For many of our clients, this will be their first significant build and as the build process can be a minefield we decided to make it black and white for our clients (literally).
We want to ensure that any project you put in our hands is undertaken as seamlessly as possible and finished to the highest quality; whether that’s a basement or loft conversion, kitchen extension, full home renovation or a new build development.
FIRST CONTACT
After the first contact, we send you an estimated build price based on the information we receive from our contact form. We will if required at this point give you access to a number of our previous clients. So you can discuss their build and experience using our services.
SITE SURVEY
If the estimated build price is of interest we'd then arrange a site visit to discuss the work in more detail.
Please read our COVID19 statement and contact us to discuss how we can plan meetings in your home safely.
Architectural Services
We offer a full Architectural Design and Build service. We focus on designing the perfect project to fit how you live and, most importantly, fit your budget. We can of course handle the build only if you already have an architect and planning in place.
We can also provide 3D rendering or CAD drawings to help you visualize the space and finishes if required — prices upon request. Struggling with interior finishes, layout, furnishings? We offer a full service to guide you from demolition to the final choice of cushions, colours and interior design.
Submission Process
Once your design is finalised and we are satisfied it is compliant with the structural requirements and the council's guidelines, we prepare and submit your application for planning permission or permitted development.
We then manage this process to ensure the application stays on track.
Structural Requirements
During the planning process, we engage structural engineering if required. This information is required for building control and for the Party wall discussions. This process is dependent on the scope of the project. The fee for this service is built into the architect's price list which we can share upon request.
PARTY WALL AGREEMENT
Once we have the design and planning clarified, the party wall agreements need to be in place before work can commence. This is often the cause of delay to the start of a build so we recommend you deal with this early on. This service is not in-house, but we do have a surveyor we can recommend if you or your neighbour require one.
the Quote
Once we have the final plans and structural requirements, we provide you with the quotation and our terms and conditions. If required we will carry out a pre-build meeting to run through the details once more. At this meeting, the electrician, heating engineer and plumber will be invited to discuss the final technical requirements and layout. If any changes to the plans are required we’ll make the required amendments to the final quotation.
Contract and deposit
Once the final build price has been confirmed and agreed upon, we issue a contract, the payment schedule and invoice for the deposit of 10% on acceptance and 10% on the first day of work on-site. The rest of the build price is divided and agreed upon at regular milestone points across the build time.
Works Programme
Essential to a successful project is creating a detailed work program setting out the key stages of the build. The program brings to light the key elements to be supplied by the client (kitchens, glazing, floor finishes, sanitary ware, etc.) that need to be synchronised to ensure timely arrival to the site. We would require that any big-ticket items we are supplying be paid for as necessary.
We can help source most materials and finishes, although you may want to source specific elements yourself which we are happy to guide you on or assist in any way.
Building control
A necessary part of the process to oversee key elements of the work to ensure the build complies with building regulations; our preference is to use an independent surveyor which we can recommend or that you can appoint yourself.
Pre-start meeting
Approximately 1-2 weeks before the building project starts there will be one last pre-build meeting where you will be introduced to your dedicated Project Manager and the Site Manager and any other key team members.
Please read our COVID19 statement and contact us to discuss how we can plan meetings in your home safely.
The Build
During the build, your on-site team work Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. We may work Saturdays if required. Your Project Manager will manage the on-site activity and ensure the team is focused and delivering the highest standard of work. They will be on hand to answer any questions and will be responsible for making sure the project runs smoothly, on time and in line with the agreed quote, schedule and specification.
Completion
At the end of the project, we will carry out a full inspection of the works with you and together, we will sign off the project. You will be given all the electrical and plumbing certificates, manuals, warranties and instructions for equipment that has been installed in your newly renovated home. We can even conduct a walk-through for any special technical installations that you may have chosen.
Snagging
The term snagging refers to any and all final small or minor details required to be finished at the end of a build. We want to ensure your home is finished to the highest quality so we put aside the time for you to live in the space and let us know what can be perfected. All snagging will be carried out 1-2 weeks after the end of the build, as agreed by you.
Post Build
We require all of our clients to provide feedback on their build experience to ensure we maintain the highest standards of services and build quality. We may request post build photos, videos and recommendations to be posted online. We are always grateful for this feedback and support. The most satisfying and rewarding feeling for us as a company is when our clients recommend us to family, friends or work colleagues. This is when we know we’ve delivered.
The Icing On The Cake
Six months from the day of completion, we will give you a courtesy call to check everything is in line with your expectations. We love getting back in contact with our previous clients to see how their new environment and space are working for them and how they are enjoying the transformation that has taken place.
