FAQ
Q. Do you provide a full service from start to finish?
A. We can be involved in all the various stages and provide as much support as you need to take you through the process and reduce the stress of the unknown. Karenna and her team appreciate that a building project can be a daunting prospect for you. Karenna remains involved in your project the whole of the way through and will “hold your hand” if needed.
Q. Do you oversee the construction works?
A. We carry out fortnightly site meetings to check the standard of workmanship and advise on when any payments to the builder should be made. This ensures the builder is not paid too much too soon and a retention of 5% is retained so the works are completed to your satisfaction.
Q. What is the benefit to us of working with an RIBA Chartered Architect?
A. The RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) and ARB (Architects Registration Board) set criteria for insurance, health and safety and quality management; so, working with a registered architect brings you peace of mind about the high quality of the work. The RIBA also provide guidelines for the cost of using an architect, so you can be sure you are getting value for money. “Architects add value, whether it comes from maximising the impact, functionality or marketability of a building.” RIBA
Q. How long do the various stages of a project take?
A. This depends on a number of factors, but the following are a guideline: From initial meeting to an agreed design ready for a planning application takes 8 – 12 weeks. The planning process varies enormously depending on the individual council, but validation and decision notice is generally 10 – 12 weeks. Producing all of the technical information, building regulation drawings and asking buildings to quote takes about 8 – 10 weeks. The length of time for construction will depend on the size of the project and can be from 4 months to over a year for larger, more complex projects.
Q. What drawings are provided?
A. We produce a set of drawings for the planning application as well as all the necessary additional information such as Design and Access statement and Planning forms. We can also produce all of the detailed information to allow a builder to produce a quotation and technical information to satisfy building regulations. Do you have experience in dealing with planning applications in restricted areas such as conservation areas, AONB and National Parks?
Q. Can you provide a 3D model of our project?
A. We can provide a 3D service that allows you to walk through and around the building to gain an understanding of what the spaces will be like.
Q. What is the fee structure for your architectural services?
A. We provide a fee proposal which is broken down into different stages according to the RIBA Plan of Work. We are flexible, some clients want us to be involved in the early stages of design and planning application submission but most want us to take care of the project from start to finish.
Q. Will the works need building regulations?
A. Any building works, whether it be extensive refurbishment, an extension or new build will require building regulations. We will arrange for all the necessary technical information to be sent to building control and liaise with them in order that they can oversee the construction works and provide the building regulations certificate when the works have been completed.
Q. What are building regulations?
In the UK, building control is a process that ensures that construction projects comply with relevant regulations, standards, and safety requirements. Building control helps to ensure that buildings are constructed safely and meet the necessary quality and environmental standards. We produce all the necessary detailed information and submit it to Building Control for approval.
Q. Can you recommend a builder?
A. Depending on the type of building works, we will recommend a builder we have worked with previously but also go out to tender with other builders and are happy to use a builder of your choice. The most important thing is that you know that you have a competitive quote.