What Services Do We Offer?
We are aware, especially in this current climate that everyone is on a budget and that's why we can tailor our services to meet your needs.
We offer different stages of service so you can choose a method that is suitable for you.
Click on a service below for information
Whats included: Plans Only
We discuss your ideas so you are fully aware of the process and the options available to you. We will then visit the site and provide you with a detailed quotation for professional and statutory fees. Once instructed we conduct a detailed site survey and take photographs.
When a final design is approved we provide drawings for your records. Your drawings can be used to decide whether to proceed further or to consult with neighbours.
Whats included: Plans and Planning
Some projects may require planning permission from the local council. We will investigate all local requirements and fill out all of the necessary paperwork and submit drawings on your behalf as your agent. We will then enter into negotiations with the council to ensure you have the best possible chance of planning being approved.
Although some projects may not require planning permission, Lawful Development Certificates can be obtained. These documents prove that the works were constructed under the permitted development rights of your property and are useful to prevent any confusion or if selling your property in the future.
Most Local Authorities have an 8 week target time to make decisions on planning applications.
Whats included: Plans, Planning and Building Control
If you are intending to carry out building work such as new buildings, extensions, loft conversions or altering an existing building you will require Building Control.
We can provide the drawings, complete all the paperwork and submit an application to Building Control on your behalf as your agent. We will make any necessary changes required by Building Control in order for you to receive your plans approval certificate.
If any changes are required whilst works are progressing we will, if instructed, provide 'as built' drawings in order for you to receive your completion certificate once works have been completed. This document will be required if you choose to sell your property in the future or need to remortgage.
Whats included: Complete project management
Building Design Consultants offer an additional service that would monitor the entire project. Please find below a list indicating the services included within our project administration role:
- Preparing a performance specification including preliminaries and schedule of works.
- Tender out the project to three appropriate contractors.
- Prepare a tender analysis report and put forward our recommendations.
- Appoint the successful contractor and agree a programme of works.
- Prepare and administer a short form of contract to ensure the safety of all parties.
- Monitor the costs of the project and advise of any amendments to the works.
- Certify payments to the contractor.
- Carry out site visits and monitor the standards of materials and workmanship.
- Technical support throughout the entire project.
- Provide a financial report at final account stage.
These are our most commonly used services, for a full list of what we can supply and design please see our 'About us' page.
How Much Will It Cost?
Costs will vary from project to project and on what services are required but we will provide a fix price quotation so there are no surprises in store for our clients.
In situations where the scope of the works is unclear we may sometimes provide an estimate of costs along with an hourly rate as appropriate. In the case of Project Administration the fee is calculated as a percentage of the total value of building works.