It is crucial to identify all of the potential a given situation has so that a client can actively choose to adopt an idea or reject an idea.
Read MoreIn the early discussions the ideas put forward are important as they guide the entire project. It is crucial to identify all of the potential a given situation has so that a client can actively choose to adopt an idea or reject an idea. The reason his is important is because opportunities to improve a given property are wide and varied. They depend upon space, budget, family requirements and the suns position at a given point in the day relative to the house.
It would be a pity to not have considered all ideas early in the project because more often than not there is more than one solution.
Once a design has been broadly discussed it is not long before planning rules need to be considered. In reality the planning rules are discussed during the design discussions. Sometimes formal planning permission is not required because many extension plans can be done under permitted development. In this case it may be prudent to lodge a preapplication enquiry just to be sure.
Read MoreThere are many facets of planning which need to be considered. The following is a list of things which do come up during many planning applications.
Overlooking, being overlooked, ridge height, proximity to the boundary, eave heights, finishes, design style, fitting in with the street scene, window positions, amenity space, flood requirements, protection of wildlife, protection of ancient atrifacts, protection of a conservation area, protection of areas of outstanding natural beauty.
As you can gather the list of guiding principles for planning is lengthy and the case officers are responsible for ensuring these planning guidelines are followed.
There are minimum requirements for all planning applications. These must be produced or the planning application will not be registered. We ensure all drawings are provided. Sometimes the planners will request further information if they feel more descriptions are necessary.
Read MoreAll of our drawings are done in 3D and 2D. The 3D approach is important so clients can easily visualise their proposed design both internally and externally.
We provide a planning administration service and this helps smooth the way through the planning process. This starts with the electronic submission of the planning application and ends with, hopefully, an approved design. The planning decision lies solely with the local planning authority. Therefore, careful design and approach are crucial.
Read MoreThe service also includes monitoring of the consultee comments and representations. This is important because if an issue is raised that requires design changes then this must be addressed sooner rather than later. Discussions with the case officer concerned can sometimes resolve issues raised.
Attending site visits are also part of this service as this is where the case officer gets to see and understand the proposal and its implications.
Meeting building regulations requirements is an important step before construction can begin. Many builders will not quote for a job without detailed drawings both in terms of building regulations but also structural engineering as well. Structural engineering, we will cover in the next section.
Read MoreBuilding control require that any structural work be supported by solid design, drawings and calculations.
Building regulations will cover such details as insulation thicknesses, bathroom and kitchen extraction details, damp proofing, wall, roof, and foundation construction, electrical and plumbing standards, door and window U value requirements. These mentioned but a few examples of the areas which need to be addressed.
Impressive buildings or even some simple features require a certain amount of structural engineering to make them a reality. General assembly drawings and structural reports are a service we provide. This can vary from a single steel or timber beam to a large structural steel frame.
Read MoreMeeting building regulations requirements is an important step before construction can begin.
As a simple example, a single storey extension that has limited space externally may require the existing walls of the first floor be supported. This could well require a single or dual steel appropriately sized to support the roof, floors, external and internal walls, people and furniture. Alternatively, a building that relies upon a steel frame for its structural integrity would be a more advanced form of structural engineering requiring far more work. However, the principles of loading and the type of forces acting on the beams still apply whether it’s a single beam or a complex arrangement of steel beams and columns.
Some clients require their construction to be overseen. This is a service which checks the work as it progresses. This is in addition to the building regulation checks that are done. This is about meeting the clients’ aspirations in terms of design and fulfilling the clients’ expectations.
Read MoreMany design decisions get made on site which may have an impact on the overall ability of the design to meet client expectations. Having the construction overseen helps reduce the likelihood of decisions being taken which affect what the client expects.
This service would be primarily required if a client was not able to be on site regularly. It also gives the builder a point of contact to help when decisions and issues are raised which need to be addressed. The impact of certain decision can affect the construction possibilities. Building control may be happy with a given decision but from a clients’ perspective it may not be acceptable. A simple example may be cut roof versus a trussed roof. Both may be acceptable to building control but if the client specifically wanted a cut roof (for many reasons) then a trussed roof will not be acceptable.
By far, the most cost-effective approach any building project can adopt.
