The Design Process
A client’s guide to building your dream home.
Have you been dreaming of building your perfect home? We understand that the process can seem daunting, even overwhelming. But don’t worry – we’re here to help. With our expertise and proven professional process, we’ll transform your vision from a hand-drawn sketch into a stunning, finished reality.
Let's make a difference together.
CLIENT CONSULTATION
We will normally visit the proposed project with you, enabling us to introduce ourselves and discuss the normal process of undertaking a project, the legislation involved, and likely timescales. This is also an opportunity for us to undertake an initial analysis and assessment of the site and/ or building. If you have any initial ideas or thoughts about the project or any specific requirements, we will discuss these with you and suggest possible alternatives you may not have considered.
After the initial visit, we will produce a letter outlining the project's basic requirements and summarising any discussions we have had. This letter will also include a fee proposal for our services at various stages of the project, enabling you to choose the right level of service.
SURVEY
For all projects, an accurate survey of the site and any existing buildings is needed to enable the plans and elevations to be drawn. For extensions and internal remodelling, we can generally undertake the survey and produce the existing drawings ourselves; however, for larger projects or new sites, we recommend that a professional surveying company be appointed for these works.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Once we have accurate drawings to work with, we will start developing ideas for the project. These are normally a combination of sketch drawings, including plans, elevations, and perspectives (3D views), which enable us to analyse the project and develop the best solution for you.
We will normally run through a series of options with you to get your input and see which option (or combination of options) will suit you best. Once the design direction has been decided, we will work up the scheme in more detail, normally utilising 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. This enables us to produce coordinated drawings that provide accurate visuals of your project, allowing you to understand the spaces within the building better.
When these drawings have been completed, we will present them to you for comments before preparing a final pack of design drawings for you.
PLANNING PERMISSION
For the majority of projects, Planning Permission will be required from the local Planning Authority, confirming that the proposed development can legally proceed. There are some small projects that do not require permission, which are considered Permitted Developments.
Following discussions with the local Planning Authority we can arrange for the relevant drawings, visuals, and ‘design and access statements’ to be collated with the application forms and submitted.
BUILDING REGULATIONS
Building Regulations in the UK are mandatory requirements ensuring people's safety, health, and welfare in and around buildings. They cover aspects like structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility. These regulations apply to most building works and are enforced by Building Control.
We advise waiting until planning permission is granted before undertaking this stage to avoid abortive work.
During this stage, we develop our drawings, add additional technical information, and liaise with the Structural Engineer and Services Consultants to prepare the Building Regulations application.
CONSTRUCTION
Tender Action: During this stage, the final elements of the project, including materials and colours, are finalised. We then produce a complete set of construction drawings and specifications, enabling builders to review and provide a detailed price for the construction of your project.
If required, we can manage the tender process for you, arrange for several builders to price the job, conduct interviews, and help you review their prices and relevant experience.
Contract Administration: We can also administer the building contract until its completion. This involves meeting with the design team and builders, responding to queries, reviewing on-site works, and certifying payments.
Ready to Build Your Dream Home?
Turn your vision into reality with our expert guidance. From initial sketches to the final build, we’ll be with you every step of the way. Contact us today to start the journey towards your perfect home.
Let's make a difference together.