Why do we charge so much less than other architect ?

Architects usually work from large offices and employ more staff receptionists advisers and so on, they often design high risk blocks or amazing glass towers or stunning cutting edge bridges also most architectural practices still consider the domestic market as was years ago a lucrative sideline charging homeowners ridiculous prices. We specialize in domestic house plans and can therefore draw on a wealth of knowledge gained from having prepared similar projects locally many times before. We also use the latest equipment to produce floor plans and elevations quickly indeed we are often asked to produce existing floor plans and elevations for architect and there practices because we can do it more cost effectively than they can.

What is Planning permission?

If your proposals involve a House Extension, external house alterations, you may require planning permission. Planning Applications are decided by a local planning committee. Planning guidelines for proposals can differ between councils. Planning applications can take 8-10 weeks to get processed whether the proposals are small or large in scale.

What are Permitted development rights?

Not all projects require planning permission, if you have never had extensions on your property before, you don't live in a listed building or in a conservation area and your extension or loft conversion is within a certain criteria you may qualify for a Lawful Development Certificate, which means you will not need planning but probably will require building regulation approval.

What are the Building Regulations?

When a Home Extension, loft conversion is designed it needs to comply with Building Regulations, which are a set of minimum standards for design and health and safety in Building works. These standards are enforced by your councils building control department These standards are for; Structure, Drainage, Plumbing, Ventilation, Materials, Insulation, means of escape for fire, etc.

Making a Building Regulation application.

In domestic projects you have one of two routes to make a building Regulation application:

1) Full Plans application which involves submitting detailed drawings and structural calculations which is approved before your start works.

2) Building Notice application which involves submitting a building notices when work starts on the site a building control officer will checks and approve work at regular intervals.

What is the Party Wall Act?.

If you are thinking of altering or extending your home? This Act may apply to you. The Party Act came into force on 1 July 1996 and applies throughout England and Wales. It provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to Party Walls, Boundary Walls and Excavations near Neighboring Buildings. Anyone intending to carry out work of the kinds described in the Act must give Adjoining Owners notice of their intentions.

When are your fees due?

We need 50% of the fee before we start drawing up your plans when the plans are approved by you and are ready to be submitted to the council you the pay us the remaining 50% of the fee.