You should always get professional assistance for your construction projects. It is important to make sure that they are aware of the fundamentals involved in any kind or size job, no matter how small it may seem at first glance, because there are many things that can go wrong without proper planning and consideration.
Scope
When you’re thinking about starting a new project, it can be tempting to go with the first company who says they have what it takes. But before investing tons of time and money, make sure that this individual is reputable by doing research on them beforehand through organizations such as The Royal Institute Of British Architects (RIBA) who maintain lists containing contact information for architects both within their organization and outside sources like LinkedIn profiles where possible; take references from previous clients if available
The right architect will be able to guide you through the myriad of hurdles, such as planning consent and building control approval. Do not hesitate in contacting a structural engineer if this is something that interests or concerns you!
Costs
10% is a reasonable budget for the surveyor you choose. Make sure they have experience in both architecture and building surveying, as well as their specialties; if possible get recommendations from people who know them personally or through professional organizations like RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors).
In order to ensure that your company is following all of the latest tax laws and regulations, it’s important you contact a knowledgeable expert as soon as possible.
Most new builds are zero VAT rated but check because there are some exceptions. Conversions from multiple dwelling units into single ones qualify for reduced rates. Anything else attracts the standard taxation fee instead.
HMRC provides excellent guidance within Guidance Note 708 if needed on how these rules apply, specifically where materials like solar panels may be installed at home under planning permission without affecting it’s value.
Services & Licenses
The list of agencies to which you must obtain consent is extensive. Planning permission, listed building approval and discharge conditions are only some examples among many others including Tree Protection Orders (TPO), Highways Agency approvals.
English Heritage & Natural England environmental permits all require specific documentation before they can be finalised by your local council or other relevant parties.
New incoming supplies should be requested as early in the process as possible. Some network infrastructure providers can take months, and on complex requirements it is not uncommon for electrical infrastructure to require more than 12-months of lead time before they are ready.
With new equipment or old ones that have been replaced by Wayleave agreements which become very intricate when dealing with environmental authorities. You need their consent and due diligence needs careful consideration because if things go wrong there could potentially be lawsuits against both parties
Insurance
If you’re about to start building work on your home or office, it’s important that the insurer has been notified will offer cover as otherwise your existing insurance may be invalidated.
As a building or property owner, it is your responsibility to retain “building structure” and insurance during the course of any construction project.
When it comes to insurance, procrastinating will only leave you exposed. Make sure the contractor has put in place all necessary precautions before work starts on site and never assume they have what’s needed. Speak early with a broker about obtaining any coverage that may be appropriate for your needs – there are many options available at varying prices
Health & Safety
Good contractors deal with health and safety issues as an integral part of their service. You shouldn’t dismiss these factors, but you need to consider them when looking into possible costs for implementing a safe system-of work or complying with Statutory legislation
The environment is becoming increasingly regulated, which means that project managers need to take these issues into consideration. A competent contractor should assess your needs and let you know if anything may affect the success of your project.
Energy
The market is full of recommendations for insulation and drafting, but not all are worth paying attention to. It’s difficult to identify what’s good advice from bad at first glance but three key points should always stand out when looking into this topic:
a) Well installed high quality insulation reduces energy bills significantly and is money well spent.
b ) Installing renewable energies saves you more cash over time.
c ) It’s not always possible to improve old draftly windows without advanced technology like vacuum barriers or air sealing systems. You can take further measures to help heat loss during summer months by investing in clean renewable energy sources and by keeping good insulation high on your priority list.
Insulation and renewable energy sources are integral parts of any building’s design. They should be considered at planning stage so that their installation can happen seamlessly with other aspects like air handling systems without having delays or issues later on down the line
Contractors
When looking for a contractor, do your research and make sure to select one who has experience in the type of work that you want done.
It is important to find someone that you can work with and who understands how things need to be done.
The more organised you are before starting a project, the less time will be wasted on finishing it. It is essential that everyone involved commits to completing their tasks on time and within budget if you are to achieve the end result you desire. It is your project. Take time to enjoy the process and make sure it is an exciting milestone in your life. As you are building your projects, take time to enjoy the process and make sure that it is a milestone in your life.
Frequently asked questions
We are not shy to give you a reality check if it is going to save you a headache down the road!
You can’t change just one area of your house and expect it to look good. The plans must include an overview for the entire property, so that every detail is accounted for in this new design
The detailed technical drawings come after planning permission is granted. That’s when you get to decide where your light switches go, and what kitchen counter tops you want!
Apart from the National requirements, your local authority will have its own specific requests – such as a bat survey!
A location map, a site plan, an ownership certificate, both existing and proposed plans and elevations, a design and access statement, plus any additional local requirements.
A clear, brief, well-worded design statement may increase the likelihood of approval. In fact, some authorities may refuse to register your application without one!
Potential issues to consider are overlooking and overshadowing of neighbouring properties.
Objections by your neighbours won’t necessarily put the end to your application – ultimately, the decision is up to your local planning department.
On the other hand, precedent – such as other houses on your street with the same feature – does not guarantee you will get approval.
If we believe your application is going to be refused, we can withdraw it up to the day of the decision date and resubmit (with amends) without needing to pay a further fee!
You can submit multiple planning options for one site, then choose which you wish to go with (provided it is still valid at the time of construction).
