Fees

Our fees are generally calculated in one of two of ways, as follows:

Fixed Lump Sum: this will be based on an assessment of a well-defined brief and clear scope of work.  Invoices would be issued on completion of each work stage, as agreed.

Hourly rate: where the scope of work or level of our involvement is difficult to determine at the outset.  Invoices would be issued on completion of each work stage, as agreed.

The Process

Every project is unique in many ways….from each client’s requirements, site characteristics, local planning restrictions, budget, and so on. What is more of a constant, on domestic projects, is the general procurement process for securing statutory approvals, which can be summarised as follows:

• Free initial consultation – This can be a relaxed and informal chat to discuss what you wish to do, look at the feasibility of the project, your budget, etc and generally develop a project brief. We will follow up our meeting with a detailed fee quotation outlining our services tailored to your requirements
• Site survey - The starting point for most projects is a measured survey of the existing property or land to allow us to produce survey drawings on which to base our sketch ideas
• Scheme/ concept design – The process of developing sketch ideas, based on the project brief, until an approved design has been reached
• Submission of Planning application  –  Where the proposals require planning consent an application for approval will be made to the local authority based on the final agreed design. This is ultimately asking the question of whether a proposal can be be built.  An 8 week determination period should be allowed for this stage, however where the application is contentious or further information is requested this period may be extended.  Acting as your agent we will liaise with the local authority and any external design consultants throughout the process of determining the application
• Submission of Building Warrant application  – A detailed set of technical drawings and written specifications showing compliance with the Technical Standards (Building Regulations) are submitted for approval by the local authority. This information will also show how each of the building's/ extension's components will fit together. At this stage it is likely a structural engineer will appointed, under a separate appointment by the client, as an external design consultant.  We will recomend and request fee quotations from local engineering firms on your behalf.  Again, acting as your agent we will liaise with the local authority throughout the process of determining the application, making any revisions or submitting further information as required until the Building Warrant is issued

Having secured your statutory approvals you are now free to build.  Should you require our assistance in securing fixed-price tenders and appointing of a main contractor we can provide the following additional service:

• Tender information – Creation of further detailed drawings and specifications for issue to contractors for accurate pricing of the works.  We will advise on the tenders received and assist in the appointment of a main contractor.