Frequently Asked Questions
Please read below for some questions we get asked by our clients. We are able to work on as much or as little as you require and can guide you through the whole process. You can also download the detailed FAQ sheet here.
For more details or if you would like to arrange a consutation, please call us on 01604 400100 or 07793 763463.
What is the process?
An initial consultation to discuss your requirements.
All projects go through more or less the same process, starting with the initial briefing; through to design development; preparing documentation for the planning application where required; producing the technical drawings for building regulations and construction purposes; tendering and finally construction and handover.
The whole process is broken down into stages and we can do as much or as little as required.
Depending on the project scope and location, we may charge a fee for a site visit.
What is included in the initial consultation?
Depending on the scope of the project and location we may charge a fee for a site visit.
The site visit consists of advice face to face to discuss your proposals, including planning permissions, listed buildings, building regulations, tendering process etc.
We endeavour to understand your thoughts, ideas, specific requirements and main objectives of the project. If appropriate, we would walk the project with you and take photographs during this visit.
We would expect to advise on other consultants that you may need to appoint; structural engineer, party wall surveyor, topographical/building surveyor, conservationist and other specialists.
If you are unsure whether to extend your existing home, move house or completely demolish the property and start again, we can help you come to the conclusion that is best for you with the advice and experience of many years and similar situations.
From this meeting, we will prepare a fee proposal for your consideration to get your project underway.
This quotation will detail each stage of the services we offer, any disbursements and our fee.
We will require written instructions for us to proceed.
How to get the brief right
The success of a project depends on the quality of the brief it will be a team effort between the client and us.
We will need to know:
- The budget (and VAT)
- The aims and objectives
- The design style you favour: are you looking for a design in keeping with the existing building? Do you want a contemporary or high-tech design glass and steel?
- We feel you should be concerned about having a sustainable or ecological design?
- The reasons for embarking on this building project: what activities are intended for it?
- The overall expectations: what do you hope to achieve by this project – more space, more light, variety of uses, and greater flexibility added value to the property?
At the initial meetings, we will listen carefully to your aims and objectives to create a brief, addressing not only design aesthetics but also the function of the building.
About the Survey
This is of the building structure and part or all of the grounds (topographical). All floor plans, all elevations and sections as required. We would either undertake this element or obtain a quote from a specialist surveying company for the client to appoint.
This data will be used to prepare CAD (Computer-Aided Design) drawings of the existing structure, the floor plans, site plan (part or whole) sections through the building and all the elevations in readiness for the next stage.
Do I need planning permission?
We will advise you on the approvals needed, should you wish to find out more please visit the Government’s Planning Portal website.
https://www.planningportal.co.uk
We now use the CAD drawings to create the proposals for the alterations and extension to the building. We submit the Planning Application to your Local Authority online via the Planning Portal. This application will attract a LA application fee which we will request from you with our professional fee and any other disbursements.
Please remember if changes to the design are required, whether due to a change of mind, planning issues or budget constraints, the extra time to amend the drawings will need to be taken into account.
Changes after the planning application may need the revised drawings submitting to the Local Authority and could result in delay should they need to re-consult.
These drawings will show the materials proposed, the size of the project and the general aesthetics and are not intended for construction purposes.
If the structure is a Listed Building or falls within or adjacent to a conservation area, a separate application will be required with additional detailed drawings.
At this stage, we will advise on the appointment of other consultants dealing with conservation, party wall surveyor, structural engineer, project manager, quantity surveyor or planning consultant.
A licensed Ordnance Survey Site Plan (scale 1:500) and Location Plan (scale 1:1250) will be required to support these applications.
What are Building Regulations?
Once you have a planning decision you can carry on to this stage, with more detailed drawings, larger-scale details, and specification with construction notes.
The other consultant that may now be appointed is the Structural Engineer to deal with the structural elements, drawings and calculations.
We will collate all this information with our drawings, the structural engineer’s drawings and details then make a Full Plans application to Building Control for Building Regulation approval.
https://www.gov.uk/building-regulations-approval/how-to-apply
https://www.labc.co.uk/homeowners/5-steps-building-regulations-approval
What are detailed tender drawings?
The stage of preparing detailed tender drawings takes the drawings from Stage 03 Building regulations (Minimum standards) to add that extra detail that you want and the contractors will require to provide an accurate quotation (not an Estimate).
This supplementary information will include, for example, lighting and power layouts both internal and external services. Landscaping design may be another area that should be considered whilst in this design process.
Chartered Architectural Technologists, MCIAT, are qualified to offer design services and manage projects from inception to completion. They lead the technological design of a project; forming the link between concept, innovation and realisation. For more detailed information go to:
https://ciat.org.uk/about/what-is-a-chartered-architectural-technologist.html
What are my health and safety obligations?
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM 2015) are the regulations for managing the health, safety and welfare of construction projects.
These place a duty on the client to make suitable arrangements for managing a project, principally making sure duty holders are appointed (i.e. a Principal Designer and a Principal Contractor).
The HSE guides for domestic clients: http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/domestic-clients.htm
The CITB guides for commercial clients:
http://www.citb.co.uk/national-construction-college/health-and-safetycourses/cdm-for-clients1
We work through all these requirements with you.
Do I need to consider my neighbours and the location of the property?
To make sure the planning application runs as smooth as possible we would advise you informally (over the fence, a coffee or Prosecco) mention your thoughts and ideas before the formal planning application is submitted.
Once the Planning application is registered with your Local Authority the documents and drawings are in the public domain.
Party walls and building work
The Party Wall Act 1996
This act places obligations on those seeking to carry out building works that will (or might) detrimentally impact on neighbouring properties must give reasonable notice of their intentions and to reach an agreement with all relevant parties.
We would direct you to the following government website for more information.
https://www.gov.uk/party-walls-building-works
https://www.gov.uk/party-walls-building-works/print
You can download and print the entire guide from this site.
The Party Wall etc Act 1996 provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes concerning party walls, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings. A building owner proposing to start work covered by the Act must give adjoining owners notice of their intentions in the way set down in the Act.
Party wall agreements are different from planning permission or building regulations approval.
- Planning
https://www.gov.uk/planning-permission-england-wales
https://www.gov.uk/planning-permission-england-wales/print
You can download and print the entire guide from this site.
- Building regulations
https://www.gov.uk/building-regulations-approval
https://www.gov.uk/building-regulations-approval/print
You can download and print the entire guide from this site.
Do you work on listed buildings or historical houses?
Yes, we have many years’ experience in both of these styles of properties. Have a look at our Residential Section for more details.
What is the difference between an architect and architectural technologist?
Chartered Architectural Technologists, MCIAT, are qualified to offer design services and manage projects from inception to completion. They lead the technological design of a project; forming the link between concept, innovation and realisation.
https://ciat.org.uk/about/what-is-a-chartered-architectural-technologist.html
You can also download the pdf here.
Architectural Technologists apply the science of architecture and typically concentrate on the technology of building,design and construction. We are a Fellow of CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists). Whatever your project we have the capabilities to help you from ideas and design to completion.
The AT Qualifying brochure has been updated to reflect the changes to the membership grades (classes), structure and qualifying mechanisms in line with the CIAT Strategic Plans and objectives.
