Initial Enquiry and Visit
A chance to meet and discuss your project. For us to see the site and understand any limitations or restrictions that may hinder your proposal. Where we can identify these items and suggest options and alternatives.
Letter of Project Summary and Estimate
We write to you with a list of required stages, potential external consultants that may be required, such as Ecologists, Arboriculturists or similar specialists. We offer an estimate of charges and likely timeframes.
Instruction and Full Measured & Photographic Survey
We would require an email or written instruction to proceed, and once received we would re-attend the property to undertake a full dimensional survey and technical assessment and data collection exercise. In this time, we measure and document all elements of the building or site affected by the proposal. If necessary or considered beneficial, a drone survey will be undertaken to assist with the planning process.
Design Concepts and Discussion
The survey data is then drawn up on AutoCAD, and full plans and elevations are produced of the existing property. Design proposals are then produced and issued to you for discussion. We find that teams or Zoom is an excellent platform to carry these next stage meetings out, as we can draw options and discuss them as we go. Face to face meetings are also offered where preferred.
Planning and Certificate of Lawfulness Applications & Administration
Once a design is agreed we then finalise the application pack, produce the relevant information and submit the Planning Application through the Planning Portal. The type of application will depend on the size and type of scheme, on occasion full planning may not be required, and a Certificate of Lawfulness application can be made. Checks will be made as to the status of your property and the surrounding land, such as listed / conservation / sites of special scientific interest etc.
Approval and Building Control Assessment and Estimate
Once Planning has been approved, we hand over to our Building Surveyors who will re-attend your property if required. They will liaise with our Consultant Engineer and provide an estimate for the Building Control stage drawings
Building Control Application and Planning Condition Disposal
Should the Local Authority impose conditions on the Planning Approval, whereby the council require additional information or clarifications these will be addressed during the Building Control stage to ensure no time is lost on your project.
The Building Surveyor will produce detailed specification drawings and liaise, where required, with a Structural Engineer to turn your scheme into buildable structure. A full plans application can then be made to our Partnered Local Authority or to Independent Inspectors for Plans Approval. Any planning conditions previously issued by the Local Authority at Planning, can also be disposed of at this time.
Builder Selection and Commencement
We can assist and evaluate estimates and compare deliverables and help you select a suitable builder – Principal Contractor. The builder will need to alert your Local Authority or Approved inspector of the intended date of commencement on site and then works can start.
Site Attendance & stage Sign Off
We can attend site at pre-discussed stages to agree works undertaken and agree stage payment releases. This is an option that we recommend if you are new to the process, but not an obligation. It is now essential that you understand Roles and Responsibilities prior to commencing, please see this link which explains this. Should you decide to cease works part way through the project, our responsibility as the Principal Designer will pass to yourself or your chosen Principal Contractor (Builder).
