT 2005 Minor Works Building contract.
We can make any additional detail drawings to ensure the builder has enough information.